I work in customer service. In one way or another, I have worked in customer service since I was 15 years old. Part of my job, and actually an important part, is to leave my personal problems at home and put on my game face for the people I serve. The people who visit my work are on vacation and they don't need to be burdened with my bad day/mood. Is it too much to expect similar treatment when I'm out shopping, eating at a restaurant or even dealing with a realtor? No.
I'm sorry you're having a bad day, week, month or year, but when you come to work, you put your best foot forward and provide a positive experience for your guest/client/customer. When people are out and about, they are often escaping their own problems for a few minutes, so don't burden them with yours. Help make their experience an enjoyable one and hopefully others will do the same for you.
I am not a heartless person. In fact, I am quite the opposite. If anything, I care too much, but if you can't provide quality customer service everyday that you show up for work, you are in the wrong industry.
Life is hard and work can be challenging, but no customer should be punished for your bad day. Be kind. Be patient. Good customer service goes a long. The word of bad customer service spreads like wild fire.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Saturday, August 2, 2014
My Favourite Restaurant
For 22 years, I have had a favourite restaurant. At a quick glance, you might not be able to tell how awesome it is there, but as soon as your server greets you, something becomes quickly clear: You are in the presence of greatness.
It has changed in décor from when I first started going. In fact, it has shortened it's name in that time as well. It used to have all wooden furniture and a classic laundromat board on the wall for the business, The Missing Sock, that used to be downstairs. Now, and for many years actually, the downstairs in an extension of my favourite restaurant and the retro laundromat board is no longer there. So really, I can't complain about my favourite restaurant having more seating than it used to.
What do they serve at said restaurant, you ask? Beautiful salads, award winning, creative burgers wraps and so much more! For 22 years, with possibly 2-3 exceptions ever, I have been ordering The Original Pita Club and in 22 years, it hasn't changed a bit. It may sound like a simple dish, but let me tell you, it is absolutely perfect! Real roasted turkey, bacon, romaine lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, all rolled up in a whole wheat wrap. I usually order their special potato wedges, but regular fries, sweet potato fries and side salads are an option as well. Mouth is watering...
22 years ago, I first stepped foot into this restaurant almost by chance, as my Mom and I were out for one of our great walks. We didn't know at the time that it would prove to be a restaurant we would go back to for years to come. Years later, I would eat there with my university boyfriend, while our laundry washed and dried downstairs. Now, married with 3 kids, we go as a family. It has become a meeting ground for my family and friends and I do not step into the city without eating there. I couldn't. I would feel like my visit was incomplete.
I must not forget to mention their staff. Although there has been some turnover of course, in the 22 years I have been going there, one thing remains as true now as it was then: their staff is excellent! They are genuinely friendly, patient and kind. Whoever does the hiring there does an incredible job on finding these talented people to join their team.
Another kind of neat fact about Darrell's is you never know who you might bump into when you eat there. It happens to be a favourite spot for Big Brother Canada Season 1, couple Emmett Blois and Jillian MacLaughlin. They even bring other cast members there when they visit.
So, now, the big finale!!! This perfect restaurant, aka Darrell's, and formerly known as My Other Brother Darrell's, can be found at 5576 Fenwick St., in Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you haven't been, make a point to go! Everything they serve is delicious, but promise me you'll start with The Original Pita Club. You will not regret it!
#darrellsresto #halifaxresto #theoriginalpitaclub #foodie
It has changed in décor from when I first started going. In fact, it has shortened it's name in that time as well. It used to have all wooden furniture and a classic laundromat board on the wall for the business, The Missing Sock, that used to be downstairs. Now, and for many years actually, the downstairs in an extension of my favourite restaurant and the retro laundromat board is no longer there. So really, I can't complain about my favourite restaurant having more seating than it used to.
What do they serve at said restaurant, you ask? Beautiful salads, award winning, creative burgers wraps and so much more! For 22 years, with possibly 2-3 exceptions ever, I have been ordering The Original Pita Club and in 22 years, it hasn't changed a bit. It may sound like a simple dish, but let me tell you, it is absolutely perfect! Real roasted turkey, bacon, romaine lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, all rolled up in a whole wheat wrap. I usually order their special potato wedges, but regular fries, sweet potato fries and side salads are an option as well. Mouth is watering...
22 years ago, I first stepped foot into this restaurant almost by chance, as my Mom and I were out for one of our great walks. We didn't know at the time that it would prove to be a restaurant we would go back to for years to come. Years later, I would eat there with my university boyfriend, while our laundry washed and dried downstairs. Now, married with 3 kids, we go as a family. It has become a meeting ground for my family and friends and I do not step into the city without eating there. I couldn't. I would feel like my visit was incomplete.
I must not forget to mention their staff. Although there has been some turnover of course, in the 22 years I have been going there, one thing remains as true now as it was then: their staff is excellent! They are genuinely friendly, patient and kind. Whoever does the hiring there does an incredible job on finding these talented people to join their team.
Another kind of neat fact about Darrell's is you never know who you might bump into when you eat there. It happens to be a favourite spot for Big Brother Canada Season 1, couple Emmett Blois and Jillian MacLaughlin. They even bring other cast members there when they visit.
So, now, the big finale!!! This perfect restaurant, aka Darrell's, and formerly known as My Other Brother Darrell's, can be found at 5576 Fenwick St., in Halifax, Nova Scotia. If you haven't been, make a point to go! Everything they serve is delicious, but promise me you'll start with The Original Pita Club. You will not regret it!
#darrellsresto #halifaxresto #theoriginalpitaclub #foodie
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Divorce
Over the past couple of years, I have started to see some of my friends get divorced. Divorce is nothing new in my life. My Mom and Dad divorced when I was four years old. My brother divorced...probably 20 years ago. I'm all too familiar with the ramifications of both staying together for the wrong reasons and finally divorcing for the right reasons.
None of my friends/family members took the decision lightly. In fact many of them spent years being unhappy together for their kids sake before making the decision. I don't think I agree with staying together "just for the kids"...although I completely understand it.
The dynamic of a divorced family is difficult at the best of times. There are few exceptions, of course, when a divorce is so amicable that the family unit stays a unit in some sense. The adults are able to see the bigger picture and act in a way that is advantageous to the children. I have so much respect for people who can rise above their bitterness and act in the best interest of their children. It took my parents 10 years to get to that place.
It has been for many years now that my parents act friendly towards one and other. We can all have a sit down meal together and everyone is friendly. On a good day, they'll even reminisce about the "good ole days" and talk about how amazing their grandchildren are. Those days are very special. It makes me sad that my kids will never know their grandparents as a unit. They are Grampa and Nana, separately, but that doesn't bother my kids any.
I am so grateful to have parents who love me and love my kids more than I could have ever imagined. I am so grateful for parents who will come together for grandkids birthdays, graduations, weddings and celebrations and there are no harsh words or angry stares. There is just love. Maybe not for each other, but for their shared loved ones.
All of that said, I have many examples in my life of couples that should have never, ever stayed together. I don't believe that people should stay together if they are miserable. Marriage is hard. Marriage takes work and the desire to make it work. In this day and age, although expensive, divorce is way too easy and often taken too lightly. We are raising today's generation to think that marriage isn't forever, it's just for now. We are raising them in a time where a divorce can be granted by a few simple clicks of the mouse. Marriage is supposed to mean more than that.
So to all my family and friends getting divorced in 2014; I think you are very brave. This was not an easy choice, but I know you have tried to make things work, in some cases for a very long time. You deserve happiness.
Much love.
None of my friends/family members took the decision lightly. In fact many of them spent years being unhappy together for their kids sake before making the decision. I don't think I agree with staying together "just for the kids"...although I completely understand it.
The dynamic of a divorced family is difficult at the best of times. There are few exceptions, of course, when a divorce is so amicable that the family unit stays a unit in some sense. The adults are able to see the bigger picture and act in a way that is advantageous to the children. I have so much respect for people who can rise above their bitterness and act in the best interest of their children. It took my parents 10 years to get to that place.
It has been for many years now that my parents act friendly towards one and other. We can all have a sit down meal together and everyone is friendly. On a good day, they'll even reminisce about the "good ole days" and talk about how amazing their grandchildren are. Those days are very special. It makes me sad that my kids will never know their grandparents as a unit. They are Grampa and Nana, separately, but that doesn't bother my kids any.
I am so grateful to have parents who love me and love my kids more than I could have ever imagined. I am so grateful for parents who will come together for grandkids birthdays, graduations, weddings and celebrations and there are no harsh words or angry stares. There is just love. Maybe not for each other, but for their shared loved ones.
