slowing down time

Every once in a while, I discover something that inspires or triggers creativity...something that brings out the inner "Spielberg" or "Martha" in me.

Last year it was iMovie.  After creating a little video for my husband's birthday, I found that I love stringing together pictures and video set to music, bringing out the former film director/producer in me.

I remember during film school, we had to edit by carefully cutting each film strip to create a scene.  Stringing images together with the sound strip (which in itself, was an arduous task as you would have to lip read to ensure that everything was in sync).  iMovie has changed that (for me anyhow), and assembling videos takes 1/3 of the time.

Well, this summer I discovered a new iphone app that has stirred that fun creative side in me again.  It's a really easy app called SloPro. Consider it as a special effects app.  After taking video (it's best to use it for action type footage), you can manipulate it to slow down key highlights of the scene...essentially it's a slow motion app.

We started to test this app with a simple action like jumping in the backyard.  

Then the kids had a great idea of doing it at the pool, using the slow motion effect on their cannonball dives in mid-air and immersing into the water.  

Here's TheB's dive...

And here's TheG's dive...

What I loved about this was the twinkle in the eye of the kids when I showed them this.  And the kicker...it only took about 5 minutes to do each of these videos!  Oh the possibilities..."We can do this in the winter when we ski/snowboard!  We can 'slow mo' some bike tricks when we're on the trails!  We can film Grandma and Grandpa blowing out candles at their birthday!"  

I think we should film their Dad golfing...and help him analyze his swing ;)

Anyway, 16 videos and 2 days later...we're were still playing and tinkering with this new app (free on iTunes...you can pay for the pro version which gives you more flexibility in terms of posting the video).  

Loads of fun...and a great way to slow down time.

red sky at night

What is the secret to a long and successful marriage?

For my in-laws 50th anniversary, my husband was the Master of Ceremonies for their anniversary dinner, and spoke of what made his parents marriage last for so long.  While he was working on his speech, it made me do some thinking about what the real secret is.  

As I was watching my in laws greet their guests, everything so carefully orchestrated and in its place, I noticed that there was this kind of dance between them.  It was almost like they've done this routine a million times before.  Each knew which step they were supposed to take, trusted their partner with their laid out plans, and for the most part, they stuck with them.  If their plans for some reason deviates, they've prepared enough to be flexible and adapt (well, one of them at least), so they have a "new plan" in place.

Being raised in the country, both of them learned to understand natures' cues...nature's way of telling you the plans for the day, as dictated by the weather.  I've heard many sayings from them..."April showers bring May flowers". "Rain before seven, sun by eleven". "Red sky at night, sailor's delight, but red sky in the morning, sailor's warning".

I think that's how they've lived in their marriage...letting nature take its course, really listening and observing not just to each other, but to what's around them and always preparing themselves for storms or bumper crops...always prepared.  There was always a routine.  They always paid their bills on time.  Meals were had at set times throughout the day.  Bedtime remained relatively the same every night.  And nothing was taken for granted. 


Although I like to throw caution in the wind occasionally, and try something new and exciting, there is something to be said about routine.  Something comforting...like a favourite family recipe, there are no surprises...just the trust of knowing exactly what kind of warmth and comfort that will greet you when you savour your first bite.


The same thing, I guess, can be said about marriage.  That although there will be storms, bumper crops (of either children or wealth), or deviations on the journey, sometimes routine is comforting.  Knowing that no matter what battles there are out in the real world, when you come home, you know the warmth waiting for you.

One night before the anniversary dinner, the sky was as red as can be.  And there was no question, what kind of day was planned for us the next day.  We knew it would be sunny and bright...and filled with delight.  


And it was.

Our  Family Favourite 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup organic cane sugar 
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 
• Mash bananas.
• Add oil, egg and vanilla.  Stir.
• Add sugar, baking soda and salt, until mixed.
• Add the flour and mix well.
• Fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
• Pour mixture into a greased 4x8 inch loaf pan. 
• Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hour. 
• Let cool on rack.

