Diva with a Budget

When is it too much?

2011-06-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

What does it take before you realize it's too much?

How far do you have to stretch before you realize you can't anymore?

What helps you to keep going?

We have so many pressures attacking us. Children who need us even when we have nothing left to give. Husbands who want us even when we can't figure out why. Friends who love us when we don't love back.

Kind of reminds me of someone. Jesus. He's always there. No matter how badly I mess things up. No matter what direction I turn. No matter how badly I fail.

One day I'll sit at a table with him and over a piece of chocolate cake, I'll ask him what gave him the strength.

I can't wait for that day.

Spring Cleaning - A Rant.

2011-04-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Hard to believe. Last weekend we had 30 cm of snow dumped and this weekend it's a beautiful spring day!

I just spent way too long reorganizing my cupboard. If I ever needed a reminder of why I detest spring cleaning it's this - I make a mess just to clean the mess.

Sadly, I only did the pantry. Not the rest of the kitchen or the house. I wish I was rich so I could have a cleaning service come in and do this for me!

Three Simple Words

2011-03-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

Being a mother of three girls is a challenge, one I didn't quite expect. Each have their own personality, their own gifts, their own temperaments. And when I think I am beginning to understand them - my feet are jerked out from under me.

Take my middle daughter for example. She has no problems voicing her opinion, but she likes to test the water first to see how her opinion will be taken. If she has an issue with her dad, she'll come to me first and vice versa. It's become a common occurrence lately for her to butt heads with her dad. She's growing up and trying to be independent. I expect it. At least once a week she'll come to me and say something like "I don't understand ... or why does this ...". Then she wants to know how to talk to dad about it without raising his ire. So I tell her to tell him how she feels. I feel like this when ... I'm hoping to teach her skills in how to deal with issues later on in life as well. But I've never had it come back to me. Until last night.

"Your daughter wants to know why I tell her I love her more than you do?"

WHAT? I always tell my kids I love them. Countless times. On the phone, in emails, in person. ALWAYS. So I was taken back last night.

Until I remembered that she's different. She has different needs than her sisters. A different Love Language (have you ever read that book?) I should have known better. Really. My oldest needs the touching - the hugs, holding her hand, rubbing her back. My youngest needs to have quality time with me - doing stuff together, just us. Apparently my middle daughter needs to be told I love you more than the others. She needs positive affirmation and reinforcements. I know this. She works better, does better, handles herself better when she's in a positive setting. Insert one ounce of negativity and BAM - she's a different girl.

Once again, my role as a mom is being challenged. I need to grow to meet my daughter's need.

If I haven't said it before - Thank you to my mom for never giving up on me, for always being there to meet my needs, to listen to me and give me the freedom to grow. Now it's my turn to do that for my own children.

Say a prayer for me, will you?

Remembering Tradition

2011-03-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the craving for home just hit ya. Sometimes it’s a soft remembrance, a subtle memory that filters through your mind and teases you. Other times it is like a frying pan in the hands of a woman scorned – hard, deadly and leaves a mark.

This past weekend I was hit with a frying pan.

There was only one way to deal with that kind of craving.

I gave in.

How, you might ask? Well – I made knip (I really hope I spelled that right … I can’t seem to find this dish anywhere on the internet). A friend of mine calls the dish ‘buttons’, but then she ruins it with sauerkraut. It's a German dish - or at least I think it is. Mom - correct me if I'm wrong.

My number one comfort food whenever my mom is around is this dish. It’s a simple peasants meal but don’t let that fool you. Trust me.

The basics you need to know – cut up onion and smother it with butter in a frying pan. Dice potatoes and add them. Then in a separate bowl mix flour and water until you have a malleable glob you can fit in your hand. Take this glob in your hand, find a dull knife (I use a kids knife) and start to cut off strips of this glob from your hand into a pot of boiling water (sorry, forgot to tell you that earlier). You’ll know the dough is ready because it bobs up in the water.

Then mix it all together. If you are like me, you’ll want to add more butter so you dough is smothered in it. No, this is not a dish to eat while on a diet. Trust me.

My children love this dish. I can’t believe I haven’t made it for them before. This past weekend was the first time. Shame on me. My youngest admits that Grandma makes it better, but that’s because I omit the onions (and yes, it tastes just fine, thankyouverymuch).

I’m making this dish again – tonight. My husband is making lazy man cabbage rolls for dinner and I hate these things. I detest the smell of them … so I’ll make my own dish tonight and my oldest will share with me since she also agrees with my distaste for cabbage 

New Day, Same Dream

2010-12-28T06:36:00.000-08:00

It’s so hard to believe that a new year is just around the bend. Where did this one go? How did it seem to go by so fast?

In the past I used to make New Years Resolutions. You too? I stopped a few years ago when I realized that they were just thoughts, ideas, unlofty goals that I never planned on fulfilling. So instead I just gathered that dream that was close to my heart and made a decision to continue to follow it. Whether it was to continue to eat healthy (and pray that one day my body will realize all my hard work), to love my family more, to nurture the friendships already in my life or to continue with my goal to be published.

My dreams are the same ones I’ve had year in and year out. The only thing that has changed was me.

I read the following (below) in my devotional today and it made sense. Everything that it will take to make my dreams come true is already within me. I’m the one who determines what happens to my dreams, no one else. Yep, I may stumble a few times, want to throw in the towel and yes, I’ve been known to consume a few chocolate bars here and there (or boxes of chocolates like the ones I have in front of me) … but as long as I pick myself back up and dust myself off – I will be okay. My dream will never go away. It will grow with me, expand as I expand (not width wise thankyouverymuch) and give way to new dreams when these ones have come to pass.

Resolutions are just things we’ve already decided in our heart to do – yet they have a bad rap when we make them every year on January 1^st. Why not make it a part of you? Have that resolution be your goal, your dream - that thing that you are already pursuing?

What do you think?

“When God puts a dream in your heart, when He puts a promise on the inside of you, He deposits within you everything you need to accomplish that dream. He wouldn’t give you the desire to do something without giving you the ability to fulfill it. In fact, the scripture tells us that God gives us the desires of our heart. In other words, He puts the desire inside of us and then works with us to bring it to pass.

Oftentimes, people set out to accomplish their dreams, but they face a setback or disappointment, and then they feel like their time has passed. But let me tell you today, no matter where you’ve come from, no matter what’s happened in your past, God wants to make you new. He wants to give you a fresh start. If you feel like you’ve missed opportunities in your life, if you feel like your time has passed, remember, today is a new day. You are a new person, and God has new opportunities in store for you. Lift up your eyes of faith and look forward to the new thing God has for you in this New Year!” Joel Olsteen

Friendship at Christmas Time

2010-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. There's just something about this season that puts a smile on my face and in my heart. No, it's not the gifts or the hustle and bustle or even all those christmas parties we go to. I love how, despite all the busyness people can take a moment or two out of their time and give.

Whether it's a plate of cookies, a christmas card or even an invite to wrap christmas presents together, it doesn't matter. Real friendships aren't about convenience, they are about relationships. You get a sense of who those 'real' friends are in your life - not by the amount of christmas cards you give or recieve (word of warning - I didn't send any cards out this year - sorry Mom) - but by everything else. A gentle hug, a smile as you pass by, an offer for coffee, an email or text asking how you are ... the little things. That's what counts.

I love Christmas. When I can separate the 'to do' list from the season, it's a wonderful thing.

Childish Wishes & Santa Kisses

2010-12-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

I'm going to share a secret with you.

I used to laugh at all those parents who stressed about finding that 'perfect' gift for their child - you know - that gift that they ask Santa for but you can never find.

Yes, I know. I was cruel and insensitive. To all those parents who have traveled this road before me, I'm sorry. I get it now. I really really do and it's a painful experience.

My youngest wants a doll house. She specifically requested a certain dollhouse too - from Santa. Yes - she believes, despite all our teachings on who Santa really is blah blah blah - there is a mystery to Christmas I've discovered - Jesus and Santa do go together at this time of the year. Go figure. Anyways, the specific dollhouse is sold out at EVERY store and online shop I can find. EVERY single one.

And so the panic attacks begin.

Until today when I am casually going through Chapters online and see some cute dollhouses. And my youngest sees them as well. Low and behold - she wants THOSE dollhouses. And yes, I can find them EVERYWHERE!!!!!

The miracle of Christmas - is not just the birth of Jesus and family coming together in love. It's also seeing that sparkle in a child's eye when they realize they are special. When they believe that Santa has heard their request and loves them enough to listen. It's also that sigh of relief from parents everywhere when they realize they lived up to their child's expectations and are trampled with loving kisses from their children on Christmas day.

(now, about those expectations that we allow our children to have ... that's another post).

In My Happy Place

2010-12-06T11:10:00.000-08:00

I’m in my happy place today. Do you have one?

Right across from where I work is a little ‘old towne’ street. It’s full of small stores. A little deli-grocery store, jewelery store, post office/gift store. There’s also a children’s clothing store, wine shop, coffee shop, lingerie store and most importantly – a chocolate shoppe and book store!!

Yes, I’m in my happy place right now.

After sampling tasty morsels of chocolate and indulging in their homemade hot chocolate, I skipped next door to the book store. This store is amazing. Two sections – one for adults and one for kids/teens. They have a book club for kids and adults and I found out that this weekend there is a ‘reading’ from the characters of Seussical. I love little book stores. Love the warmth that I experience when I enter. I picked up a few items, one for myself, some for gifts, started up a customer bonus program (free books – HELLLOOO) and promised that I would be back!

www.owlsnestbooks.com

They even have a blog – go figure J

I have a confession

2010-12-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, okay. As much as I was kicking and screaming to add cleaning to my daily routine - I have to admit that I enjoy the benefits. What is normally a frustrating day of cleaning (growing up, I remember Saturday being the cleaning day), I'm slowly starting to realize that if I break that one day down into many days, its not as overwhelming and frustrating.

I don't know about you, but cleaning puts me in a bad mood. It's an all day affair. Literally. And I hate it. I have way too much other things to worry about than having to schedule a day in for cleaning. And yes, with 3 girls, you can bet that they help. But ...

But, if I can take some of the small tasks and spread them out, it might actually work better. I have 4 days to do this instead of one. 4 is more manageable. (4 because of my shift that I work - 4 on (and no cleaning is done on those days I promise) and then 4 off.)

I like how the flylady has zones. Each week is a new zone. I like that (just don't expect me to admit it out loud).

The benefits to all my kicking and screaming? I have a sparking sink. I even have a tidy counter that can be seen because it's not cluttered by other stuff. Eventually I will have a clean(er) house all the time.

Do You Know the FlyLady?

2010-12-01T20:18:00.000-08:00

I've been introduced and I'll admit, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Like rotten milk or the squishiness of a spoiled strawberry.