All of that said, I have many examples in my life of couples that should have never, ever stayed together. I don't believe that people should stay together if they are miserable. Marriage is hard. Marriage takes work and the desire to make it work. In this day and age, although expensive, divorce is way too easy and often taken too lightly. We are raising today's generation to think that marriage isn't forever, it's just for now. We are raising them in a time where a divorce can be granted by a few simple clicks of the mouse. Marriage is supposed to mean more than that.
So to all my family and friends getting divorced in 2014; I think you are very brave. This was not an easy choice, but I know you have tried to make things work, in some cases for a very long time. You deserve happiness.
Much love.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Student Loan Rant
Student loans...where to begin?
For my husband to go to university, he had to get student loans. He did a year of French Immersion, his Bachelor of Arts and his Bachelor of Education. He is now a permanent French teacher, which in Canada Student Loans minds means that he can afford to be in repayment of his loans. I understand that they want their money back, but can't they wait until he has been permanent at least a year before demanding payment? It took 5 years for him to get permanent. It took 5 years of supply teaching and working a second job to get permanent. It took a lot of patience and moving out of province for him to get permanent. We are in debt up to our eyeballs because of the journey it took to finally get here...and after all this hard work, we're going to be worse off financially than when he didn't have permanent because of his student loan. Ugh!
Why does university have to be so darn expensive?! The cost of university is ridiculous! We will be paying off his student loans for our entire adult lives. There is no end to them in the foreseeable future. There is something very wrong with this picture!
I, on the other hand, have very little student loans. I was fortunate to have my father pay for most of my education, but that said, I'm working for near minimum wage because there are very few decent jobs in the area we live in...which we moved to solely for my husband to get a permanent teaching job. Double ugh!
Feels like we just can't get ahead! I know we're not alone on this. What a mess of a system we live in. I'm so tempted to move somewhere in the deep North or far West just to get ahead financially.
So, just so we're clear...if we make more money, our student loan repayment increases by a lot, which means that we actually have even less money than we do now. So making more money would actually be a financial burden. Yup...that's right. Figure that one out!
End rant.
For my husband to go to university, he had to get student loans. He did a year of French Immersion, his Bachelor of Arts and his Bachelor of Education. He is now a permanent French teacher, which in Canada Student Loans minds means that he can afford to be in repayment of his loans. I understand that they want their money back, but can't they wait until he has been permanent at least a year before demanding payment? It took 5 years for him to get permanent. It took 5 years of supply teaching and working a second job to get permanent. It took a lot of patience and moving out of province for him to get permanent. We are in debt up to our eyeballs because of the journey it took to finally get here...and after all this hard work, we're going to be worse off financially than when he didn't have permanent because of his student loan. Ugh!
Why does university have to be so darn expensive?! The cost of university is ridiculous! We will be paying off his student loans for our entire adult lives. There is no end to them in the foreseeable future. There is something very wrong with this picture!
I, on the other hand, have very little student loans. I was fortunate to have my father pay for most of my education, but that said, I'm working for near minimum wage because there are very few decent jobs in the area we live in...which we moved to solely for my husband to get a permanent teaching job. Double ugh!
Feels like we just can't get ahead! I know we're not alone on this. What a mess of a system we live in. I'm so tempted to move somewhere in the deep North or far West just to get ahead financially.
So, just so we're clear...if we make more money, our student loan repayment increases by a lot, which means that we actually have even less money than we do now. So making more money would actually be a financial burden. Yup...that's right. Figure that one out!
End rant.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Friday, July 18, 2014
The Financial Burdens of Living in the Maritimes
Exactly a year ago, my husband was offered a term teaching contract in Nova Scotia. He had spent the previous few years supply teaching and working full-time at a call centre in New Brunswick, so we took the chance that the term might lead to a permanent contract, and packed up our family and headed to Nova Scotia. It was a big risk, selling our house, leaving our friends and family...but we had struggled for years and felt this was our best chance in him finally having a career.
Last month, he had to apply for his own job, since it was posted this year as a permanent position, and compete with other applicants. Thankfully, he was the most qualified and finally earned a spot as a permanent teacher. Relief.
Relief for him, and financially for our family, but now what do I do? Nova Scotia is an expensive province. Gas costs more, food costs more, housing costs more and daycare costs more. So, I am stuck with a major dilemma. Do I put my three kids in daycare, work for close to minimum wage and possibly clear $200 a month? Or do I work evenings, avoid daycare, but still only work for close to minimum wage and miss evenings with my family five times a week? Neither option is ideal...far from it.
I can't help but feel that we live in a system that sets us up to fail. The Universal Childcare Benefit was created to help offset daycare expense, but why then is it paid out to each and every family, even those who do not use or require daycare? Why is it not put directly into the daycares, subsidizing the expense for those who require the service?
With one decent income, my husband's, and one pathetic one, mine, we pay our basic bills and can afford our groceries, but there is nothing left for debt repayment. Nothing left to pay off my husband's student loans and certainly nothing left for anything "fun". How are people surviving financially here? Oh that's right...they're not. They're all moving out West.
Unless you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or something similarly paid, you don't stand a chance of thriving financially in the Maritimes. Your life will be full in many ways by living here, but you need money to sustain that life.
What a sad, sad thing that the government cares so little about its people that they make minimum wage so low that no viable life is possible. It's almost as if they want us to depend on them more and end up on social assistance and employment insurance. I made more money on maternity leave than I can working 40 hours a week and paying out daycare. That is a sad statement. No wonder some women keep popping out babies. The more babies you have, the more funding the government gives you. They are more interested in the resulting pay cheque than in the resulting human being. Heart breaking, but true.
For the average, hard working person, life is financially very difficult. No wonder many people on social assistance aren't motivated to go back to work. They make more out of work. I struggle processing that a person can make more by doing nothing than by working themselves ragged. What kind of system is this?!
I know I am not alone in my frustrations. Many of my friends are in the same situation. Some are choosing to head out West, others are trying to tough it out here as long as they can bare it...but eventually, will we all have to abandon the Maritimes? What can be done to fix this mess? A new Prime Minister would probably be a good start, but then what?
I would love to hear your solution to this giant mess. Comment welcomed!
Last month, he had to apply for his own job, since it was posted this year as a permanent position, and compete with other applicants. Thankfully, he was the most qualified and finally earned a spot as a permanent teacher. Relief.
Relief for him, and financially for our family, but now what do I do? Nova Scotia is an expensive province. Gas costs more, food costs more, housing costs more and daycare costs more. So, I am stuck with a major dilemma. Do I put my three kids in daycare, work for close to minimum wage and possibly clear $200 a month? Or do I work evenings, avoid daycare, but still only work for close to minimum wage and miss evenings with my family five times a week? Neither option is ideal...far from it.
I can't help but feel that we live in a system that sets us up to fail. The Universal Childcare Benefit was created to help offset daycare expense, but why then is it paid out to each and every family, even those who do not use or require daycare? Why is it not put directly into the daycares, subsidizing the expense for those who require the service?
With one decent income, my husband's, and one pathetic one, mine, we pay our basic bills and can afford our groceries, but there is nothing left for debt repayment. Nothing left to pay off my husband's student loans and certainly nothing left for anything "fun". How are people surviving financially here? Oh that's right...they're not. They're all moving out West.
Unless you're a doctor, dentist, lawyer, or something similarly paid, you don't stand a chance of thriving financially in the Maritimes. Your life will be full in many ways by living here, but you need money to sustain that life.
What a sad, sad thing that the government cares so little about its people that they make minimum wage so low that no viable life is possible. It's almost as if they want us to depend on them more and end up on social assistance and employment insurance. I made more money on maternity leave than I can working 40 hours a week and paying out daycare. That is a sad statement. No wonder some women keep popping out babies. The more babies you have, the more funding the government gives you. They are more interested in the resulting pay cheque than in the resulting human being. Heart breaking, but true.
For the average, hard working person, life is financially very difficult. No wonder many people on social assistance aren't motivated to go back to work. They make more out of work. I struggle processing that a person can make more by doing nothing than by working themselves ragged. What kind of system is this?!
I know I am not alone in my frustrations. Many of my friends are in the same situation. Some are choosing to head out West, others are trying to tough it out here as long as they can bare it...but eventually, will we all have to abandon the Maritimes? What can be done to fix this mess? A new Prime Minister would probably be a good start, but then what?