Slice, serve and enjoy.  

northern dreams

It's that time of year again...where we start heading north to enjoy nature...camping trips and visits to the in-laws cottage. 

It's also that time when I start renovating and designing...in my head at least.  I begin looking at available real estate listings of waterfront properties (very few and far between in our price range), and start decorating. My imagination usually runs wild... "If I just paint that white, or add a bunkie there..." as I fantasize of the kids playing in the water, and sun and sand inspired parties with family and friends.

The most fun part of dreaming about recreational homes, is looking at ones that are out there right now and imagining how to personalize it.  Something that represents a sophisticated point in time where you can enjoy nature and life.  A place where you can enjoy the elements of all seasons...water and snow.  I see so many designs that speak to me...appealing to my classic and sophisticated aesthetic, but comfortable and "rugged" enough to take all the skis, boots, dirt bikes, canoes and equipment that is required in a recreational home.

I stumbled upon this beautiful place.  It has a mini golf course for putting practice (for the avid golfers in the house). It also has a fresh beach feel to it...a place where you can imagine leaving flip flops and beach towels by the door. Enjoying the sand.

The wide planked floors are solid, strong, beautiful against the stone beams, and the beamed ceilings.

In the kitchen, you can see an island where you can casually entertain...the bar stools remind me of an old english pub where friends meet and everyone knows your name.  

Just beside the kitchen, you can see the dining room...a little beach inspired, with a clean aesthetic and sophisticated elements for more formal occasions.  But the rustic table suggests that formal entertaining doesn't necessarily mean stuffy...guests can be refined and sophisticated while still feeling comfortable in sandals.

Antiqued wood, seagrass elements and colour schemes suggest warmth...a place for active winter guests.

 And beautiful bright, light filled rooms with views of the water and summer breezes.

The interior designer/architect firm, Jauregui Architects designed this beautiful place.  They've appropriately called this place "Hill Country Modern".  It's a little country.  A little modern.  

It's really...simply beautiful.

{ Photo source for all pictures (except the 1st picture of the water dock):  Jauregui Architects}

strength and independence

Today is a day I'm thinking of a friend who's son is moving to another country to live with his father.  It's a heartbreaking situation, and she is working towards keeping it together for her young daughter who is still living with her.

There are other sad stories I've heard lately...just this past weekend, a teenaged girl was killed in a car accident as she and her group of friends were on their way home from their weekend getaway...a post-graduation celebration.

And a good friend of my in-laws was just diagnosed with colon cancer.  

I think of how quickly life can turn in a different direction in an instant, and how small we humans really are in the grande scheme of things.  Today, there will be an announcement of the "God particle", which is thought to have answers to understanding mass and order to the universe.

Although that is an amazing scientific discovery, I think this week, all three families above will be seeking different answers.  All three situations above are vastly different, but there is an underlying notion that the loved ones left behind are trying to seeking answers of strength.  That they are now wondering what independence will entail.  How to fight to keep your loved ones with you, or cope with worry or sadness when they are no longer there.

So, it is fitting that this week, with Canada Day on July 1 and Independence Day (in the US) on July 4, that we think of all those who are struggling with independence.  Those who seek jobs so their family can be financially independent.  Those who seek medical solutions so they can be physically independent.  Or those who just need support...to help them find strength and spiritual independence.

There is light at the end of the tunnel...and I hope they find the path to peace and happiness.

bitter sweet

Twice a year, I get that bitter sweet feeling.  I usually get this feeling at the beginning of summer...and at the end of it.


When I wrote this, I was sitting by an open window…and feel the cool breeze of the early dusk begin.  There is a distinctive smell and sound.  The street is fairly silent…a few pleading bursts from children asking to stay up just a little bit longer, as they reluctantly head to bed before the last day of school.


The temperature in the air is cool with a warm undertone which is relatively the same temperature at both bookends of the summer.  Cooled evenings as a reprieve from a long hot day. It’s also that feeling of calm (before the storm?)