I'm not a messy person. But I do have a small house for a family of five and I have the mindset if I don't see it I don't remember it. But ... augh, and this is really hard to say ... with my new schedule of 4 days on and 4 days off - I have ample time to 'see' it (or so my husband wishes).

Since I was a teen I've always needed a list. I can remember my mom writing lists for me and sticking it on fridge for when I came home from school. Sweep the floor. Take out the garbage. Brush the dog. DO THE DISHES. You know, those notes. Well, things haven't changed.

It's come to my attention that things need to change, however. And it's okay. I'm not much of a 'change' person, but ... I do have a small house for a family of five and I hate living in a house full of clutter.

So I met the FlyLady (I hope one day that isn't a swear word for me). I can't really follow her step-by-step since she does things on a daily basis. Working 13 hr shifts 4 days a week do give me a bit of leeway (I hope). But ... on the days I'm off and at home, there's no reason .... augh.

So I shined my sink today. And cleaned my countertops. And put away the disgusting dish rack.

Day one complete.

I do have one wish though - and with the holiday season upon us, I think its a perfect time to wish.

I would like to have a cleaning service come in for 4 days and do the work for me - so that I can then 'maintain'. That's not too much to ask, right?

Getting Through with Grace

2010-11-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Where I live, we’ve been hit with our first major snow storm. The temperatures are frigid (-22 this morning) and the roads are so icy that driving is a hazardous experience. The news reports are all screaming that depression will hit an all time high due to our weather. Not the type of news I want to hear – today or any day.

Everyone has days when they feel weak. Whether you are tired or even just feeling overwhelmed – we all struggle with it. But I was reminded today of a truth I used to hold true to my heart. I forgot about it. Not sure why, since my life hasn’t shown me that in my forgetfulness life has become easier. Instead it’s proven opposite.

That truth? God has given us His grace to carry us through any and all difficult times we face and empower us to move forward in victory.

It doesn’t matter what the situation is. Maybe it’s just changing those dirty diapers that have left you tired, or the commute into work leaves you feeling frustrated. Perhaps with Christmas looming you are stressing over buying gifts for your children or stressed about having to explain that Christmas this year is going to be different from other years. Perhaps you are waiting on a promotion or struggling with getting through your daily life with ease. It doesn’t matter. Really, it doesn’t. What stresses me out is different than what stresses my husband out – but either way, it’s a stress and makes our life difficult, even if for just one second.

Yet, here’s the good news. Scripture says God’s grace is sufficient. The word sufficient simply means competent, enough or qualified. That means you always have whatever you need by His grace. You will never face anything that God’s grace cannot empower you to move through. We serve a God who is more than enough, and His grace is more than enough, too! Anytime you feel weak, remember, when you rely on His grace, that is when you are at your strongest. When you feel like you can’t go on, that’s when He will carry you by His grace.

I have one thing to ask of you. To remember, that no matter what you may be facing, you’re not facing it alone. If you need some extra prayer, let me know. You are not without hope (from God), you are not without resources (His Word, friends who love you, your family), and you are not without answers because His grace is sufficient! His grace is all you need to be equipped to move forward into His victory.

*inspired and portions used from the daily “Today’s Word with Joel Olsteen”

What's Written on Your Heart?

2010-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

God writes on our hearts. Did you know that? When we accept who He is in our lives, when we acknowledge that truth, He doesn't just form a new heart within us, one that is malleable and open to His word. He also writes on our hearts. His promises. His truth. His love - for us.

How do we know that He does this? You know that saying - trust in your heart? It speaks to you, if you listen to it. You know what I mean - some call it your conscious, some call it Holy Spirit. Either way, it's God, dwelling in us, taking sanctuary in our heart, because we've accepted who He is to us. We are His temple. Not the church building that is down the street, or the one you watch on TV every Sunday. The temple is you and me. That's where He resides.

It's almost a daunting thought, isn't it. If I'm His temple, if He has created within me a new heart, one that is open to His word - then it also means I'm accountable. I can't live the way I have in the past. I'm no longer ignorant or can claim to be so.

Having God's word written on my heart is comforting - because I know that if I listen, I can hear those words. Do you hear them?

Taking Charge of Our Finances

2010-10-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

In today's society, debt has become a common place word. But I don't like it.

I don't like living paycheque to paycheque. I don't like knowing that 2 weeks without an income could break my family. I don't like not being control.

I have the book "The Automatic Millionaire" by David Bach. I'm going to bring you on my journey each week as I figure out the world of personal finances and how to not be poor. Will you join me?

Let's start with one simple factor. The Latte Factor. According to the Finish Rich website ...

The Latte Factor is based on the simple idea that all you need to do to finish rich is to look at the small things you spend your money on every day and see whether you could redirect that spending to yourself. Putting aside as little as a few dollars a day for your future rather than spending it on little purchases such as lattes, bottled water, fast food, cigarettes, magazines and so on, can really make a difference between accumulating wealth and living paycheck to paycheck.
We don't even realize how much we're actually spending on these little purchases. If we did think about it and change our habits just a little, we could actually change our destiny.

So basically, I take what I would normally spend in a day on 'little things' and figure out the amount for the week. Then take that and figure out how much I could save in a few years. Sounds easy, right? But that means my coffee I get in the morning on my way to work twice a week. It means the coffee break at 10am when I've been working for 3.5 hrs already and I need MORE coffee. This won't be easy.

There is a handy calculator that can figure out the amount for you. I entered $5 a week on coffee. Imagine my surprise when I realized I could save $275.60 in one year if I no longer bought coffee twice a week! WOW.
Hmm, not going to happen. But I can cut it down to once a week and take brewed coffee the other 3 days .. and then I'd be saving $110 in a year.

It adds up.

How Valuable are You?

2010-09-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

Do you know how valuable you are to God today? Not only did He pay a precious price in order to have a relationship with you; He cleansed you, set you apart, and made you brand new.

I know it's a hard concept to grasp all the time. I don't feel valuable. I don't feel precious and I certainly don't feel 'set apart'. But there's something that clicks in my heart when I read this devotional today. It goes on to say:

Think of it this way, if you saved your money and purchased a very rare and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn't just leave it around the house or office. You probably wouldn't wear it to the gym or to work in the yard. You wouldn't let your children play with it. No, you would set it apart and protect it. You would polish it, keep it clean and show it off on special occasions. You would handle it carefully because it's valuable.

Understand today that you are valuable to Almighty God. He handles you carefully. He has set you apart for a specific purpose. He is proud of you. You are His most prized treasure. Let that sink down into your heart today. Meditate on His goodness as you realize your worth in Him!

(I think I've mentioned that my husband sends me devotionals from Joel Olsteen. This was one of them)

Emotional Baking

2010-09-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

Emotional baking. That's what I do. It's not always a bad thing since I don't always eat what I bake.

But ... last night I made a chocolate chip coconut cake.

Today I'm making a 7 minute cheesecake and butter tarts. Can we say Yummm?

Now for the recipes - Linda - just for you ;)

7 Min Cheesecake:

Use Jam jars. They are the perfect size, plus you can put the lid on them and voila - perfect of lunches.
For the crust - 3 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs and 1 tbsp sugar. Mix and place in the bottom of 5 jars (you should have enough).

Then for the filling - super easy. 1 stick of cream cheese, 1/3 c sugar, 2 tbsp vanilla and 1 egg. Now, be creative, make any type of cheesecake you want. chocolate chip, lemon ... anything. Here's your chance. Then mix until smooth. Fill the jar just a tad over half full.

Now for the best part - MICROWAVE for 3 minutes - until the top looks dry. Then place in the fridge for 1 hr. Top with sliced strawberry and whip cream. PERFECT.

I love these things. I took them into work with me. Great size too. My husband even ate a few ;)

Now for the butter tarts. From what I read online - these are mainly a Canadian treat. But I hope my american friends have discovered this tasty treat. OMG. I love them.

I cheated and bought shells. I didn't want to spend too much time on these. But you can make your own with a cream cheese shell.

So ... for the filling ...
1/3 c melted butter
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla and if you want them a bit runny ... and yes, you do ... put in 3 tbsp of corn syrup.

Mix. fill shells and then bake at 350 for 25-30 min. They smell delicious, but for the best taste, make sure they have cooled before you eat.

A Day in Chocolate Heaven

2010-08-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't figured it out by now - I love chocolate. I recently came back from a trip to Niagara Falls - where - did you know - they have a HERSHEY store??? Like SERIOUSLY. I'm not joking (as my youngest would say).

This was probably a highlight for me and I took lots of pictures. Yes, my mother did look at me a tad bit strange - but ...

Let me just share with you a few of my favorite things (yes, that song is going through my head right now).

I found the largest chocolate bar every (according to one daughter).
Not only could I NOT eat it - it was that huge - but I couldn't buy it either. The price of the chocolate in this store shocked me.

And a few delicious yummies ...

My middle daughter even bought me a yummy caramel chocolate covered apple. I haven't had one in years, but it was oh so good!

My daughter and I are cuddling with the Hershey bear. It even had that 'chocolate' smell to it!

And the first kiss my husband ever gave me ;) Well, okay, not the 'first' kiss - but the first perfect chocolate kiss! It was my Valentine's Day gift. I never did eat it though - I didn't want to ruin it - until I realized that yes, as sad as it is, chocolate does get old. AUGH.

Summer Vacation

2010-08-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how fast the summer flies by. Two months out of the year that most people dream about for 10 months. 10 long, cold, drawn out months. Only to have the summer fly by. And we're never quite prepared, are we?

There's only a few short months left of the summer sun. Well, if you've had the summer sun. Me personally, it's been dark clouds, blowing winds, thunderstorms, torrential rain pour and hail (why I planted a garden this year, I'm not sure).

I am on holidays right now. At the beginning of July I waved goodbye (and yes, I cried) to my children as they flew to Ontario to stay with their grandparents. Yesterday, I had their small bodies slam into mine as I exited the airport security doors (my flight was long. Very long with 2 even longer delays). I'm happy to report my girls atleast have had a summer - their tans prove it. I'm praying (please please please God) that it doesn't rain here. I want the sun. I want the heat. I promise NOT to complain when I am hot and can't sleep at night.

I know our summer has flown by, but I can guarantee you that my week here will amaze me in how fast it ends. Summer holidays are NEVER long enough.

The Worst News EVER!

2010-08-03T14:27:00.001-07:00

Bernard Callebaut has just announced my precious chocolate company is in receivership!

You have no idea how my heart breaks at the news!

It’s going to take me a while to recover from this …

You Know He Loves You When ...

2010-07-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. We are childless for the summer as my kidlets are visiting grandparents (can we say Yahooo). While there are many benefits to this scenario, there is a drawback. My birthday. Not having my girls here will be hard. I know they would have made me a cake, my youngest would have drawn me loads of pictures ... it would have been special.