I would love to hear your solution to this giant mess. Comment welcomed!
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
A Good Karma Kind of Day!
My Mom and I were out for a walk when we saw a "FREE" sign on a really great desk. My son has been asking for a desk for two years now...so we crossed the street to check it out. We ended up chatting with two extremely nice girls. Their mother had just passed away from lung cancer (she wasn't even a smoker!), and they were left with her home full of things to distribute, sell, donate, etc. After a really lovely chat, they gave us a desk, a printer, 2 space heaters, a rug and some kitchen things. They were especially thrilled at how happy my son was to build Lego at his new desk. They wanted nothing in return...so I gave them wine. They were ecstatic! They said their mother would be so happy that her things went to such nice people. It was a touching experience.
Later today, I happened to meet a man and his family who had just come in from a fishing excursion and he had caught a big cod. Being a visitor to the area, he didn't have a place to cook, or freeze, his catch. So, without a thought in my head, I offered to cook it for him. He was reluctant to accept without payment, but I assured him that we, myself and my husband, were happy to help. We even delivered the final product to him at the hotel they were staying at. When we arrived, he gifted us with a lovely bottle of wine. What a nice surprise!
There was a lot of good karma going around today. Had to share!
Later today, I happened to meet a man and his family who had just come in from a fishing excursion and he had caught a big cod. Being a visitor to the area, he didn't have a place to cook, or freeze, his catch. So, without a thought in my head, I offered to cook it for him. He was reluctant to accept without payment, but I assured him that we, myself and my husband, were happy to help. We even delivered the final product to him at the hotel they were staying at. When we arrived, he gifted us with a lovely bottle of wine. What a nice surprise!
There was a lot of good karma going around today. Had to share!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
From SAHM to WAM
"You don't know what you've got til it's gone"-No song lyrics were ever more true than these.
About two months ago, I re-entered the workforce (I am now a work-away-mom, aka WAM) after being off for 18 months with my youngest daughter and off the 12 months prior to that, having gone back to school. MAN, did I have it good before!
Every day, I got up with the kids, got them off to school and then did errands with my youngest. We went for walks, played, checked the mail, did some laundry, got groceries, made meals...life was so much simpler. Now, being back to work full-time evenings, there seems to be less and less time to get anything/everything done, and for the first time since my kids were born, I'm missing things. I missed my kids get all fancy for a school dance. I missed my daughter's dress rehearsal for her recital. I missed my son's field trip, that I would have chaperoned...I know these things may sounds like little events in their lives, but in the past I was there...for everything.
My husband thinks the kids have adjusted seamlessly to my working evenings. Is that why they're always fighting now? Is that why my son looks like he might cry when he occasionally drops off supper to me at work? Is working for minimum wage really worth all of this?? UGH! Stupid bills. Stupid money.
My husband has had to step up and take over some of my daily tasks. He now makes supper some nights, not all because often I make it before I leave for work. He does bath time a couple of times a week. He folds the occasional load of laundry, but only if I ask...at least twice. By the time I get home, he's exhausted and wonders how I managed all that I did, every single day of life. I think it has been good in getting him to appreciate me a little more...but he's no Mommy...or so my kids tell me.
I guess I'm having a little pity party for myself tonight... I just love my kids so much and should have valued the time off more than I did. I don't think I realized what a privilege it was having not missed anything my sons first 8 years of life, my daughters 6 first years and my littlest daughter's first 18 months.
Sometimes I plain and simply couldn't see past the meltdowns, temper tantrums and poopy diapers. I dwelled too much on what laundry for five people looks like or how many times a day I would have to pick up hair elastics on the floor or find socks stuffed into the couch. I got way too caught up how often I swept up dog hair, tidied baby toys or packed school lunches. Stay at home moms have the best, and most important, job in the world! If only it were easier, financially, to stay home.
To all the SAHMs who bother to read this; You will never regret having been there for your kids. You will never regret being able to say that you were there for each and every moment that mattered. I know staying home isn't glamorous. I know your kids can drive you insane...but cherish every moment, because one day, you too may have to go back to work...and I assure you, working full-time and being a mommy full-time is even less glamorous.
About two months ago, I re-entered the workforce (I am now a work-away-mom, aka WAM) after being off for 18 months with my youngest daughter and off the 12 months prior to that, having gone back to school. MAN, did I have it good before!
Every day, I got up with the kids, got them off to school and then did errands with my youngest. We went for walks, played, checked the mail, did some laundry, got groceries, made meals...life was so much simpler. Now, being back to work full-time evenings, there seems to be less and less time to get anything/everything done, and for the first time since my kids were born, I'm missing things. I missed my kids get all fancy for a school dance. I missed my daughter's dress rehearsal for her recital. I missed my son's field trip, that I would have chaperoned...I know these things may sounds like little events in their lives, but in the past I was there...for everything.
My husband thinks the kids have adjusted seamlessly to my working evenings. Is that why they're always fighting now? Is that why my son looks like he might cry when he occasionally drops off supper to me at work? Is working for minimum wage really worth all of this?? UGH! Stupid bills. Stupid money.
My husband has had to step up and take over some of my daily tasks. He now makes supper some nights, not all because often I make it before I leave for work. He does bath time a couple of times a week. He folds the occasional load of laundry, but only if I ask...at least twice. By the time I get home, he's exhausted and wonders how I managed all that I did, every single day of life. I think it has been good in getting him to appreciate me a little more...but he's no Mommy...or so my kids tell me.
I guess I'm having a little pity party for myself tonight... I just love my kids so much and should have valued the time off more than I did. I don't think I realized what a privilege it was having not missed anything my sons first 8 years of life, my daughters 6 first years and my littlest daughter's first 18 months.
Sometimes I plain and simply couldn't see past the meltdowns, temper tantrums and poopy diapers. I dwelled too much on what laundry for five people looks like or how many times a day I would have to pick up hair elastics on the floor or find socks stuffed into the couch. I got way too caught up how often I swept up dog hair, tidied baby toys or packed school lunches. Stay at home moms have the best, and most important, job in the world! If only it were easier, financially, to stay home.
To all the SAHMs who bother to read this; You will never regret having been there for your kids. You will never regret being able to say that you were there for each and every moment that mattered. I know staying home isn't glamorous. I know your kids can drive you insane...but cherish every moment, because one day, you too may have to go back to work...and I assure you, working full-time and being a mommy full-time is even less glamorous.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Appreciation
At the basic root of our being, we want to feel appreciated. Whether it's at work, at home or with our friends, we want to feel that someone notices how much effort we are putting into whatever it is that we do.
Something cracked in me this afternoon. I all of a sudden felt completely unappreciated by my husband and children. I don't expect an award or trophy for the hundreds of things I do for them daily, but I would love the occasional heart felt "thank you".
If I wrote out a list of all that I do in a day for them and asked them to fulfill the same tasks, it would not only take them 10 times longer, but they would also give up halfway through. Running a house of 5, and a dog, is a lot of work. Even basic tasks, such as laundry and dishes, are time consuming...especially since I do it all while keeping my 18 month old out of trouble. I also do our banking, bill paying, grocery shopping, all cleaning, homework with the kids, all cooking, pack school lunches,any necessary (and some unnecessary) shopping, chauffeuring to extra circulars and/or playdates and/or appointments, etc,etc, etc. To top it all off, I am reentering the workforce on Monday and I guarantee I will still do all of the previously mentioned tasks.
It is 2014, but in many ways, we still live like it's 1950. Women get paid less than men, in the same jobs. Women are often expected to take care of the home, the children and with what little energy they have left, take care of their husbands and themselves. I'm telling you, IT IS EXHAUSTING!
Whoever said that being a stay at home isn't a real job...well, I challenge you to try it out for a day and see if I can change your mind.
Finally, make sure you show your loved ones the appreciation they deserve. Even the smallest comment or gesture will let them know you care and that you appreciate all that they do for you and for others. Don't let a day pass without making someone feel special.
Something cracked in me this afternoon. I all of a sudden felt completely unappreciated by my husband and children. I don't expect an award or trophy for the hundreds of things I do for them daily, but I would love the occasional heart felt "thank you".