Both the beginning and end of summer marks an unusually reflective time for me.  At the beginning of the summer, I usually reflect on the past school year, and wish it would stay the same for just a little longer.  Especially if the kids had a good year…and both of them did!  Amazing friends to play with, wonderful doting teachers and a good mix of academic and social accomplishments.  I don’t want things to change, and deep down, I want to keep things status quo.  


Maybe this marks another stepping stone towards become adults.  This is the bitter sweet end of the school year for me.  As much as I look forward to the lazy days eating ice cream and enjoying the laughter and bliss with my children, part of me doesn't want to rock the boat, as they thrive in their routine.  Will they like their teacher next year?  Will their friends be in the same class?  Will they feel the same sense of accomplishment or would they be frustrated with the ever so increasing difficulty of the academic requirements as they go up one more grade?

At the end of summer, I usually reflect on times spent as a family.  Did we make it to that park?  Did we set out to see everything that summer has to offer?  Did they enjoy their time with me?  Did we waste the summer away, or did we make the summer memorable?  Did they learn anything...not in an academic way, but in a more important way...did they learn any new life lessons?


I guess I will have to brave forward and find out...that's what parenting is all about... learning to navigate the bitter and the sweet, and to find a happy balance between both.

Sweet Tarts
(adapted from Anna Olson's Raisin Butter Tarts)

I love the mix of the tartness of the raisins, the sweetness of the sugar filling and the buttery pastry.  A wonderful balance of textures and flavours...this is apparently Anna Olson's (celebrity pastry chef) signature dish.

Ingredients:

Pastry:

• 21⁄3 cup (575 mL) all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp (20mL) organic sugar
• 1 tsp (5mL) salt
• 1/2 cup (125mL) unsalted butter (Anna Olson used 1 cup of butter, but I like to add vegetable shortening to make the crust more flaky in texture).
• 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
• 2 Tbsp (30mL) cold water
• (The original recipe calls for 1 egg...I omitted the egg and didn't find a major difference).

Filling:

• 3⁄4 cup (175 mL) dark brown sugar, packed
• 3⁄4 cup (175 mL) corn syrup
• 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp (5mL) white vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) organic Thompson raisins

Directions:

• Combine flour, sugar and salt. 
• Cut butter and shortening into small pieces and add to flour, mixing until dough is a rough, crumbly texture. 
• Slowly add water, mixing until dough comes together. 
• Shape dough into 2 logs, wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. 
• Lightly dust a work surface with flour and unwrap pastry logs. 
• Slice each log into six pieces. 
• Roll each piece to about 1⁄4 inch thickness and line each muffin cup (I use either a fork or my fingers to create a ruffled pastry edge).
• Chill lined muffin tin while preparing filling.
• Whisk sugar, corn syrup and butter in a bowl by hand until combined. 
• Whisk in eggs, then vinegar and vanilla. 
• Sprinkle a few raisins in the bottom of each muffin cup and pour filling over the raisins. 
• Bake tarts for 5 minutes, then reduce oven to 375 °F (180 °C) and continue baking until butter tart filling starts to done, about 20 more minutes. 
• Cool tarts in the tin and chill before removing, but serve and store at room temperature.

Serves 12.


Enjoy.

dole it out

It's funny how sometimes when you witness something, how a flood of emotions are triggered, bringing back a moment of time in the past.  


Yesterday I saw a video of an elderly woman, a school bus monitor, being bullied (outright, harassed!) by elementary school children.  Yes, elementary school (12 and 13 year olds, not high school).  I'm not sure if I am more naively shocked at the language that these children used or the fact that they could be so brazenly cruel to an elderly person. (the video is here...warning, it is quite disturbing) 


This video brought me back to a time when I was in elementary school, when I was taunted  because of my ethnicity.  I remember one incident that haunts me, still today, when a boy who was a couple of years older than me decided to use my head as a punching bag, when I sat in front of him on the school bus. 


I can't help but wonder how one childhood moment can shape (or scar) the way I feel about certain things with my children today.  Although my children do not take the school bus (for logistical reasons), I think deep down inside I was secretly glad that they were out of the boundaries for school busing.  I always imagined that what happened to me would happen to them.  