But since they aren't here - the burden has been placed on my husband's shoulders. See, I'm a bit of a diva when it comes to my birthday. It's taken my hubby a few years to figure it out - but I think he's finally seen the light. I don't ask for much, just that my day be special - in some way. This year, I only asked for 2 things (ok, maybe three).

1. I want a cake. I don't want a crappy cake that you buy at the store for $8.99. Nor do I want an ice cream cake. I'd love a CRAVE cake - but those are $40 ... so I'll settle with a homemade cake. Now - he didn't have to make it - he could have asked any number of my baker friends to help him out, but ...

2. I want a gift. Nothing elaborate. A gift card would suffice. (see, I'm not THAT divaish).

3. I would like flowers. What diva doesn't!

So what is my hubby doing the night before my birthday? He makes my heart sing, a smile to flitter on my face ...
He's MAKING me a cake :) My husband is a lot of things ... he's a wonderful husband, a fantastic father, he can fix anything I can break, he can build anything I can imagine, he can clean, do laundry (yes, he's amazing) and he cooks. But baking ...

I know he loves me when he tries to make me a cake :) Just for that fact alone - he's made my birthday super special. One I will always remember. But please don't tell him that ... (it's only the night before and he still has all day tomorrow to spoil me .... )

Don't give up!

2010-07-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone has God-given dreams and desires. We all have goals we want to accomplish and situations we are believing will be turned around. Sometimes it seems to take longer than we originally thought. Sometimes, things don't work out the way we planned, and it's easy to lose enthusiasm. If we're not careful, we'll get discouraged and end up just settling where we are. But God doesn't want us to settle, He wants to take us higher. But many times, people miss out on God's best simply because they give up too soon. They don't realize how close they are to their victory.

Don't let that be you today. Don't give up just because things seem hard. You've invested so much, and you never know, just a few more days of believing, another few weeks of doing the right thing, another few months of staying in faith, and you could see that situation turn around. Remember, God is on your side! Keep standing and keep believing because you are closer than you think to fulfilling every desire He's placed inside of you!

Burqa Ban in France

2010-07-14T07:59:00.001-07:00

This morning I read an article that literally leapt out at me. It’s a controversial subject for sure.

According to the Calgary Sun, France has passed a law that makes wearing the burqa a crime.

France is home to Europe’s largest Muslim minority, with about 5 million Muslims, but it is thought that only about 2,000 women wear the full-length burqa.

The bill bans people “from wearing, in a public place, garments designed to cover the face.”

Offenders would be fined $196 CND (or 150 Euros) but those who force the women to wear the burqa would be fined $38,100 CND (or 30,000 Euros) and 1 year in prison.

This is definitely a step forward for the women’s rights movement.

But here’s my question – and it’s an honest one. How many Muslim women prefer to wear the burqa? How many of these women in France who prefer this seclusion, this privacy – how many of those women are now being forced to comply with a law that goes against their religion?

Your thoughts?

YEE HAW!

2010-07-13T09:08:00.001-07:00

It’s Stampede time again here in Calgary.

A time when the C-Trains are stupid crazy, where too many people try to push themselves into a tiny box just so they can get to their destination five minutes faster.

A time when that inner ‘she-devil’ comes loose in all the women and they forget that sometimes skimpy is not always better, and then men tend to wear britches too big for their egos.

A time when the city shuts down and parties 24/7 and then wake up with the largest hangover 10 days later.

A time when divorce stats are in the making – when those who drank a few too many beers forget their vows and search for the next pretty thing – and then are shocked when their other half finds out. Yep, divorce stats always rise after Stampede. Wonder why?

A time when you really don’t need to worry about paying to eat out since there are pancake breakfasts’ every day and stampede bbq’s at every business … and no, that’s not a bad thing ;)

It’s Stampede time. Bring out those cowboy hats, those plaid shirts and scuffed blue jeans ;)

YEE HAW!

Drowning - bet you didn't know this

2010-07-09T10:05:00.001-07:00

The new captain jumped from the cockpit, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the owners who were swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife. They had been splashing each other and she had screamed but now they were just standing, neck-deep on the sand bar. “We’re fine, what is he doing?” she asked, a little annoyed. “We’re fine!” the husband yelled, waving him off, but his captain kept swimming hard. ”Move!” he barked as he sprinted between the stunned owners. Directly behind them, not ten feet away, their nine-year-old daughter was drowning. Safely above the surface in the arms of the captain, she burst into tears, “Daddy!”

How did this captain know, from fifty feet away, what the father couldn’t recognize from just ten? Drowning is not the violent, splashing, call for help that most people expect. The captain was trained to recognize drowning by experts and years of experience. The father, on the other hand, had learned what drowning looks like by watching television. If you spend time on or near the water (hint: that’s all of us) then you should make sure that you and your crew knows what to look for whenever people enter the water. Until she cried a tearful, “Daddy,” she hadn’t made a sound. As a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, I wasn’t surprised at all by this story. Drowning is almost always a deceptively quiet event. The waving, splashing, and yelling that dramatic conditioning (television) prepares us to look for, is rarely seen in real life.

The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC). Drowning does not look like drowning – Dr. Pia, in an article in the Coast Guard’s On Scene Magazine, described the instinctive drowning response like this:

Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are physiologically unable to call out for help. The respiratory system was designed for breathing. Speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Breathing must be fulfilled, before speech occurs.
Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water. The mouths of drowning people are not above the surface of the water long enough for them to exhale, inhale, and call out for help. When the drowning people’s mouths are above the surface, they exhale and inhale quickly as their mouths start to sink below the surface of the water.
Drowning people cannot wave for help. Nature instinctively forces them to extend their arms laterally and press down on the water’s surface. Pressing down on the surface of the water, permits drowning people to leverage their bodies so they can lift their mouths out of the water to breathe.
Throughout the Instinctive Drowning Response, drowning people cannot voluntarily control their arm movements. Physiologically, drowning people who are struggling on the surface of the water cannot stop drowning and perform voluntary movements such as waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a piece of rescue equipment.
From beginning to end of the Instinctive Drowning Response people’s bodies remain upright in the water, with no evidence of a supporting kick. Unless rescued by a trained lifeguard, these drowning people can only struggle on the surface of the water from 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.

(Source: On Scene Magazine: Fall 2006)

This doesn’t mean that a person that is yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble – they are experiencing aquatic distress. Not always present before the instinctive drowning response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long – but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue. They can grab lifelines, throw rings, etc.

Look for these other signs of drowning when persons are n the water:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Head tilted back with mouth open
Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
Eyes closed
Hair over forehead or eyes
Not using legs – Vertical
Hyperventilating or gasping
Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
Trying to roll over on the back
Ladder climb, rarely out of the water.

So if a crew member falls overboard and every looks O.K. – don’t be too sure. Sometimes the most common indication that someone is drowning is that they don’t look like they’re drowning. They may just look like they are treading water and looking up at the deck. One way to be sure? Ask them: “Are you alright?” If they can answer at all – they probably are. If they return a blank stare – you may have less than 30 seconds to get to them. And parents: children playing in the water make noise. When they get quiet, you get to them and find out why.

Steena Holmes

Sales Reception

Tower Chrysler

Today is YOUR Day

2010-07-07T07:57:00.001-07:00

No matter what may be happening today, God has good things in store for your future! It may not be easy to see now, but God has already lined up a new beginning, new friendships, and new opportunities for you. Maybe last year had some setbacks and difficulty, but don't make the mistake of expecting this year to be the same. It's time to get a new vision because it is a new day!

As believers, our attitude should be, "Even though the economy is down, I'm not worried. I know God is going before me, and He has promised He will make rivers in the desert." Or, "The medical report may not look good, but I have another report that says that God is restoring health unto me. I believe God has already released healing, health and victory in my future." Or, you may have a child who is not on the right course. In the natural it seems impossible. But our report should be, "I know God can do the impossible! My child will fulfill their destiny!" Be encouraged today and don't give up on your tomorrows because God has a good plan in store for you!

(from Joel Olsteen – good huh?)

A Word of Encouragement

2010-06-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

This was part of my morning devotions. I hope it strikes a cord with you as it did with me J

Do you ever get focused on what you consider to be a disadvantage or weakness in your life? Maybe there's something about yourself that you don't like physically. You may have even been through an unfair situation: a divorce, a bad business deal, or a bad break.

We all have things that can feel like disadvantages, things that make it harder on us. But just because you have a "disadvantage," just because you've been through a tough time doesn't mean you're supposed to sit back and settle where you are. No, God still has something great for you to do! He wants to show Himself strong in and through you. The Holy Spirit wants to help you during those times when you feel weak. If you will stay in faith and not get negative toward yourself or your future, then God can take what you think is a liability and turn it into an asset. What you think is a disadvantage God will turn around to be an advantage so you can move forward into the abundant life He has for you!

A Tasty Treat

2010-06-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

Chef Corbin from the Food Network is going to be holding a food/wine pairing testing today.

I’m a tad bit excited about it for a few reasons.

I enjoy any reason to taste free wine.
I like watching Chef Corbin on those restaurant makeover shows.
It’s at Willow Park Wines – right across from where I work.

I think I’ll be heading over there after work!

Giddy Up!

2010-06-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Calgary Stampede announced the new Parade Marshals for the 2010 Stampede.

Jet & Cord McCoy – yep, those cowboys from the Amazing Race that should have won!

I’m very excited about this.

Cord is a bull rider who actually competed here in Calgary back in 2005 – and yep, he’s in the roster again to ride them bulls!

According to the Calgary Sun: “Jet and Cord at least own cowboy hats (speaking about the Marshal from last year who was Mike Holmes), and have high praise for the Stampede: “There’s so much tradition here and we’ve known about it since we were old enough to know what rodeo was”

Okay, okay – if you didn’t watch Amazing Race – it’s probably not that big of a deal – but still – to have two cowboys back in the saddle again – it’s fitting.

Day 57: Fun in the Sun

2010-06-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

The weather here in Calgary stinks. Big time. We're in our 'spring' season despite it being June. GRRRR. But .. we had a summer break this weekend - we went from snow, to rain, to SUN and we'll be back to rain all week. So you can bet everyone took advantage of the sun!

We took our kids to Calaway Park this weekend - an amusement park with plenty of rides. FUN IN THE SUN ;) They had a blast. It was nice to get out and feel the sun kiss my skin. Unfortunately - I forgot that sometimes that kiss hurts - I fell asleep outside today. Can we all say 'OUCH'.

Day 56: My Life in Africa

2010-06-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have a beautiful friend who is in Africa. Her name is Karen. Please head over to her blog and read about her life in Africa. It truly is amazing. With the help of others she is in the works of starting a school over there. She is woman to look up to for sure.