If I wrote out a list of all that I do in a day for them and asked them to fulfill the same tasks, it would not only take them 10 times longer, but they would also give up halfway through. Running a house of 5, and a dog, is a lot of work. Even basic tasks, such as laundry and dishes, are time consuming...especially since I do it all while keeping my 18 month old out of trouble. I also do our banking, bill paying, grocery shopping, all cleaning, homework with the kids, all cooking, pack school lunches,any necessary (and some unnecessary) shopping, chauffeuring to extra circulars and/or playdates and/or appointments, etc,etc, etc. To top it all off, I am reentering the workforce on Monday and I guarantee I will still do all of the previously mentioned tasks.
It is 2014, but in many ways, we still live like it's 1950. Women get paid less than men, in the same jobs. Women are often expected to take care of the home, the children and with what little energy they have left, take care of their husbands and themselves. I'm telling you, IT IS EXHAUSTING!
Whoever said that being a stay at home isn't a real job...well, I challenge you to try it out for a day and see if I can change your mind.
Finally, make sure you show your loved ones the appreciation they deserve. Even the smallest comment or gesture will let them know you care and that you appreciate all that they do for you and for others. Don't let a day pass without making someone feel special.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Mean Girls at Every Age and Stage
Women tend to be more sensitive, yet more judgemental. We gossip more, yet we hate to think we are gossiped about. We can't stand mean girls, yet we are mean to one and other. Why oh why do so many women treat other women so poorly at every age and stage of life?
My daughter is the victim of mean girls on the playground and she is only 5 years old. The other day at recess, a group of three girls asked my daughter to play hide and seek. So she closed her eyes, counted to 10 and when she opened her eyes, the girls pointed, laughed at her and ran off to play another game right in front of her. How can such young girls be so mean?! I naively thought this type of behaviour started in junior high. I had no idea I would have to deal with my daughter's heart break at such a very young age.
The same day this happened to my daughter, I had a "mean girl" experience myself. I was at the gym, and a group of women in their 50's very openly whispered, while staring at me, and then started to laugh. What is wrong with people?!! Yes, my hair's dyed platinum. Deal with it!
My Mom has always told me that this is how women behave when they are jealous. I don't always believe this to be the case, but I can honestly say that I have caught myself judging someone, or unfairly disliking them, because of my own insecurities or jealousy. Is this reaction just born into us?
I see all of this nastiness coming into my sweet daughter's life and I want to believe it's not an issue of jealousy. I want to believe that doesn't start at age 5...but then I think about how she has better fashion sense than most adults, and most certainly better than Mommy. I think about her beautiful curly hair and her sparkling eyes. I think about how creative and wonderful she is. I know I'm biased, but are they jealous? Is that why my daughter has recently stopped wearing her dresses that she so loves?
Being a parent, being a woman, certainly has its challenges, but I am actively going to work on being less judgemental, less jealous and more grateful. I will work on being more kind, more thoughtful and more accepting and I will make sure my daughter learns the importance of this lesson she is having to learn at such a very young age.
Be kind, at every age and stage of life!
My daughter is the victim of mean girls on the playground and she is only 5 years old. The other day at recess, a group of three girls asked my daughter to play hide and seek. So she closed her eyes, counted to 10 and when she opened her eyes, the girls pointed, laughed at her and ran off to play another game right in front of her. How can such young girls be so mean?! I naively thought this type of behaviour started in junior high. I had no idea I would have to deal with my daughter's heart break at such a very young age.
The same day this happened to my daughter, I had a "mean girl" experience myself. I was at the gym, and a group of women in their 50's very openly whispered, while staring at me, and then started to laugh. What is wrong with people?!! Yes, my hair's dyed platinum. Deal with it!
My Mom has always told me that this is how women behave when they are jealous. I don't always believe this to be the case, but I can honestly say that I have caught myself judging someone, or unfairly disliking them, because of my own insecurities or jealousy. Is this reaction just born into us?
I see all of this nastiness coming into my sweet daughter's life and I want to believe it's not an issue of jealousy. I want to believe that doesn't start at age 5...but then I think about how she has better fashion sense than most adults, and most certainly better than Mommy. I think about her beautiful curly hair and her sparkling eyes. I think about how creative and wonderful she is. I know I'm biased, but are they jealous? Is that why my daughter has recently stopped wearing her dresses that she so loves?
Being a parent, being a woman, certainly has its challenges, but I am actively going to work on being less judgemental, less jealous and more grateful. I will work on being more kind, more thoughtful and more accepting and I will make sure my daughter learns the importance of this lesson she is having to learn at such a very young age.
Be kind, at every age and stage of life!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Alone on the Playground
At different times during my childhood, my Mom would say things like, "When you're a mother, you will understand how a parent can hurt for their child." I always brushed her off with a, "Yeah, yeah, Mom." Now, a Mom of 3 crazy kids, I finally completely understand what she meant.
Recently my family moved and my kids started at a new school. In no time at all, my son amassed a group of friends and settled into his new spot at their really wonderful school. He didn't even really have a period of transition. He was happy there right away, made friends and loves his teachers. He even started listening in class, which was a huge accomplishment for him. My daughter has had a completely different experience.
For a seemingly wild and happy little girl, she is very shy, when she's not at home. She clams right up, and until recently, wouldn't even order her food at a restaurant on her own. It's incredible to see the transition from the upbeat, actress, princess we have at home to the quiet girl, who keeps to herself at school. She makes for the ideal student and all of her teachers love her. She listens extremely well, answers questions when asked and does all her work happily and with great care, but she plays alone at recess. Sometimes she doesn't even play. Sometimes she just walks laps around the play park until recess is over. At what age does this become a concern?
I have tried talking to her about this. I have tried encouraging her to ask the other kids to play. She has a few times and the other kids are happy to play with her, but she doesn't seem to forge friendships, just plays with them once and then not again. On the other hand, she plays really well with her siblings...well, as well as any child can play with their siblings.
I have to admit, I'm a bit of a loner myself. I thoroughly enjoy time to myself and am very picky about who I befriend. If I can't be 100% myself with a person, I don't have room in my life for them. Life is far too short to be anything but yourself, as long as no one else gets hurt in the process.
Today, when I picked up the kids at school, my daughter ran up to me and proudly said, "Mommy, guess what?! I asked a girl to play at recess and we played...until two other girls came over and then I got left out." I don't know if she actually got left out, or fell back when more kids joined in the group. All I know is that my heart literally ached to see the sadness in her eyes.
As the school year goes on, my son gets invited to birthday parties and friends houses to play after school, and my daughter's feelings are hurt every time. Occasionally she gets invited with him, but then she gets left out because she's younger and quiet. Recently we visited family friends and their daughter was so excited to see my son and visibly less excited to see my daughter. She of course picked up on this right away, and with tears in her eyes, quietly said to me, "She doesn't seem excited to see me, Mommy". Yet another heart crushing moment.
It's amazing to me how a person could have 10 children and they would all have their very own unique personalities. I have one child who meets new people with complete ease and confidence. He has excellent manners when meeting people and is very considerate of other people's feelings. He always holds doors for people, says hi to people and compliments our server at a restaurant if they were particularly friendly and/or efficient. I guess he's sort of beyond his years in that way. Then I have a little girl who is absolutely sweet, loving, thoughtful, polite and creative, but is incredibly timid and lacks confidence when meeting new people.
For now my solution is to let her join the activities outside of school that she's interested in and hope that she finds friendship through common interests. I've already spoken to her teacher, who is incredibly supportive and helpful, and she is rotating the kids seating each week and trying to sit my daughter with kids she thinks she will like. Other than that, all I can do is show my daughter all the love and support I can and work on her confidence.
Do you have a shy child? Did they grow out of it? Let me know! I'd love to know how you handled it. It's breaking my heart to see my daughter hurt like this. I don't want her to be alone on the playground anymore.
Recently my family moved and my kids started at a new school. In no time at all, my son amassed a group of friends and settled into his new spot at their really wonderful school. He didn't even really have a period of transition. He was happy there right away, made friends and loves his teachers. He even started listening in class, which was a huge accomplishment for him. My daughter has had a completely different experience.
For a seemingly wild and happy little girl, she is very shy, when she's not at home. She clams right up, and until recently, wouldn't even order her food at a restaurant on her own. It's incredible to see the transition from the upbeat, actress, princess we have at home to the quiet girl, who keeps to herself at school. She makes for the ideal student and all of her teachers love her. She listens extremely well, answers questions when asked and does all her work happily and with great care, but she plays alone at recess. Sometimes she doesn't even play. Sometimes she just walks laps around the play park until recess is over. At what age does this become a concern?