Day 55: Bubble Gum Ice Cream

2010-06-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

We all have our favorite flavors of ice cream. But do you remember that one cone you would ask for time after time as a child? That ice cream cone at the store that was considered a treat? A special treat?

For me - its bubble gum ice cream. I remember sitting a "The StorkClub" or maybe it was just called "The Stork" in Hanover, Ontario where my grandma lived. Ever so often as a child I would go with my parents down to this little family ice cream shop and order bubble gum ice cream. Their cones were delicious. They boasted of having 35 flavors (or something like that ... as a child that was a daunting feature).

President's Choice label has their new flavors out - have you tried them? I bought Bubble gum and cotton candy for the kids - but have to admit I like the scoop when we're done for the bubble gum ice cream :) LOVE IT.

Puts a smile on my face it does :0)

Sweet Revenge

2010-06-10T08:42:00.000-07:00

WOMEN'S REVENGE
'Cash, check or charge?' I asked, after folding items the woman wished to purchase.
As she fumbled for her wallet , I noticed a remote control for a television set in her purse.
'So, do you always carry your TV remote?' I asked.
'No,' she replied, 'but my husband refused to come shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.'

Day 53: The Funny for Today

2010-06-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

Tell me this doesn’t make you smile!

Day 52: How Fruity are You?

2010-06-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

I’m a season fruit type of girl. I love the melons, berries and pineapple. Give me a bowl of fresh fruit and I’m good to go. Frozen .. yuck. Unless … its for a smoothie. Then I’m an all-year type of gal.

I love smoothies. They’re my breakfast food of choice J In my freezer I have bags of frozen strawberries/peach/pineapple and anything else I can find.

Plus they are super easy! Here’s what I throw in my mixer every morning:

1 – 1 ½ c. frozen fruit (or some fresh if I have it – then I add ice cubes too)

Juice – I used the no-sugar added type. My favorite is pineapple.

½ c. yogurt- or a small container of yogurt. Any flavor, although right now I like Source – only 35 calories – and I use the tropical one.

That’s it. Sometimes I’ll use almond milk instead of juice or yogurt. Sometimes it’s just fruit and water. Do whatever you want – whatever suits your fancy. I’m in a tropical mood – so it’s pineapples/mangos/one or two strawberries/peaches …

What about you? Do you like smoothies? Have a personal favorite?

Day 51: Yummy Ribs

2010-06-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a cook - which I'm sure you've all realized by now. I love to bake (hello!) but not cook.

That being said - I've discovered an easy way to make ribs - an item I never used to make because I thought they were too hard. Okay, okay - I've made them in the crockpot with coke - but they don't taste the same.

My secret - place them in the oven, foil covered for 4 hrs at 300 or 325. I might add a dash of pepper too. After 4 hours, drain, coat with some type of sauce and then either put them back in the oven for 1/2hr with the foil on and then 1/2 hr without the foil or thrown them on the bbq :)

I actually like them. Easy peasy Who knew :)

Day: ????

2010-06-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Seems I’ve lost track here – sorry ;(

It’s Friday. Not only is it the end of the week, but it’s a beautiful day – finally!

I realized something today. It’s okay to be happy. It’s okay to have a smile on my face and my eyes twinkle. It’s okay. Because no matter what else is going on around me, I’m safe, secure and loved. It’s a wonderful feeling. A feeling I wish I could bottle up ;)

What’s put a smile on your face today? Did anything happen? Today is a new day with new possibilities!

Day 45: Oh Summer, Where Art Thou?

2010-05-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. It's not quite June 1st. Summer isn't 'officially' here. But I sure wish it were.

Thursday it started to snow. SNOW. On May 27th. I STILL have snow in my front yard. STILL.

My family in Ontario are suffering with burnt skin where as we are trying to bundle up to keep warm out here. GRRRRR Calgary weather.

On a good note - I have ooey-gooey chocolate brownies to indulge in ;)

In Mourning

2010-05-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I’m in mourning. I tried to post this last night but couldn’t find the strength to do so.

All week I have longed to make my chocolate bowls. I’ve scoured the web for recipes, watched videos and read tutorials on how to make these beautiful creations. I thought I had it down pat.

Imagine my surprise when bowl after bowl began to pop. POP. Chocolate flew everywhere as the balloons I used to form the bowls blew up.

NOOOOO!!!!

Instead of creating beautiful edible bowls to be filled with berries and whip cream, I was covered with the backstabbing chocolate. My clothes, the fridge, table, chairs, window, walls and floor. Covered.

The agony of that treachery has filled my heart with empty holes.

Out of the 40 bowls that I tried to create, I am left with only 7 small pieces. 7. Not enough to fill that void.

Oh chocolate, why has thou betrayed me so?

Day 39: So Worth It!

2010-05-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Remember that cake from last night? Let me tell you - oh so good! Perfect blend of coconut and vanilla. I decided to be adventurous - I made it into a 4 layer cake with the homemade icing. Not butter. It's with sour cream. Go figure!

So while it's not sugar free - like I was trying to make - it is delicious and totally worth all those empty calories!

Day 38: Coconut Vanilla Cake

2010-05-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you - but I don't handle stress very well. Since my goal is a year of sunshine - I needed to find something in today to place that smile on my face. So I baked. And baked. And everything I made ended up in the garbage. AUGH. Not good. I find baking a stress relief, but I think I am too wound up.

Why? I have a self-induced goal that I'm falling behind in with my writing. It's my own fault (shrug).

But ... I just pulled out a french vanilla cake from the oven. Now - I've already made 2 cakes today. From scratch, with a new recipe. That sucked. So I decided to cheat. I bought a french vanilla cake mix but added my own stuff to it - like coconut milk instead of water and coconut flakes :) I was thinking of trying a new frosting - with sour cream, but the way my day is going, I think I had better stick with a butter frosting instead.

I promise to take pictures when it's all iced. I'm already smiling - just thinking of this cake. Which I'll enjoy during Lost :)

Day 37 &38: The Promise of a Weekend

2010-05-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

I love weekends. If they're not busy. I'm not a 'hustle/bustle' type of girl. I'm happiest when I can lounge around the house in the morning, drink my coffee, eat a chocolate chip bagel and read a book. That's the perfect morning for me.

It's the promise of a morning like that - that gets me through Friday's. A long day. I don't sit down until around 8pm on Friday's - typical really of my whole week except it's usually 9pm then. I'm quite content to watch a movie Friday night (family night) and go to bed late knowing that a relaxing morning awaits.

What about you? What are you like?

Day 36: Thought for Today

2010-05-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

This has me chuckle.

Women are like Angels
And when someone breaks our wings
We simply continue to fly... on a broom stick
We are flexible like that.

Day 35: On a date with my daughter

2010-05-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have a date with my oldest daughter. She’s so excited. We are going to a mother/daughter banquet with Girl Guides. She made me the nicest card to invite me on this date.

Creating a date night with my children is something I’ve learned is important to them. With three girls, I try to schedule a date night once a week, but it doesn’t always work. My youngest is happy when we spend the night at home when her sisters all have other activities going – but then she also likes to go out shopping with me too (for some odd reason she thinks she’ll get toys). My middle daughter is starting to get into the ‘shopping’ phase. Cool clothes, cool hair … she’s not even 10 yet. AUGH. She will need to get a job to support her shopping habits. My oldest daughter just loves to spend time with me. We could go for coffee, go to Chapters or just go for a walk, it doesn’t matter.

I love spending time with my girls. It makes me happy. I wish I had more time to do it though. Don’t we all?

Day 34: The Sweet Sound of Rain

2010-05-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

I love thunderstorms. I love listening to the rain fall on the ground, the thunder roll in the heavens - its calming to me. It puts me to sleep :) call me weird, I know.

I can home today sick from work. I crawled into bed and woke up to thunder. I smiled. I guess it rained and I slept right through it.

Day 32: Cinnamon Buns

2010-05-16T16:48:00.001-07:00

I made mini cinnamon buns. Gluten free! I used gluten free flour, coconut flour and coconut milk. No eggs. They turned out not too bad. Could have used more cinnamon and sugar though :)

I love when I try out new recipes and they turn out!!! YUMMMM

Day 31 - Gotta love things that are free

2010-05-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Opps - I kindof missed some days. Sorry! It's been a busy few days. My inlaws came to visit Thursday night (so nice to see them) and then I had my nails re-done last night ... it's amazing how time flies!

Anyways - when you get something for free - how can you pass it up, right? Chatters - a Canadian hair salon - opened a new store in town and they had free hair cuts all day today. With a family of five - hair cuts are an expensive necessity. It's been over 6 months since I last had mine cut (can we say split ends??).

I believe I saved over $60 today just by getting a free hair cut. We had to go early to get our name on the list - the store opened at 9am, we went at 10am and we had to wait 4 hours to get our haircuts - only to arrive and be told it would be another 1.5 hrs! OMG. But we persevered, waited around for 1/2 hr and they took pity on us :)

My oldest had very thick hair. She needed a thinning really bad. My middle daughter just needed a trim. I wished she had cut it short, but she's a girl and knows what she wants :) My youngest now has a cute bob. I love it on her.
Myself, I just got a trim. I'm kindof liking my longer hair right now :)

Day 28: Yummy Frapps!

2010-05-12T10:08:00.000-07:00

From 3-5 pm until May 16th, Starbucks is being nice :) You can buy your favorite Frapp for 1/2 the price!

SWEEEETTT!

Strawberry cream is my favorite! Maybe I'll buy a big one after work and share it with the girls, since it's their favorite too!

Day 27: Tell me this doesn't make you smile ;)

2010-05-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this in a blog I follow. Eat at Home Cooks. If you're like me and need help with menu planning ideas - this is where you should go! You should take a look - this blog is fantastic!

Anyways, tell me that this Chocolatey Texas Sheet Cake doesn't place a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eye and a thought in your head?? I think I might just try this ;)

Day 26: Planting a Tree

2010-05-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

My youngest brought home a tree from school. Saving the environment is very important - they are learning this in class and it's all she can talk about right now.

I've never been able to keep one of these trees alive. for some odd reason - they don't like me and refuse to thrive. Go figure. But we'll try again. Practice makes perfect right?

I'll be sure to take pictures once it's planted.

Day 25: Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day.

My oldest is baking me cookies. She loves to bake - if my mom is reading this I already know what you're gonna say ... like mother like daughter ... lol

but she's making me chocolate chip cookies :) YUMMMM

Day 24: The Joy of a Smile

2010-05-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

Really, is there anything better than the smile of a child? To see their eyes light up with joy? To know that you are possibly the best mom ever in their eyes?

While my daughter wasn't too thrilled at my secret - she did love the cake. In her own words "that wasn't nice of you mommy, you hurt my feelings." Ouch. But it was so much fun :) I couldn't wait to see her face when she saw her cake.

Now tell me - is this not a great cake or what?

Day 23: The Anticipation of a Surprise

2010-05-07T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love surprises - when they are not for me. There's something about keeping a secret ... a small seed of joy, happiness that builds up until it explodes ... love them.

My youngest is celebrating her birthday tomorrow - she'll be 7. She's so excited. We're going bowling and she asked for a specific cake. A strawberry cake - in the shape of a strawberry, with little figurines of strawberry shortcake on top. So ... as a joke the other night ... after she kept going on and on asking if we got her cake ... I told her that I got her a purple dinosaur cake with pink polka dots.

You should have seen the look ... and the tears in her eyes. OMG it was priceless!

But she's figured out how to make it all better. See, she doesn't like the thought of having a 'little kids' cake. So we'll just chop off the head and tail and make it look like a regular square cake. What a great idea!!!

I can't wait to see her face tomorrow when she sees her 'real' cake :)

Day 22: Finding Good Deals

2010-05-07T09:53:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than heading into one of your favorite stores and realizing everything is on sale :)

LOVE IT!

There's also nothing better than your hubby paying for it all either :)

Day 21: Lessons from God

2010-05-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when God tries to show us something, it's not always easy to see. When He tries to tell us something, it's not always easy to hear. It all depends on our heart. Are we in a place to see and hear what He's trying to tell us? Usually we're not - thus the reason why the lesson.

I have a feeling God is trying to tell me something. But I'm not sure I want to hear it. He's placed someone in front of me that I don't want to see. Maybe it's their neediness, their constant attention seeking actions that turns me off. Actually, I know it is. I react quite strongly to this - and not in a good way.

Since I know this person won't go away - they're 'in my face' on a daily basis - perhaps it's time I open my ears to what God is trying to tell me. I have a feeling He's trying to show me an area in my heart that is scarred and in need of healing. Perhaps its to make me a better person, a more solid vessel for Him to use. Not sure why, but I do know that my attitude sucks right at this moment and I need to change it.

I don't always like learning lessons from God. Not at first anyways. What about you?

(oh, and where do I find my smile in all this? It's there - on my face right now as I realize God is trying to speak to me ... )

Day 20: Being Tired

2010-05-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

Normally that's not always a good thing. But I just worked out. Hard. And I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm proud of myself. Last October I realized the tires I felt under my arms were really fat - and I got disgusted with myself. So since October I've been working on my eating - trying gluten free and realizing while I like I how I feel on it - I just can't do it. So I have been figuring out a way to eat that suits me and my lifestyle (meaning - keeping chocolate in my diet). I've also been working out. Not enough according to my trainer - but for the girl who NEVER worked out - I'm proud of myself.

So today the smile on my face is one of satisfaction. Because without prodding from anyone else, I worked out. And I sweated. And I didn't give up. And I ran.

I'm good.

Day 19: Crave

2010-05-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

I did something today that I shouldn't have.

But it was oh so good. I'll give you a hint. But let me warn you - this picture does not BEGIN to describe just how absolutely delectable this cupcake tasted. Homemade buttercream icing. HOMEMADE.

There is a store in Calgary called Crave. They have the best cupcakes. Ok - no, let me rephrase that. They have the best cupcake icing ever! I can make a mean cake - but so far I haven't been able to duplicate their icing. I WISH I could work in their bakery for even a week to figure out how they do it.

Day 18 : Gardening

2010-05-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Let me just start off saying, I am not a gardener. I've tried the past 3 years to be one and the results have been poor at best. I did manage to figure out how to grow a few potatoes in a pot as well as some beans, but that's about it.

This year I've decided to start early. I have a shade garden that so far doesn't like roses or anything else I've planted. But I found some shade flower seeds - planted them inside and I'm praying they will work. Praying.

But today - the weather was so gorgeous, hubby was out getting the patio furniture out of the shed and I was out in my garden cleaning it up. I love the feel and smell of soil. Don't you?

Day 17: I feel so girly

2010-05-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Feeling girly is a part of being a woman. We are pulled in so many directions every. single. minute - that sometimes we tend to forget ourselves - or our inner 'girliness'.

Today I decided to jump right into my girlhood. I got my nails done. Not just a manicure -but gel nails. Me -with nails. Unreal. My nails never last. They bend, they crack, they split. But not anymore! LOL

But let me tell you - they feel so weird!

Day 15 & 16: NO SNOW & Chocolate

2010-04-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

It was so nice to wake up this morning and hear the birds chirping, to open the curtains and see the lack of snow on the ground.

Yep, snow. Wednesday, we got hit with an April snowstorm. So much snow that it made up for the lack of rain in all of April. Can you believe it?

Oh ... and it's Friday. Another reason to smile. Plus I had a chocolate. Yep, not that momentous of an occasion, but on my other blog I hit 150 followers and a friend of mine told me to have a chocolate to celebrate. And I always do as I'm told! Don't you? LOL

Oh - and don't you just love my chocolate rose?

Day 14: Coffee & A Scone

2010-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

The weather here is horrible. We're having a spring snowstorm. They're estimating 20 - 30 inches of the white stuff to be covering our yards by tomorrow morning. OMG. I hate winter. With a passion. It's supposed to be spring!

Ok - let's not dwell on that shall we. Instead I want to share with you an enjoyable delicacy.

The Scone. Chocolate Almond to be exact. OMG delicious. I've decided that any time I need to place a smile on my face - this will help. I love scones. But (and I think I've mentioned this scone before) this one is delicious! Pair it with coffee and it's 'I've died and gone to heaven' goodness.

Day 13: April Showers

2010-04-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

I might dread saying this ... but the April showers have brought a smile to my face. Tomorrow we're supposed to get a deluge of rain ... but today it was a light sprinkling. Our grass, flowers ... us ... need it all so desperately.

I even bought galoshes to enjoy the rain ;) This year I am determined NOT to have wet feet at work. We'll see how that goes :)

Don't you love this picture? It reminds me of Paris, but also downtown Calgary. We have a street called "Stephens Avenue" where you can walk down amongst bowing trees and street lights and swear you can hear lyrical music as the rain falls :) It has the most amazing shops as well. When I worked downtown I loved walking the avenue during my lunch!

Day 12: Some Days are Harder than Others

2010-04-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

Some days are harder than others to find that smile. I'm trying. I've been trying all day. But I have a little girl who is sick - and I had to send her to a friends house. When I took her to the clinic I find out she's contagious. She has tonsillitis.

For me, I find being a working mom a tad bit stressful. Having to send my child to a friends house for rest when I should be at home with her ... well, I have a hard time with it.

It's almost 9pm and I've been home for 1/2 hr today. I'm a bit tired and grumpy. Sorry guys. But I need a reason to smile ...

I'm drinking coffee ... coffee my husband made for me knowing I would be tired and stressed. Now that's a nice reason to smile!

Day 11: Finishing a Book

2010-04-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

I love to read. I'm an avid reader. I have a quest to read 100 book this year. I'm at #32 or is it #33? I'm behind my schedule, but that's ok. When I get into a reading mode - I can read a book in a day if I'm into it - so I'm sure I'll catch up no problem.

I just finished a book called 'eye of the god' by Ariel Allison. Its a story about the Hope Diamond woven into the love story between God and his child. No, this isn't a review ... but one reader loving a book :)

When I finish a book my ultimate goal is not just to smile. If I smile and think ... awwww, then ... ok. It was ok. I'm glad I read it. But ... if I finish a story with a smile on my face and still thinking about the book 5, 10 or even 1 hr later ... then I'm happy. Cause the author did their job ;) I love reading books that draw me in, have me question things, wonder at the simplicity or complexity and feel satisfied. Doesn't matter the genre or the author. Just to do those things and I'm happy.

What book are you reading now? I'm planning on picking up a Jodi Picoult - only because I'm writing a story in that flavor and want to do some research ;)

Day 10: Princess Bride

2010-04-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

Growing up as a teen, it became a semi-monthly event to watch The Princess Bride at someone friend's house. Yes, I grew up in a small town and was involved in our youth group - which meant I was a 'good' girl and loved to watch The Princess Bride ;)

I introduced my daughter's to the priceless story tonight. I'm not sure if they understand my passion for this movie - perhaps I'd need to share some of the memories to go along with it - but for the most part I think they liked it. No the sword fighting for sure ... but they are still little girls :)

"Unconceivable - I don't think it means what you think it means." I love that line. What does it mean? Vizzini used it alot (I hope I got the character's name right). The criminal with the 'brains' - the one who rambled off all the time at how smart he was ... yet it was his own 'brain' that did him in ;)

Anyways - watching this movie, the memories, the lines, the 'true love' ... brought back so many things to me. Most of all - it brought a smile.

Day 9: Nothing like a newborn cry

2010-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

My old babysitter for the girls recently had a baby. An adorable little boy. I held him in my arms last week. (I see some of you smiling). There's nothing like holding a newborn baby (a quiet one) in your arms. With three children - I have to admit I miss holding a baby.

Tonight is the baby shower. I'm bringing my girls with me - needless to say, they are a tad bit excited. My youngest especially. They've never been to a baby shower, so its quite the experience for them. Their excitement brings a smile to my face. So does the prospect of holding that baby again :)

Day 8: A smile

2010-04-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all you can do is smile. If for no other reason than to put a smile on your own face. Lifting those muscles into the semblance of a happy face takes a lot of work. But it can be done.

Are you smiling today? What caused you to smile?

Day 7 : The Color Orange

2010-04-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

My middle child is in Aikidu. She loves it. It has done a world of good for her. Yesterday she received her orange belt. You start off with white, go to yellow ... and then voila - after hours and dedication - Orange.

I'm smiling today because she is so excited about having her orange belt. She worked hard for it. She deserves it. Seeing her so proud, makes me proud :)

Day 6: Quiet

2010-04-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

I love the quiet. Love the stillness, the peace that surrounds me when I'm quiet. This morning is a quiet morning and I'm relishing it. My oldest daughter doesn't feel well, so I have her in bed while I took the morning off work. It's only 3 hours, but I'm going to take advantage of these hours and find that peace within myself.

I think that's why I love to write. That peace. The quiet that I can find within no matter what is going on around me. With a family of 3 girls - finding that quiet isn't all that easy. But for me, I need it. It recharges me, places that smile that I love to have back on my face. I was told yesterday that I'm a completely different person when I smile. I took it as a compliment since I know it to be true. I don't like who I am when I don't have that peace.

Thus .. the year of sunshine. Finding that peace, that serenity, that joy deep within so I can have that smile, that twinkle in my eye ...

Day 5: Found a new author

2010-04-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Monday's are hard. I know I'm not special in feeling this way - Monday's are difficult for most people. I was tired today and needed a 'pick me up' so I stopped for a Vanilla Bean Latte and a chocolate almond scone from Second Cup. That scone was oh so good!