I have tried talking to her about this. I have tried encouraging her to ask the other kids to play. She has a few times and the other kids are happy to play with her, but she doesn't seem to forge friendships, just plays with them once and then not again. On the other hand, she plays really well with her siblings...well, as well as any child can play with their siblings.
I have to admit, I'm a bit of a loner myself. I thoroughly enjoy time to myself and am very picky about who I befriend. If I can't be 100% myself with a person, I don't have room in my life for them. Life is far too short to be anything but yourself, as long as no one else gets hurt in the process.
Today, when I picked up the kids at school, my daughter ran up to me and proudly said, "Mommy, guess what?! I asked a girl to play at recess and we played...until two other girls came over and then I got left out." I don't know if she actually got left out, or fell back when more kids joined in the group. All I know is that my heart literally ached to see the sadness in her eyes.
As the school year goes on, my son gets invited to birthday parties and friends houses to play after school, and my daughter's feelings are hurt every time. Occasionally she gets invited with him, but then she gets left out because she's younger and quiet. Recently we visited family friends and their daughter was so excited to see my son and visibly less excited to see my daughter. She of course picked up on this right away, and with tears in her eyes, quietly said to me, "She doesn't seem excited to see me, Mommy". Yet another heart crushing moment.
It's amazing to me how a person could have 10 children and they would all have their very own unique personalities. I have one child who meets new people with complete ease and confidence. He has excellent manners when meeting people and is very considerate of other people's feelings. He always holds doors for people, says hi to people and compliments our server at a restaurant if they were particularly friendly and/or efficient. I guess he's sort of beyond his years in that way. Then I have a little girl who is absolutely sweet, loving, thoughtful, polite and creative, but is incredibly timid and lacks confidence when meeting new people.
For now my solution is to let her join the activities outside of school that she's interested in and hope that she finds friendship through common interests. I've already spoken to her teacher, who is incredibly supportive and helpful, and she is rotating the kids seating each week and trying to sit my daughter with kids she thinks she will like. Other than that, all I can do is show my daughter all the love and support I can and work on her confidence.
Do you have a shy child? Did they grow out of it? Let me know! I'd love to know how you handled it. It's breaking my heart to see my daughter hurt like this. I don't want her to be alone on the playground anymore.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Nova Scotia-Where common courtesies are common!
Everyday, whether I'm in Lunenburg or Halifax, people are incredibly helpful and polite. People hold the door every single time. People smile at strangers and let people with small children go first in-line at the grocery store. People help carry your things if your hands are full and would literally offer you the shirt off their back if you needed it. Random strangers pay attention to you and make you feel important. In shops, you are given their undivided attention, no matter how small or large your purchase is.
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| Lunenburg Waterfront |
When you visit Lunenburg, make sure you take time to stroll the waterfront and breathe in the salt sea air, say hello to the Bluenose II, visit the quaint shops and friendly staff, grab a coffee (or delicious hot chocolate) at Shop on the Corner and eat lunch at The Knot Pub. Save some time to take a tour of Ironworks Distillery. The knowledgeable staff will walk you through the process of distilling their tasty spirits and give you a sample taste of your choosing. If you're here on a Thursday, attend the farmers market, full of local organic farmers, bakers, that are true artists, and try a pepito (sort of a triangular croissant filled with chocolate chips and possibly a thin spread of custard). Life is simple here and truly beautiful.
Are people just more polite here or genuinely happier? I don't know the answer to that, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it's both. Waking up everyday and looking out over the water instantly puts a smile on my face. Even walking to the local post office is a joy, because I encounter so many friendly faces along the way. Store owners wave out the window as you walk by and the post office staff know everyone by name! They even have treats waiting for all the doggies who pop by!
If you have ever been lucky enough to visit Nova Scotia, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't been here yet, put it on your bucket list and make it happen!
www.novascotia.com
www.explorelunenburg.ca
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| Lunenburg Waterfront |
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| Ironworks Distillery in Lunenburg |
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| Hirtle's Beach, near Lunenburg |
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| Bluerocks Wharf |
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| Cable Ferry to the famous Lahave Bakery |
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| Arbor View Inn, Lunenburg |
Monday, February 10, 2014
To be or not to be vegetarian?
A couple of years ago, I watched numerous documentaries on animal cruelty, specifically about how cows and chickens are treated, prior to being slaughtered. I had some vague idea of what went on, but watching these films gave me a whole new perspective. So, my husband and I decided to become pescetarians. We did really well with it for roughly 6 months. When we skipped turkey at Christmas, our families knew that we were serious about our decision, but then I found out I was pregnant with our daughter...and the cravings began.
Throughout my whole pregnancy, I craved ground beef in marinara sauce. I didn't feel like it was the right time in my life to not listen to what my body wanted, so we went back to eating meat, but significantly less than before.
Now that my daughter is 1 year old, I'm starting to think about making some major dietary changes. I'm basically off dairy now, with an occasional "cheat", but I'm thinking I want to go off animal products all together. I have a really hard time believing that it is even remotely natural, healthy or morally correct to eat animals. I can't lie though, I will miss my occasional bbq burger that my husband makes me. This will give me a great excuse to experiment in the kitchen and create an amazing vegetarian burger from things like chick peas, lentils, onions and garlic. Mmmmm....
So now, I need some help. I would love it if you would tell me about your favourite vegetarian recipes. I've spent so many years planning dinners around meat, so I really need to retrain my way of thinking at meal time.
Thank you in advance for sharing!
Throughout my whole pregnancy, I craved ground beef in marinara sauce. I didn't feel like it was the right time in my life to not listen to what my body wanted, so we went back to eating meat, but significantly less than before.
Now that my daughter is 1 year old, I'm starting to think about making some major dietary changes. I'm basically off dairy now, with an occasional "cheat", but I'm thinking I want to go off animal products all together. I have a really hard time believing that it is even remotely natural, healthy or morally correct to eat animals. I can't lie though, I will miss my occasional bbq burger that my husband makes me. This will give me a great excuse to experiment in the kitchen and create an amazing vegetarian burger from things like chick peas, lentils, onions and garlic. Mmmmm....
So now, I need some help. I would love it if you would tell me about your favourite vegetarian recipes. I've spent so many years planning dinners around meat, so I really need to retrain my way of thinking at meal time.
Thank you in advance for sharing!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Surprise me
No matter what I do, or don't do, I always seem to uncover surprises my husband has planned for me. To be honest, I was pretty sure he had given up trying to do anything for me at all...
Today, while I was out checking the mail and grabbing a hot chocolate to go, I got chatting with the shop's barista and ended up telling her that I had recently moved to the area. One topic lead to another and before I knew it, she was telling me that my husband had asked her daughter to babysit for us on Valentine's. Oopsie. She felt terrible for telling me, but we had a good laugh about it.
So once again, I spoiled the surprise. I don't actively try to find things out. I certainly did as a child. I was the master at present-snooping, but as an adult, I would genuinely love a surprise once and awhile, since most days are completely routine and predictable.
I do have to quickly mention my all time favourite surprise...one that I somehow managed to not spoil. My husband and I were living in Halifax in our first apartment together. There was a knock at the door and he hollered at me to get it. When I answered, he was there with a series of bristol board messages, like the scene in Love Actually. It was completely perfect. He even tried to write in a similar way as in the movie. I loved it. Check out the actual movie scene here.
Gotta run! Time to get my daughter up from her nap, give her lunch, pick up my older two from school, make supper, bath time, read to my kids, bedtime, wash dishes, pack lunches, sleep and start it all again tomorrow.
What was the best surprise you ever received?
Today, while I was out checking the mail and grabbing a hot chocolate to go, I got chatting with the shop's barista and ended up telling her that I had recently moved to the area. One topic lead to another and before I knew it, she was telling me that my husband had asked her daughter to babysit for us on Valentine's. Oopsie. She felt terrible for telling me, but we had a good laugh about it.
So once again, I spoiled the surprise. I don't actively try to find things out. I certainly did as a child. I was the master at present-snooping, but as an adult, I would genuinely love a surprise once and awhile, since most days are completely routine and predictable.
I do have to quickly mention my all time favourite surprise...one that I somehow managed to not spoil. My husband and I were living in Halifax in our first apartment together. There was a knock at the door and he hollered at me to get it. When I answered, he was there with a series of bristol board messages, like the scene in Love Actually. It was completely perfect. He even tried to write in a similar way as in the movie. I loved it. Check out the actual movie scene here.
Gotta run! Time to get my daughter up from her nap, give her lunch, pick up my older two from school, make supper, bath time, read to my kids, bedtime, wash dishes, pack lunches, sleep and start it all again tomorrow.