But not enough to place an excitement in my heart today. Instead - I found a new author. I love to read. I love to write. I love to find new authors I've never heard of and be swept away by their storytelling. Today was one of those days. My favorite author - Ted Dekker - is partnering up with a new author to write a new series that is supposed to be even better than his circle series. Who is this new author? Tosca Lee.

I did some searching, found her on Facebook and Twitter and then sat mesmerized at her website. Take a look at her books. I'm off to find her books. I contacted her and requested an interview for my blog - she agreed :) I've very excited! She was a nobody who entered a contest and was noticed. My dream come true - except my dream hasn't come true for me yet. But it will. If it can happen to her, it can happen to me :)

Day 4: Children

2010-04-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

We had quite the scare yesterday. I'm smiling today - inside. But I'm also a little bit freaked.

I'm smiling because my daughter is safe. My middle daughter is a strong girl. I'm so proud of her. Yesterday while outside with a friend a man came over and tried to 'grab or hug' them. My daughter knew to yell and run - straight home. I'm so proud of her. But my heart is still a bit jumpy. The police were called, the man is harmless (we have a few 'homes' in our area for the mentally challenged), apparently this man got out of the house without anyone knowing and just wanted a hug.

So my ray of sunshine today is knowing my children are safe :)

Day 3: The Power of a Doughnut

2010-04-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

The donut is a powerful thing. It's yummy gooeyness that sticks to your finger, the cake like texture of the donut ...

Today I bought a donut for a little girl who had no money. I was at a Young Writer's Conference today with one of my daughters. We were in line for a bag of chips and a donut (not for me). From the time we entered the long long lineup to the time my daughter could choose her treat - there was a little girl who stood on the outside of the line, staring at the donuts. She wouldn't take her eyes off of them. Every so often she would lick her lips.

In the spirit of the Mars random acts of chocolate - I bought that little girl a donut. It was only a dollar. Nothing significant. But you should have seen her eyes light up.

That in itself put a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.

Day 2: Random Acts of Chocolate

2010-04-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

This will put a smile on any chocoholics face :) I promise!

http://www.marsacts.ca/

Mars is hosting a "Random Acts of Chocolate" campaign. Mars Canada Inc.’s Chocolate division will be giving away 8.65 million coupons redeemable for free* chocolate products to Canadians and encouraging them to use these to help spread a little kindness and encourage others to do the same.

I love this idea! I normally don't like to share my chocolate, but in this case I think I can make an exception :)

What about you? Will you get involved? How will you suprise someone with chocolate?

A Year of Sunshine

2010-04-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

It's a bit of a late start, but better late than never, eh?

I need a year of sunshine. Of warmth, smiles, laughter and tears (of joy). I need a happiness that is deep seated, something that is so natural that it's a part of me, not something forced.

KWIM?

So starting today - I will have a year of sunshine. Even if it's just ONE thing that places a smile on my face. That ONE thing might make the difference. Within me, with my family and with others around me.

Every day I want to post about something that makes me smile. If I don't = bug me, bother me, remind me ...

So today ... the sun. After having a spring snowstorm, waking up to sunshine, birds chirping and a clear sky - that's enough to make anyone smile I think. It's the first day I didn't come into work grumpy. LOL - go figure.

What are you smiling about today?

Drinking a Healthy Coffee / Hot Chocolate???

2010-04-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, imagine my surprise when I found out about a healthy alternative to coffee and hot chocolate - mocha's even :) I love my coffee - drink close to a pot a day, and hot chocolate is just a nice treat. So when a friend of mine kept at me to try her new coffee ... how could I refuse.

Have you ever heard of Ganoderma? If not ... let me give you a brief history lesson ...

The Ganoderma Herb is one of the world’s best adaptogens. There are several distinct species of Ganoderma that are grown in various parts of the world, and Ganoderma is known to be the most desired herb for it’s medicinal properties. Ganoderma is commonly called "The King of Herbs”. Ganoderma is native to the mountains of China where it has grown and been used for over four thousand years and is commonly known as “Ling Zhi”. At SereniGy we have developed a proprietary blend of the world’s purest form of 100% Certified Organic Ganoderma. We blend the most valuable Ganoderma species into our beverages, capsules, and other products making daily use convenient and effective for the consumer.

Ok ... so ... it's healthy, been used for years and it offers terrific health benefits!

I also found out today that you can sign up with the company for FREE (then you just buy your coffee/hot chocolate at wholesale prices). I buy the stuff anyways, so why not at a discount!

If you want to know more ... check it out :) If you want to sign up for free to get involved in this ... go for it :)

Cream Scones

2010-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've made scones. I remember my mom used to make 'tea biscuits' all the time and I loved them. I tried my hand at them a few times but they never tasted the same. They never do I think. Mom always makes the best - don't you think ;)

Today however, on City On A Hill (love this blog btw - you should check it out) I found an absolutely delicious recipe for Cream Scones. And I mean absolutely delicious! They have a sweet taste to them. YUMMM. But yet, surprisingly, not alot of sugar. I made mine with gluten-free flour (only because I have it) and they tasted delicious. A hint of sweetness. LOVE THEM.

A moment of honesty here ... I've had 5 already. Now before you raise that eyebrow at me, imagine these sweet scones with sugar free jam. Yep. LOVE THEM!

Here's the recipe. So easy too! Oh - and I used milk, not cream.

Classic Cream Scones
Makes about 14 scones.
2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsps. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/3 cup chilled butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (you can just use milk if you have no cream)
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg mixed with 1 t. water for glaze (optional)
Heat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly butter a baking sheet. In a large bowl, sift* together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2 inch cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, stir together the cream, egg and vanilla. Add the cream mixture into the flour mixture and stir until combined. With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into a 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured biscuit cutter or loured rim of a glass, cut out rounds from the dough and place them on the baking sheet. Gather the scraps together and repeat until all the dough is used. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the egg mixture. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from the baking sheet.

It's March Break

2010-03-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Remember that time as a child - the week (or two if you were lucky) that you got off school? Yep, that time has rolled around once again. I took the week of work to be home with the girls. Something I've been looking forward to (sleeping in!!!). But then I realized something ...

I have to cook all week!

Now for you that might not be a bad thing. But for me - it is. I'd much rather bake (and I think I will) than cook. For some odd reason, I tend to get grumpy when I have to make a meal - especially dinner. GRRRRR. With my hours at work right now, my husband gets home first so he makes dinner. Now, normally I have everything ready for him anyways (don't want you to think I get off lightly here). 2-3 times a week we try to do meals in the crockpot - which means I have to get it all ready, or its a meal that needs some prep work done, like stirfry, so I'll try to cut up veggies ect for him. Try being the optimal word ;)

But this week, it's all on me. Rightly so. I'm thinking lasagna, chicken meals ... bbq. Any suggestions?

I'm also going to bake - of course. Scones, cream puffs, homemade brownies ... oh and pink popcorn - the type you buy at a popcorn place for $$$. I found a recipe!!!

Family Night

2010-03-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

How important is family night? Do you hold family night on a regular basis or is it a hit miss type of deal?

We normally hold family nights on Friday night and its quite the sacred event - except sometimes it's on a Saturday night.

We will make a dinner that's fun, like making our own pizzas or nachos, watch a movie or play a game ... something that we do as a family. Sometimes we'll go out shopping or go bowling or go for a walk. Doesn't matter. What does matter, especially for the kids, is that we do this once a week.

If we don't - then watch out. I'll have 2 very upset kids on my hands. The oldest is at that stage where she 'understands'. LOL. But the other two - they get right ticked at me, yes me, the mom, cause apparently it's all my fault when we don't do family night.

LOL.

Anyways - tonight is family night. Its easier for me on Saturday's since I work late on Friday, plus my oldest usually goes to her friend's house for a sleepover on Fridays. Tonight we're making homemade nachos, I have pecan tassies in the oven and we'll watch a movie. Oh - I also bought donuts - the tassies are for me :) LOL

Chocolate Croissants

2010-03-13T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am a chocoholic thru and thru. My trainer is annoyed with me, my husband just shakes his head and my kids get mad when I won't share.

There's this one blog that I love. Eat at Home Cooks. I've tried a few of their recipes but mainly I just enjoy looking. I think it was my sister-in-law who originally led me to this blog. But ... today ... today ... omg today ... just go over will ya and look?

LOL - did you see them? Homemade chocolate croissants!

The grocery store that I frequent sells chocolate croissants. Real croissants with a stick of chocolate in the middle and then chocolate glaze drizzled over top. TO DIE FOR ... well, not really, but they are that good! I love them. I normally try to stop myself from buying one but seriously - sometimes I can't.

Now, I've been good all week. I've craved this croissant. Craved.I've been wanting to go early before work to pick one up - but I take the long route to work instead. I get tempted to head to the store at lunch - since it's up the street - and I go to the gym instead. Today however - I'm gonna make my own :)

LOL. I'll let you know how they taste later :)

Crazy Olympic Facts

2010-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Did anyone watch the Dance Figure Skating last night? WOW! Way to go Canada! Virtue and Moir were fantastic!

Yes, I’ll admit I’ve been watching a little bit here and there. No, I didn’t watch the hockey game between US & Canada – I’m glad I didn’t. We got our butts spanked! OUCH.

So … in the theme of the Olympics, I found today in the Calgary Sun 5 fun facts J

The Vancouver 2010 Games cost between $6 billion and $7 billion.
If you live in Canada, you’re paying for the Games once. If you live in BC you’re paying twice and if you live in Vancouver you’re paying three times. Talk about taxes!
Vancouver is hosting the Winter Olympics smack in the middle of the warmest winter it’s had in 73 years, following the warmest January it’s had in history. (I wish that warm weather had travelled to Calgary, let me tell you)
It took a whopping 150 torchbearers to run the flame from the Lions Gate Bridge to BC Place stadium on its final day of the Torch Relay.
The ratio of cops to people in Vancouver throughout the games is 1:4, with the total Vancouver 2010 security bill coming in at approximately $1 billion.

So tell me … are you watching?

Green or Black Thumb?

2010-02-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Do you have that much sought after proverbial Green Thumb?

I wish I did! I love plants. LOVE them. But they don't seem to like me. I need your help ...

I have a plant - A Weeping Fig - that I love. I've nutured it for almost 2 years now. It has bugs. Little bugs. Little flying bugs. Bugs that I hate.

How do I get rid of them? I've sprayed it with soapy water and placed a garbage bag over top for 24 hrs - did nothing. So I sprayed it again, left the bag on longer and still nothing. Except more bugs and moldy leaves (left it in the indirect sun...maybe for too long).

I have it outside right now - hoping the cold will kill the dang bugs. I want to re-pot it but I think it might be too cold to do that ...

Can anyone help?

White Wonderland

2010-02-08T11:51:00.001-08:00

I’m not a winter person. I detest being cold. I’m not necessarily a hot person either. I love late spring/early fall.

But I have to tell ya, it’s beautiful outside right now!

We seem to be the land of perma-frost lately. The sun is hiding amongst the grey clouds and won’t come out to play, so our trees, bushes, buildings and everything else are all white. A beautiful white!

I’ve tried to take some pictures – but they don’t do them justice.

Either way – it’s beautiful. I love looking at the white trees. LOOK at them – from inside my warm house/car/building.

I think in my heaven I’ll ask God to make all my trees white for a season … not cold, just white. Do you think He’ll have a problem with that?

Ya, I didn’t think so.

Spending Quality Time

2010-01-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

I have three daughters. Three daughters who love chocolate, shopping and quality time with mom.

So I've devised a plan through the help of a friend. I've scheduled 'date' nights with my girls, individually.

Today was my youngest daughter's turn. She's gone through a growth spurt (why do they have to keep growing???) and needed jeans badly. Value Village is a Diva-on-a-Budget's best friend when it comes to growing kids!

We scored big time, let me tell you! GapKids, Old Navy and more brand names for $5 or less. YES!

Afterwards we went for a treat - her choice. I was really hoping something not TOO fattening since I'm trying to lose weight. Of course she had to choice Wendy's and she HAD to get a strawberry shake. Had to. And of course, I HAD to share!

LOL - but man was it good!

The Journey to Vanilla Bean Biscotti - Gluten Free!

2010-01-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed anything lately? I’m on a gluten free kick. If there’s one thing about me that most people know it’s that I love my baking – whether it’s chocolate or anything else. Since October, I’ve been trying to eat healthier, lose weight and exercise. My number one issue though was my sweets. For me there’s nothing better than a homemade cookie, slice of cake or muffin to go with my coffee. If its chocolate – all the better.

My nutritionist encouraged me to go low-carb. My trainer would prefer that I went gluten free. I decided to give both a try. Amazingly enough, when I went gluten free I found my body liked me better. Hard to believe, right? Not really – I just had to listen. Gone were the shakes, the headaches, the lightheadedness that would come about. I no longer felt bloated or full all the time. And I liked it. Really liked it. But I wasn’t sure if I could go completely gluten-free, so I was wish-washy. Something my body did not like. I’m good with most everything BUT my cereals and sweets.

Thankfully there is a health food store close to me that is absolutely amazing! I found gluten free oatmeal – go figure. I also discovered coconut flour and most recently gluten free flour! I did a little jiggle right in the store, I was so excited. I also picked up some Agave Nectar (like sugar).

Of course – with my new found flour, what did I have to do? I had to bake. I’ve been craving cookies. I made some chocolate protein biscotti for my husband last week – he said they were ‘ok’ – I had to spit mine out. AUGH. I don’t want to eat something that is healthy but tastes like cardboard. I want my sweetness.

So last night I experimented. I made my favorite cookie – Vanilla Bean Biscotti. It came out and smelled like my regular cookie. But did it taste like it? Well – to be honest, no. BUT … and it’s a BIG BUT … I’ll eat it cause it tastes GOOD! Like REALLY GOOD! So good that I’ll use this recipe from now on! (I might omit the coconut flour since it was a bit dry – with coconut flour you need to add extra moisture).

So here it is. Why not try it! I know I’m glad that I did!

Vanilla Bean Biscotti

• 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise or 2 tsp vanilla

• 1 ¾ cups gluten free flour
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1½ cups sugar (splenda) or ¼ c. agave nectar
• 1½ tsp. baking powder
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 tbsp. butter, melted

1. If using vanilla bean, scrape seeds from pod. Save pod for another use.
2. Preheat oven to 325. Lightly grease two cookie sheets; set aside. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Place eggs and egg yolks into the flour mixture. Add butter and vanilla bean seeds or vanilla; stir until dough begins to form a ball.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; divide into three equal portions. Shape each portion into a 14-inch-long roll. Place rolls about 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets; slightly flatten each roll to about 1½ inches wide.
4. Bake in preheated oven on two oven racks for 25 to 30 minutes or until rolls are firm and light brown, switching pan positions or racks halfway through baking. Cook on cookie sheets for 15 minutes.
5. Cut each roll diagonally into ½-inch-thick slices, slicing carefully with a serrated knife. Place slices, cut side down, on cookie sheets.
6. Bake 10 minutes. Carefully turn slices over and bake for 10 to 15 minutes more or until crisp and dry. Transfer biscotti to wire racks and let cool.

Baking the Gluten Free Way

2010-01-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

I'm fairly new to the gluten-free way of life. Right now I'm testing the waters, trying to see if it will work for me. It's not a new fad I'm joining, although from what I hear it's a new diet craze to go gluten free. I notice when I do eat clean the physical benefits are ones I like. For instance, the bloating is gone ;) Which means my pants aren't as tight - huge motivation there!

So ... I found some gluten free flour. Not coconut, almond or soy ... but labeled white flour. It can be used to replace traditional white wheat flour in all your baking. Go figure :) It's made out of potato starch, potato flour and something else ... but I'm in the mood for baking today, so I think I'm going to try it! I'll be making my vanilla bean biscotti - a cookie that I absolutely love and eat all by myself (which probably resulted in those 5 lbs that I gained ...along with the chocolate croissants I ate).

If it works, if I don't notice a difference ... you can be sure I'll post on here for you all!

Wish me luck!

Watching the Olympic Flame Go By

2010-01-19T09:09:00.000-08:00

The Olympics and I have never really seen eye to eye. They get in the way of my regular day to day life, they are always on the tv, they fill the news and its all anyone talks about at work. I’m not a sports person, so viewing the Olympics has never been a pastime I’ve enjoyed. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll watch the downhill skiing, the figure skating ect. for a few moments, but you won’t find me captivated by it. Poor attitude, I know. But I’ve never professed to be a sports fan (ask my family) so I won’t pretend to LOVE the Olympics.

This year however, is a bit different. This year the Olympics are being hosted in Vancouver, a city I’ve visited and enjoyed. This year the torch came through my town, past my place of business, so I guess I need to find a bit more enjoyment that normal.

Yesterday at 4pm, I found myself standing on the steps of my place of business watching with anticipation. The Coca Cola crew drove by in their two big red bus’. The RBC blue bus came by later – both filled with loud music, energetic dancers and the promise of the torch to follow. It was a bit cold, I shivered a lot, but I found myself cemented to the ground. The phones were ringing off the hook – but I turned a deaf ear to them.

When the torch finally arrived, I found myself choking back the tears. I couldn’t understand the emotion, but instead of dwelling on it, I gave in to it wholeheartedly. I cheered when the runner stopped and waved the torch to the cheering fans. I clapped as he ran by. I found myself imagining the smile on his face as he held that torch in his hands, excited to become a part of history!

I walked away from that experience with a sense of pride. I doubt I’ll ever see that torch again in my lifetime. I doubt it will ever mean as much to me as it did yesterday. Call me a sentimental fool, but I’m proud to say I saw the torch lit personally, proud to have the Olympics on our soil this year, proud to be a Canadian.

What about you? Are you into the Olympics? Do you watch it, keep track of the stats and the winners?

Mmmmm Biscotti!

2010-01-12T19:38:00.000-08:00

Biscotti is a new found love of mine. I love its crunchiness, its taste and its texture. I love how can you dump your biscotti in your tea or coffee and have it only enhance the experience!

My husband loves biscotti as well. Especially when I make his 'healthy' kind. I made some tonight, added some new things to it (ran out of flour, had to improvise) and voila ... he loves it.

Biscotti is so easy to make. You should try it!

Steena's Healthy Biscotti

1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 c. soy flour
1/4 c. coconut flour
2 eggs
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp agave nectar
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp almond extract
2 tbsp butter

Mix together. Heat oven to 350. Create your logs - with this dough mixture you'll have enough to make 2 logs. Keep them a bit flat and fat ;) Bake for 20 min. Take out of oven and let cool for 10 min. Then with a knife cut to make individual biscotti cookies. I like to cut on an angle. Then place back in oven for another 10 min (this is where you get that dry crisp cookie).

Let cool and voila ... dunk and enjoy :)

Girls Getaway Trip

2010-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

This is too good not to share ;) Enjoy!

********************************************

Four friends spend weeks planning the perfect girls getaway trip -
shopping, casinos, massages, facials.
Two days before the group is to leave Mary's husband puts his foot down
and tells her she isn't going.
Mary's friends are very upset that she can't go, but what can they do.
Two days later the three get to the hotel only to find Mary sitting in the
bar drinking a glass of wine.
"Wow, how long you been here and how did you talk your husband into
letting you go?"
"Well, I've been here since last night........... Yesterday evening I was
sitting on the couch and my husband came up behind me and put his hands
over my eyes and said 'Guess who'?"
I pulled his hands off to find all he was wearing was his birthday suit.
He took my hand and led me to our bedroom. The room was scented with
perfume, had two dozen candles and rose petals all over............On the
bed, he had handcuffs and ropes! He told me to tie and cuff him to the
bed, so I did. And then he said, "Now, you can do whatever you want."

So here I am.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

2010-01-03T16:25:00.000-08:00

Coconut oil - what are your first thoughts when you see those two words? Suntan lotion perhaps? How about cooking oil?

In in love with all things coconut right now - especially coconut flour. I have tried 3 recipes today using coconut products - and so far so good ;) (don't worry, I'll post them later).

According to my research thus far, I've found out the following: Coconut oil has many qualities. As a solid fat, it doesn't become rancid at room temperature or break down with high heat (as other fats do). It can be used to enhance baked good, used for cooking, but most of all, it has specific health benefits that make it worthwhile adding it to our diets. Who knew? LOL

It's an excellent replacement for trans fats in our diet. It may be helpful in reducing inflammation (according to a British study). It's also been shown to be beneficial for those suffering from Crohn's disease as well with those who experience intestine issues. Coconut oil's anitmicrobial properties can be effective in fighting the bacteria and viruses often cited as a cause of Crohn's disease, stomach ulcers and other intestinal tract issues.

Coconut oil also helps with higher metabolism and weight loss. Go figure ;) This oil contributes to decreased stores of white fatty tissue. Plus ... and I like this part ... coconut oil is high in fiber, protein and minerals. So not only does it smell terrific, but it's good for you.

My goal - to use coconut oil when I can in my recipes. Tonight I'm using it with chicken and I added it to my corn chowder (I'll let you know how it tastes).

I'll be trying out a few recipes using coconut oil, coconut milk and coconut flour. I'll be sure to post them when I've tasted them and know them to be delicious. Coconut flour is gluten-free - did you know?