What was the best surprise you ever received?
Monday, February 3, 2014
Pampers-The Superior Diaper
I was recently disgusted by the price of Pampers diapers, a necessity for my 15 month old baby girl. The amount of money I have spent on Pampers over the past 8 years would easily buy me a small car...or at minimum, a vacation some place tropical.
So, I decided to try a competitors diaper. They are significantly less money and made by a company that I have highly respected in the past. On day 1, the diaper leaked and by day 3, my daughter had developed a rash so extreme that she screamed when she sat down. It was absolutely devastating. Needless to say, I spent the small fortune it cost to return to Pampers immediately. Four days later, her little bottom is 100% cleared up and dry 100% of the time.
I sacrificed quality to save a few bucks, but I won't make that mistake twice. This other company should be so ashamed to have this completely inferior product on their shelves, and on the bottoms of their customer's children. These other diapers feel rough, thicker and I assume less comfortable. They leak with minimal usage and cause extreme diaper rash almost immediately.
I find it so upsetting that the things we 'need' in life are so over priced. The price of toilet paper, diapers, tampons and garbage bags should be regulated. These companies can charge whatever they want because we depend on their products. The prices are so exorbitant we try desperately to save money and turn to lower quality brands that simply don't do the trick. These companies have us trapped.
So, to Pampers I say; Thank you for making such superior quality diapers. Now can you please make them $10 cheaper per package so us average folks can afford them? Thanks
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Fun Food Friday
It's Fun Food Friday at our house and everyone wants Chinese food. Instead of ordering in and totally pigging out, I'm making everything from scratch and improving the recipes, to make them moderately healthier as I go.
On tonight's menu:
Fried Basmati Rice, with onions and cauliflower
Beef and Broccoli
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Sweet and Sour Chicken
If we were to order in, the portions would be enormous and I would have no control over the ingredients. Making it at home is fun for my kids, portion controlled and as previously mentioned, moderately healthier.
When you're craving something that you would usually order in, try making a healthier version at home. Take control of your cravings and allow yourself the occasional indulgence, but make it yourself.
Have a great weekend, everyone! What is your family having for supper?
On tonight's menu:
Fried Basmati Rice, with onions and cauliflower
Beef and Broccoli
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Sweet and Sour Chicken
If we were to order in, the portions would be enormous and I would have no control over the ingredients. Making it at home is fun for my kids, portion controlled and as previously mentioned, moderately healthier.
When you're craving something that you would usually order in, try making a healthier version at home. Take control of your cravings and allow yourself the occasional indulgence, but make it yourself.
Have a great weekend, everyone! What is your family having for supper?
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
It Takes Time to Build a Life
When you move to a new place, you can't expect to build a new life for yourself overnight. No matter how welcoming the neighbors are, it takes years to really create a social environment for yourself.
I never realized just exactly how many people I had gotten to know and appreciate in our last home town. The people at the grocery store knew me, and some actually cared about me and my family. My mechanic knew me and would go out of his way to get my van in at a moments notice. My pharmacist knew me and offered thoughtful advice, sometimes not even pertaining to prescriptions, etc. The school crossing guard knew us all by name, genuinely cared about us and cried when we told her we were moving. I had connections for everything and knew just who to call when my washer needed immediate attention. I miss each and every one of those people.
Now when I need something, I don't know who to call. When I grocery shop, I wander around the store quietly and nod and smile at the strangers who pass by. I miss the familiarity of our old town.
All of this said, I love our new home town. I wake up every morning and walk our nutty dog along the waterfront. There isn't a trace of snow in town and winters are much milder here. Our neighbors are wonderful and introduced themselves the very first day we arrived. I'm still not sure that our older neighbors even knew our names. Most importantly, living in our new home means that my family all lives under one roof and we have breakfast and dinner together every single day of the week. For those who know me, you will realize how huge a novelty this is for my family.
So, although I am sad to leave behind many years of my life, I am so grateful and blessed to be where I am now. Building a life takes time and I'm more than willing to put in the work.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy with Cauliflower Mashed "Potatoes"
I'm craving something meaty and hearty, on this damp day. After many suggestions from friends, I've decided to try a recipe for beef tips. The glutton in me wants to pair it with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies, but after trying cauliflower in place of rice last week, I think this is the perfect opportunity to make cauliflower in place of mashed potatoes. Sounds delish! Check it out!
Crockpot Beef Tips & Gravy
Yield: 4 servings
Yield: 4 servings
Recipe from The Country Cook
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs cubed beef (stew meat)
- 1 packet Dry Onion Soup Mix
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (although Cream of anything will work)
- 1 14 oz. can beef beef broth or stock
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
- Add beef cubes to Crockpot, season with salt & pepper.
- In bowl combine soup mix, soup & broth, stir to combine.
- Dump mixed ingredients over top of beef, stir.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours.
Whipped Cauliflower “Potatoes"
Recipe from damyhealth.com
Ingredients:
- 1 Large Head Cauliflower
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Herbs (chives work particularly well)
- Sea Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- ½ Cup Onion
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
Directions:
- Chop cauliflower into smaller chunks – about bite-size pieces works well.
- Peel garlic cloves and cut in half, lengthwise. Chop onion into slices.
- Steam cauliflower, garlic and onion for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower and garlic are tender enough for a fork to easily pass through.
- Combine steamed cauliflower, garlic, onion, olive oil, fresh herbs, pepper, and sea salt in a food processor and blend until everything comes together into a mashed potato-like consistency.
- Top with a little pepper for looks and enjoy your guilt-free whipped potatoes.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Spaghetti Squash- Easy, healthy meal and it's delicious!
This past fall, I was introduced to Spaghetti Squash. I had heard about it before, but it didn't appeal to me, so I never tried it. Then at some point I became curious and bought two big squash from a local farmer and set off to research what in the world I needed to do to make it into "spaghetti".
It couldn't be easier and I don't think enough people realize how delicious it is. It is also a significantly healthier option than a bowl of white pasta. Plus, when you finish eating it, you don't get a gluten bloat or have any regrets about your incredibly satisfying meal.
To prepare the squash:
1. Simply give the outside a good wash and cut it in half lengthwise.
2. Then remove the seeds and pulp, aka "the guts".
3. Cover a cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper, and place the two halves on the sheet, rind up.
4. Cook at 375F for 35-40 minutes.
5. Once finished cooking, carefully remove from oven and, while wearing an oven mitt, hold one half of the squash and run a fork lengthwise down the meat of the squash.This separates the squash into strands, just like spaghetti.
6. Add sauce, veggies (whatever you typically add to your spaghetti dishes) and enjoy!!!
It couldn't be easier and I don't think enough people realize how delicious it is. It is also a significantly healthier option than a bowl of white pasta. Plus, when you finish eating it, you don't get a gluten bloat or have any regrets about your incredibly satisfying meal.
To prepare the squash:
1. Simply give the outside a good wash and cut it in half lengthwise.
2. Then remove the seeds and pulp, aka "the guts".
3. Cover a cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper, and place the two halves on the sheet, rind up.
4. Cook at 375F for 35-40 minutes.
5. Once finished cooking, carefully remove from oven and, while wearing an oven mitt, hold one half of the squash and run a fork lengthwise down the meat of the squash.This separates the squash into strands, just like spaghetti.
6. Add sauce, veggies (whatever you typically add to your spaghetti dishes) and enjoy!!!
Quinoa & Cauliflower Pizza Muffins
After trying cauliflower in place of fried rice one night and then quinoa pizza muffins the next, I had a lot of good ingredients leftover to work with. So, last night I made quinoa and cauliflower pizza muffins! They stick together much better than the quinoa muffins and taste amazing.
So here is the revised recipe:
Quinoa & Cauliflower Pizza Muffins
Makes ~12 muffins
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup sauteed shredded cauliflower (cook until softened)
2 large eggs (or 3 egg whites)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (OR light cheddar OR feta)
2 large eggs (or 3 egg whites)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (OR light cheddar OR feta)
1 cup cooked extra lean hamburger
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped mushrooms
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried crushed oreganoand pizza sauce for dipping
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried crushed oreganoand pizza sauce for dipping
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add muffin cups/liners to muffin tin.
2. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Distribute mixture into muffin tin, filling each cup to the top, and press down gently to compact.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
2. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Distribute mixture into muffin tin, filling each cup to the top, and press down gently to compact.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly before eating or some may stick to the cup/liner AND they’re easier to dip once cooled.