There's nothing better than ...

2010-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

Right now, at this very moment ... how would you complete that sentence?

Last night it would have been like this: There's nothing better than a big piece of Skor Shortbread! I discovered a new dessert and absolutely love it! I just need the recipe - which could be quite dangerous ...

But today ... there's nothing better than a piece of homemade chocolate chip cheesecake smothered in chocolate sauce!

I made my famous cheesecake for a new years party last night. Oh so good! I ate my first piece today, smothered in chocolate sauce and OMG ... that's all I'm going to say!

I doubt I can stop at one piece though ...

Speaking of Traditions ...

2009-12-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is past, another holiday is just around the corner. This one holds traditions I never really thought about before. Of course there are the obvious ways we all celebrate New Years, the countdown at midnight, kissing the one next to you, watching the Ball drop in New York (or Niagra Falls for Canadians). But what about the 'not so obvious' ways this holiday is celebrated?

You know that baby we all see with the ribbon around his body? The same baby in the Rudolph cartoons with Father Time? Where did he come from? Apparently the tradition of using a baby to signify the new year has roots in ancient Greece. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth. Early Christians tried to stop the tradition of using a baby to symbolize the new year, but its popularity as a symbol of rebirth outlasted the church's attempts to change the tradition. Using an image of a baby with a New Years banner was brought to early America by the Germans.

What I don't get is why the early Christians tried to stop this tradition? Unless they thought it somehow coincided with the whole 'baby Jesus' aspect at Christmas? Does anyone know?

Christmas Tree Contest Winner

2009-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Congrat's to Anita! My girls loved your tree! Thanks for sending it in! Please email me your mailing address and I will have your diva ornament out :)

Here's a picture of Anita's tree. I think it's cute :)

Christmas Lights

2009-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

One tradition we have in our family is to drive through neighborhoods and look at all the pretty lights strung on all the homes. There are some gorgeous displays out there.

Did you ever wonder where this tradition came from? Well, you can thank the pagans for it.

It turns out this tradition of lighting up our houses at Christmas comes directly from the pagan winter solstice ritual of lighting fires to honor the rising of the sun and the legthening of the days.

It wasn't until the early 20th century that Christmas lights began to appear in department shop windows, all with the intent to lure shoppers to their store. You can guarantee that the weathly homes would have the lights strung on their gates and windows as well.

It wasn't until after World War II that outdoor lights became more affordable and thus more popular amongst the 'common folk'.

Do you have any traditions when it comes to lights? Are you of those who love to create fantastic displays for others to enjoy or are you like me, you only string some off the roof and enjoy other's hard work?

Hmmm, Gingerbread

2009-12-07T11:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why Gingerbread Men are the staple at Christmas time? I know for my children, when they think of gingerbread men they first think of Shrek then they think of Christmas. But why?

Did you know that the Gingerbread Man was actually a real person? Not just a cookie made in stories.

Rumour has it that the Gingerbread Man first appeared i nthe court of Queen Elizabeth 1. She presented courtiers with gingery likenesses of themselves. Hmmmm ...

Gingerbread has its deep roots thorughout eastern Europe and, at one point, Nuremberg was knows as the gingerbread capital of the world. Also in Germany, the famous 'lubkuchen' was made and used to build special 'witches houses' (not Christmas, I know but I still thought it was interesting) from Hansel and Gretel. Some countries created a soft, delicately spiced cake while others produces a crisp, flat cookie or a warm, thick, steamy-dark squares of 'bread'.

I have a recipe for Chocolate Gingerbread Men I thought I would share with you ....

1 c. salted butter 1 c. brown sugar

2/3 c. molasses 1 egg

2 1/2 c. flour 1 tbsp groung ginger

2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/4 c. cocoal powder

Cream the butter, sugar, molasses and egg together. Sift dry ingredients and gradually add to the cream mixture. Mix well. Chill the dough for either 1 hour or 1 day. Roll out on a floured surface and cut into any shape (preferably gingerbread men though). Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes, cool and then decorate to your heart content!

Enjoy!

Online Cookie Exchange

2009-12-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

I'm in the midst of preparing for a cookie exchange. Two to be exact. One is tomorrow night. I flipped through a magazine I bought (100 BEST Cookies) and I 'think' I've narrowed it down to 3 recipes.

Now I might make a little bit of each or just one ... haven't made up my mind yet. I guess it will depend on how the recipes turn out and my mood. But it got me thinking ... there are so many wonderful bakers ... why not host an online cookie exchange!

If you're in ... just post your favorite cookie recipe and any memories or story about why it's so special :) How does that sound?

I'll go first .... wait ... I still have to figure out a recipe to make ... you go first :)

O Christmas Tree ... O Christmas Tree (Contest)

2009-12-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

When do you put your tree up? Are you the first of December type of person or do you wait till just before Christmas? Do you use fake or real?

Myself, I normally like to have my tree up December 1^st – or the weekend closest to it. This year I’m late (sorry kids). We also use a fake tree, it’s cheaper. But I do love the smells of a real tree!

Did you ever wonder how this tradition came to be? Why do we put a tree up in our homes? Why do we decorate this tree and place presents underneath?

I ‘think’ I have the reason.

Back in the 14^th century, the tree was a symbol of everlasting life to the pagans. The evergreen, with its vibrant green color, symbolized eternal life at a time of year when all other plants would die – especially in the cold weather.

Despite this fact, it wasn’t really until the 19^th century that placing a tree in our homes became popular.

It took Queen Victoria and her German husband, Prince Albert, to make this Christmas symbol a household tradition.

To help me get in the Christmas spirit … let’s host a Diva Christmas Tree contest.

Here’s the rules:

You have until December 11^th to send me pictures of your Christmas tree (must be this year).
You must be a follower.
December 12^th I will have my children help me choose the best decorated tree J
I will post that tree on my blog.
The winner will receive a “Diva” Christmas ornament to hang on their tree – to be sent out in time for Christmas.

What do you think? You in? If so ... email me your pictures to sweetchickette@gmail.com

Under the Mistletoe?

2009-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

How many of us hang mistletoe throughout our house? Do you use the read stuff or do you have an old one you’ve held onto for years? If you had to take a guess at where this tradition came from, what would you say? If I said it came from the medieval times, would you believe me? (Of course you would!)

This wonderful, albeit awkward tradition was first introduced during the medieval times as a way to boost fertility and vitality. Back then though, there was no such thing as hanging just a sprig or two of mistletoe from the rafters. Women, on a quest to conceive, would actually wrap this plant around their waists and wrists. Can you imagine!!!

What gave mistletoe its allure was the fact that this tiny little green plant that grows on the top of apple trees (did you know that?) could grow without roots and produce fruit, even in the harshest climate.

The mistletoe was given as a symbol of love and unity, and was a plant closely associated with couples (medieval times remember … you had to be married first …), hence the kissing theme.

Where did Ruldolph Come From?

2009-12-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most beloved Christmas characters, Rudolph, came into existence in the early 20th century.

Created by American copywriter Robert L. May (who knew!) the timid little reindeer was the main character in a poem written in 1939 to lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department stores.

More than two million copies of the poem were sold that year.

Who knew our cute little reindeer that pulled Santa's sleigh was used to market a department store?

I won't tell my kiddies - will you?

Christmas Stocking Tradition

2009-12-01T09:32:00.000-08:00

How do you hang your Christmas stockings? Do you have a fireplace you use or lay them on the floor? I recently heard of a tradition where Santa will leave a child’s stocking in their bedroom. Family traditions always vary don’t they?

In the past when our girls awake, they find their stockings in the living room. This year – they will be hung on our fireplace! If the girls are good, then Santa won’t leave coal like he did last year for my husband.

But where did this tradition from?

The exact location where this tradition originated is hard to pinpoint (but I like to believe Germany), but it was in Europe. Originally the tradition was to put out clogs or shoes for Saint Nicholas to fill on Christmas Eve. It wasn’t until the 19th century that stockings became favored. Maybe due to lack of shoes or excess stockings?

So what about the idea of hanging them from the fireplace? You know that story we like to read to our children “Twas the Night before Christmas”? Originally penned by Clement Clark and called “A Visit from St. Nick” – this is where the “hanging the stockings from the chimney with care …” came from.

Who knew? LOL

Christmas Traditions? Fruitcake???

2009-11-30T11:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered why we decorate a tree at Christmas or why we hang tinsel? What about all those lights – they have to mean more than just a pretty decoration and high electrical bill right?

All through December my goal is to explore these traditions and find out why we do things the way we do. If you know of a tradition you’d like to find out more about … let me know in the comments section and I’ll see what interesting tidbits I can find!

Today: Why Fruitcake???

I don’t know about you, but I can’t stomach the traditional fruitcake. I’m picky, really picky. But I know others who love it (my dad is one). Why is making a fruitcake at Christmas such an important tradition for many – especially those older than 50? Where did the fruitcake come from and why do we give it away at Christmas?

Well, it turns out this fruit-filled, rum-soaked dessert can be traced back to the Romans. Who knew? Back then though, your average fruitcake was filled with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and raisins mixed with a barley mush type mixture. Sounds yummy, doesn’t it!

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that honey, preserved fruit and other spices were finally added. I’m sure they were a huge hit though.

Did you know that the Crusaders and even hunters would carry this cake during the cooler months and when they were away from home for long periods of time? Apparently it kept well.

Thanks to this – we now have our wintery treat that has become a huge hit at Christmas.

What about you? Do you make a Christmas Fruitcake? Do you have any secret ingredients or a special recipe you use? Do you eat it or hand it out?

Freebie Fridays! Free Photo Wall Calendar!

2009-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

Freebie Friday’s have arrived at Diva with a Budget! Exciting! Especially since all the Freebies’ listed will be available to Canadians! I don’t know about you but there have been so many instances where I’ve signed up for some amazing ‘free’ offer only to find out it’s available only to those in the USA. Frustrating!

To celebrate our First Freebie Friday – who wants a Photo Wall Calendar???

“Giving the Gift that Lasts All Year:

Vista is offering 1 Free Photo Wall Calendar that you can create!
Normally starting at $19.49 – if you use the following address …. IT’S FREE!
www.vistaprint.ca/calendar76

Know of any other freebies? Let me know!

Homespun Christmas?

2009-11-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

With one month left till Christmas, it’s time to start thinking about decorating!

My only problem is that I don’t have much to decorate with. The past few years our space has been limited and rather than overwhelm my living room with overflowing decorations – we’ve scaled back – A LOT.

This year though we’ve basically doubled the space with our finished basement. But I don’t want to spend a lot of decorations, so this is where I need your help.

What are some unique, beautiful, lovely, homemade Christmas decorations that you’ve made or seen? My goal is to do this with little cost. Should be easy, right?