Note: Feel free to replace 1 cup mushrooms with the veggie of your choice and/or nix the meat to make them vegetarian.
ENJOY!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Gluten-free Quinoa Pizza Muffins
In a quest to find a reasonable substitute for pizza, something gluten-free, I stumbled upon a variation of this recipe. I modify everything I make...usually a lot. I made these last night and dipped them in warm pizza sauce-delicious! Even my 1 year old will eat them!
Quinoa Pizza Muffins
Makes ~12 muffins
2 cups cooked quinoa
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (OR light cheddar OR feta)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (OR light cheddar OR feta)
1 cup chopped pepperoni OR hamburger
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped veggies (I used mushrooms and broccoli)
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried crushed oregano
and pizza sauce for dipping
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried crushed oregano
and pizza sauce for dipping
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add muffin
cups/liners to muffin tin.
2. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Distribute mixture into muffin tin, filling each cup to the top, and press down gently to compact.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Distribute mixture into muffin tin, filling each cup to the top, and press down gently to compact.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly before eating or some
may stick to the cup/liner AND they’re easier to dip once cooled.
Note: You can’t really go wrong with this
recipe. Feel free to add chopped veggies of any kind and/or nix the meat to
make them vegetarian.
The Farmer's Market
Every Thursday there is a small, but wonderful, farmer's market in Lunenburg. It is held in a gym-type space and during it's high season, is over flowing with vendors of all sorts.
When you first arrive, you are greeted by the aroma of Laughing Whale coffee brewing and the visual of bright and fresh veggies and sprouts from a local farmer. Don't risk looking to the right though. If you do, you will come head on with some of the most incredible baked goods. I am guessing the baker is Parisian...but I haven't found out his story yet. He makes breads, croissants, brioche and so much more. Today I let down my guard and bought a brioche to share with my baby girl. It was perfect.
If you continue on, you quickly encounter another incredible spread of baked goods. 'Baked goods' doesn't do these creations justice. The bread is twisted and shaped in a way that can only be called 'art'. This stand also has quiche and something like a croissant with custard and chocolate inside. They are almost too pretty to eat....almost.
There is a seafood stand, of course, a butcher of sorts, beeswax candles, beautifully dyed yarn and one of my favourite vendors-the lovely man who makes apple cider. His containers aren't labelled,so I can't even tell you his business name...but his cider is incredible. We buy the low to no sugar added cider and it is delicious. If you return his container to him, he gives you 25 cents back and seems so pleased that you would think to save the container for him. Sometimes it's the little things.
Another neat thing about this market is that it's located right next door to the primary (also known as kindergarten) to grade 9 school, Bluenose Academy. One particular teacher, who happens to be my husband, brings his French class to experience the market every week. What a wonderful thing to show these kids, some of whom would have never gone otherwise. Most of them bring a few dollars and get a brioche or a small bottle of cider and then wander around until it's time to head back to class.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around why the market is held on a Thursday morning. Despite it being a workday for many, the market is bustling. I'm sure there is a story there that I will come to learn in time.
I can't help but think I should be involved with this market in some way. I used to have a stand at the Moncton Market, where I sold things like children's hair clips, headbands and felt finger puppets. If I have an ingenious idea, I look more into it.
If you haven't checked out your local market, make a point to. There is something for everyone and by shopping there, you are helping to support the people in your community.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Cooking with Cauliflower-Part 2
I'm too amazed with the results to wait until tomorrow to tell you about it! Cauliflower, as a replacement for fried rice, is incredible! It tasted exactly like fried rice, with minimally different texture, and had the added bonus of tasting fresh and delicious! I highly recommend it!
To start, I grated the head of cauliflower on a cheese grater (I wasn't convinced that my blender/food processor would do the trick). I then heated the oil in a frying pan for 2-3 minutes and added the onion for an additional 5 minutes, before adding in the cauliflower. The cauliflower took a solid 10 minutes to soften.
Tomorrow I will try making the cauliflower pizza crust. Now that I know what cauliflower is capable of, I have full faith that the crust will be amazing!
If you missed it in my previous post, here is the recipe (www.damyhealth.com) I followed. Note: I did not end up using the salt and it didn't need it at all. The onion and olive oil provided ample flavour.
To start, I grated the head of cauliflower on a cheese grater (I wasn't convinced that my blender/food processor would do the trick). I then heated the oil in a frying pan for 2-3 minutes and added the onion for an additional 5 minutes, before adding in the cauliflower. The cauliflower took a solid 10 minutes to soften.
Tomorrow I will try making the cauliflower pizza crust. Now that I know what cauliflower is capable of, I have full faith that the crust will be amazing!
If you missed it in my previous post, here is the recipe (www.damyhealth.com) I followed. Note: I did not end up using the salt and it didn't need it at all. The onion and olive oil provided ample flavour.
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion, Diced
- 1 Head Cauliflower, trimmed and coarsely chopped
- ¼ Tsp Sea Salt
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion over medium heat for 10 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, place cauliflower in a food processor with the “S” blade and process until the texture of rice. (TIP: if you do not have a food processor do not fret, you can simply use a cheese grater to grate the cauliflower into rice. Works awesome!!
- Add cauliflower to skillet, cover and cook 5-10 minutes, until soft, then add salt.
Do you have a cauliflower recipe to share? If so, please share in the comments.
Happy cooking!
PS-I also tried making (with my husband) Quinoa PIzza Bites from www.missbefit.tv. They taste great, but could use some tweaking to help them stay together better. I'll work on them later this week and post more once I've perfected them.
PS-I also tried making (with my husband) Quinoa PIzza Bites from www.missbefit.tv. They taste great, but could use some tweaking to help them stay together better. I'll work on them later this week and post more once I've perfected them.
Cooking with Cauliflower-Part 1
One of many current trends is to use cauliflower in place of things like rice, mashed potatoes and even pizza crust. So, over the next week, I am going to try using cauliflower in these different ways and let you know how it works out. Tonight, I'll start simple and use cauliflower in place of rice in a stir fry.
Here's the recipe (from www.damyhealth.com) I'll be trying:
Ingredients:
Here's the recipe (from www.damyhealth.com) I'll be trying:
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 Medium Onion, Diced
- 1 Head Cauliflower, trimmed and coarsely chopped
- ¼ Tsp Sea Salt
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion over medium heat for 10 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, place cauliflower in a food processor with the “S” blade and process until the texture of rice. (TIP: if you do not have a food processor do not fret, you can simply use a cheese grater to grate the cauliflower into rice. Works awesome!!
- Add cauliflower to skillet, cover and cook 5-10 minutes, until soft, then add salt.
- Enjoy this “rice” in soups, as a side for supper in place of rice, or in a casserole. Serve as your “rice” side dish with chicken, or fish, veggies and a side salad for a complete meal!
I'm most interested in trying the pizza crust recipe, as pizza is my favourite guilty pleasure. What do you use for a crust replacement?
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Homemade Donairs
Yesterday, after a week of extremely clean eating, my husband and I were craving pizza or a donair. Nova Scotia happens to produce the best donairs and we live around the corner from a great little pizza/donair restaurant called J3. It seemed to be calling our name, but in an effort to stay strong, we decided to compromise. What if we made it all from scratch? That way we would have control over all of the ingredients.
So, after a little research I found a recipe (mmmisformommy.com) to make donair meat, which I altered, of course.
So, after a little research I found a recipe (mmmisformommy.com) to make donair meat, which I altered, of course.
Donair Meat
- 3.5 to 4 lbs pounds lean ground beef
- 2 tsp spelt flour
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 4.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
Combine all ingredients, either in a food processor or by kneading and smashing it on a clean surface. Separate mixture in half and form two chunky logs of meat. Bake on a cooling rack (this works great because all of the fat drains off), on top of a foil-covered cookie sheet at 325F for 1.5 hours. Once cooked, you can either slice and eat it as is (slices will be thicker) or let it cool completely first. This will make it significantly easier to have thin slices. Note: This recipes yields roughly 12 medium donairs.
For a first effort, the meat turned out really great! I should have let it cool longer, but it tasted perfect! To improve some of the other components of the meal, I replaced doughy, white pitas with thin whole wheat pita. I also replaced cow cheese with a sprinkling of goat cheese and used lots of cut up tomatoes and onions. You could also add a variety of lettuce, mushrooms or peppers. The one part, and actually the worst, where I stayed true to a "real" donair was the sauce. It is incredibly high in sugar, but the donair seemed dry without it. If you use the sauce, use it sparingly. The recipe I used was simply to combine a 300 ml can of condensed milk, 1.3 cup white vinegar and a tsp of garlic powder and refrigerate while the meat cooks. The sauce should be enough for all of the meat in the above recipe.
Sometimes it's better to give in to a craving. If you're anything like me, you'll end up eating all kinds of things while trying to avoid the craving, which usually ends up being worse than the thing you actually wanted.
Best of luck turning your unhealthy cravings into something a little healthier. I encourage you to share your ideas below!
Monday, January 6, 2014
Chia Pudding-Tastes like Rice Pudding!
Every now and then, it's nice to feel like you can have a treat. Who says it needs to be an unhealthy one? If you like rice pudding, you will LOVE this!
Chia Pudding:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
4 tbsp chia seeds
1 healthy shake of cinnamon
Pour almond milk into a jar, add chia seeds and cinnamon. Cover jar and shake well. Place in fridge overnight and the next morning.....TA DA! You have chia pudding. It's simple, quick and delicious...not to mention significantly healthier than traditional rice pudding.
Enjoy!
Chia Pudding:
2 cups unsweetened almond milk
4 tbsp chia seeds
1 healthy shake of cinnamon
Pour almond milk into a jar, add chia seeds and cinnamon. Cover jar and shake well. Place in fridge overnight and the next morning.....TA DA! You have chia pudding. It's simple, quick and delicious...not to mention significantly healthier than traditional rice pudding.
Enjoy!
Healthy Living One Day at a TIme
Why is it that I am far more inspired to lead a healthy life in Nova Scotia than I ever was in New Brunswick? I guess in a way, I always looked at New Brunswick as a pit stop, on the way back to Nova Scotia...but somehow that stop turned into seven years.
Not only am I eating healthy at every meal, I'm planning ahead to make sure I do. Last night, my husband mixed chia seeds and almond milk to have for our smoothy this morning and I cooked down spinach and froze it into ice cubes, also for our smoothy.
Smoothy Recipe: (I'm not one for recipe following...so these measurements are approximate)
1 tbsp chia seeds in 1/3 c unsweetened almond milk (left covered in fridge overnight)
2 ice cubes of cooked spinach
1/2c frozen berries
1 banana
*add additional almond milk for desired consistency
During the day today, while my kids are at school and my husband is teaching, my baby girl and I will walk to the post office, walk to the local grocery store and plan a healthy supper for our family. We'll take time to smell the roses and appreciate the simple things in life. Life felt so chaotic and uncertain before, but now everything seems clear. All of the struggles lead us to this better quality of life.
So, for now, I'm keeping it simple and working on becoming a healthier, happier version of myself. I`m not doing this because I want to be a better mom or better wife, but because I`m finally doing something for me. This is 7.5 years in the making and if I`m happier with myself, everyone around me will be happier too.
Not only am I eating healthy at every meal, I'm planning ahead to make sure I do. Last night, my husband mixed chia seeds and almond milk to have for our smoothy this morning and I cooked down spinach and froze it into ice cubes, also for our smoothy.
Smoothy Recipe: (I'm not one for recipe following...so these measurements are approximate)
1 tbsp chia seeds in 1/3 c unsweetened almond milk (left covered in fridge overnight)
2 ice cubes of cooked spinach
1/2c frozen berries
1 banana
*add additional almond milk for desired consistency
During the day today, while my kids are at school and my husband is teaching, my baby girl and I will walk to the post office, walk to the local grocery store and plan a healthy supper for our family. We'll take time to smell the roses and appreciate the simple things in life. Life felt so chaotic and uncertain before, but now everything seems clear. All of the struggles lead us to this better quality of life.
So, for now, I'm keeping it simple and working on becoming a healthier, happier version of myself. I`m not doing this because I want to be a better mom or better wife, but because I`m finally doing something for me. This is 7.5 years in the making and if I`m happier with myself, everyone around me will be happier too.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Life in Lunenburg
Good morning, world! This will be my first official post from Lunenburg, NS. Before I get into the nutrition portion of this post, I want to give you a little background on my new home.
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The downtown centre is full of character and old wooden buildings that have remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century. What is of even more interest, in the world of health and wellness, is that Lunenburg is almost considered a "Blue Zone", due to the high number of centenarians (a person who lives to be over 100 years) in the area. The exact scientific explanation for this is unknown, but I'm sure it is a combination of things, such as the inclines on the streets walked, the year round access to fresh fish, less stressful environment, strong sense of community and most importantly the fresh air. It also doesn't hurt, with the exception of Subway, that there aren't any fast food restaurants in a 20 km radius.
Despite having full-time employment, the towns people come out in great number to attend the Thursday morning market,where you become acutely aware of the high number of health conscious people in the area. Fresh sprouts, farm-fresh vegetables, homemade granola, fresh-pressed apple cider, beeswax candles, organic teas and hearty baked breads are among the many tempting items available. Knit items are a plenty, both on the shoppers and for purchase. Babies, as new as one week old, are worn in slings by the market vendors. The importance of family is clear at the market.
Since moving here, almost three weeks ago, the desire to get back into shape, both mentally and physically, has been strong. I start my day by walking our family dog along the beautiful waterfront. I return home and make a healthy breakfast (this morning I had an omelette of two eggs, spinach, mushrooms, sprouts and a sprinkle of goat cheese). I then unpack, or yesterday I shoveled snow for an hour, and make lunch (arugula salad with apple, almonds, sprouts, a sprinkle of goat cheese, a few dried cranberries and homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic and garlic). I sometimes have another walk, either with our dog, or with my kids to the one of many great little shops. For supper, we might have lentil soup or salmon, veggies and a delicious treat of baked potato. It's a much more simple life here, but it's a great one.
Someday, I will return to the workforce, but for now, I am lucky enough to spend the mornings with my baby girl and the afternoon and evenings with my two older children and my husband. For those of you who have read my posts in the past, you will know that my husband moved here four months before us, while we waited for our home to sell in New Brunswick. I stayed behind with our three kids and really let go of my eating and physical activity, partly by unconscious choice and partly because I was raising my kids alone and simply had limited time to myself.
So here's to new beginnings! May 2014 bring your peace, health and happiness!
Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The downtown centre is full of character and old wooden buildings that have remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century. What is of even more interest, in the world of health and wellness, is that Lunenburg is almost considered a "Blue Zone", due to the high number of centenarians (a person who lives to be over 100 years) in the area. The exact scientific explanation for this is unknown, but I'm sure it is a combination of things, such as the inclines on the streets walked, the year round access to fresh fish, less stressful environment, strong sense of community and most importantly the fresh air. It also doesn't hurt, with the exception of Subway, that there aren't any fast food restaurants in a 20 km radius.
Despite having full-time employment, the towns people come out in great number to attend the Thursday morning market,where you become acutely aware of the high number of health conscious people in the area. Fresh sprouts, farm-fresh vegetables, homemade granola, fresh-pressed apple cider, beeswax candles, organic teas and hearty baked breads are among the many tempting items available. Knit items are a plenty, both on the shoppers and for purchase. Babies, as new as one week old, are worn in slings by the market vendors. The importance of family is clear at the market.
Since moving here, almost three weeks ago, the desire to get back into shape, both mentally and physically, has been strong. I start my day by walking our family dog along the beautiful waterfront. I return home and make a healthy breakfast (this morning I had an omelette of two eggs, spinach, mushrooms, sprouts and a sprinkle of goat cheese). I then unpack, or yesterday I shoveled snow for an hour, and make lunch (arugula salad with apple, almonds, sprouts, a sprinkle of goat cheese, a few dried cranberries and homemade dressing of olive oil, balsamic and garlic). I sometimes have another walk, either with our dog, or with my kids to the one of many great little shops. For supper, we might have lentil soup or salmon, veggies and a delicious treat of baked potato. It's a much more simple life here, but it's a great one.
Someday, I will return to the workforce, but for now, I am lucky enough to spend the mornings with my baby girl and the afternoon and evenings with my two older children and my husband. For those of you who have read my posts in the past, you will know that my husband moved here four months before us, while we waited for our home to sell in New Brunswick. I stayed behind with our three kids and really let go of my eating and physical activity, partly by unconscious choice and partly because I was raising my kids alone and simply had limited time to myself.
So here's to new beginnings! May 2014 bring your peace, health and happiness!
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