Conversely, I try to ensure that my own children are conscientious of other children in their classroom, ensuring that they are sensitive to the differences of others, and to respect those differences.  I try to model respectful behaviour, and never ever tolerate spiteful and cruel behaviour.  


I don't know if children in today's society are really taught that.  With the feeling of entitlement, along with the technological abilities to humiliate someone at such a broad scale, I think now more than ever, as parents we need to really teach the youth of today that you treat others how you want to be treated, whether it's online, or in person. That those actions can haunt you or someone else for the rest of their lives (and haunt you years later if it's on the internet). 


I'm still trying to navigate the "right" way to teach my children about society and relationships with others...I sometimes find myself trying to figure that out myself!  However, one thing for sure, I will make sure they learn that if you spew garbage, that you will get garbage in return.   If you behave respectfully and honourably, you will be treated that same way.  If you're going to dole it out, you better accept the same in return.


Hopefully, with the heat in these first few days of summer, I hope this season, the only thing I have to worry about them doling out, is a cold treat like this.   

Pineapple Dole Whip

(adapted from Group Recipes)

This turned out more like a cross between ice cream and sorbet.  The taste was very similar to the original Pineapple Dole Whip (at Disney) but the texture was a little more icy.  An ice cream maker would definitely make this more creamy.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of finely chopped pineapple and 2 tbsp. of pineapple juice (or two 20oz cans of DOLE crushed pineapple) 
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup organic sugar (powdered/icing sugar would do well too).
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Directions:

• Dice fresh or drain canned pineapple: reserve 2 tbsp. juice. Set aside.
• Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender (or use an immersion blender), and blend until smooth.
• Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags. 
• Store bags flat in freezer. 
• Freeze 1 1/2 hours or until slushy.
• Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended in large bowl.
• Return into the ziplock bag and place in the freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour.
• Cut one corner of the ziplock bag, and "pipe" the frozen treat into bowls, for that "swirl" effect.

Serve

happy father's day

It's funny how sometimes certain "Hallmark holidays" can bring the craziness out of people.  Rushing around to get gifts, cards and organizing to get together to celebrate a "holiday".

I'd like to think of Father's day as something more than celebrating the role of being a father.  Everyone's definition of a father's role is different, although strangely enough, all the father's day cards have things like golf, sports, bbq's and sailboats (how many men sail?) that are supposed to represent what being a father is really like.

{source}

For my husband, I'd like to see a card that takes us back to the feeling of when we first found out we were going to be parents.  The anticipation.  The unknown.  The strangely existential feeling that we're never going to be alone anymore....whether the kids are in the house, or in our heart when they "fly the coup".  The sheer joy.

The life altering moment when our children first arrived...part adrenlinen, part euphoria...that complete feeling of exhaustion, but at the same time, the feeling of not wanting to go to sleep.  To capture every moment.  To reassure that everything is and will be, alright.  To hold on to our children tight, forever.

I know those sentiments are often found in Mother's Day cards...I know though, that a lot of Dad's feel the same way too.  I've often used photographs instead of cards (or gift card holders as shown here), to evoke those emotions.  So, to my husband, this is a kiss from one of our kids....

...and to all the Dads out there, this Sunday have a...

Happy Father's Day!

exercising my options

In New York, Mayor Bloomberg is currently trying to pass a by-law that prohibits the sale of sugary drinks (like pop, sports drinks, sweetened tea or coffee) in large cups or containers (more than 16 fluid ounces).  Public health officials applaud his move as a step towards fighting obesity, while the general public appears conflicted with allowing the government to choose what they are allowed to consume.


I'm not sure if banning sugary drinks is a solution to obesity.  I often think, especially in our economic state, that our decisions are greatly influenced with price and greed.  When someone purchases a 32 ounce soda, I question whether they were truly motivated by how thirsty they were, or if their purchase was more motivated with the logic "Look at how much you can get for so little!"


It's really about moderation.  And it's difficult to practise moderation when your choices are so limited and the cheap prices are so tempting.  At the movie concession stand, why is a 32 ounce soda cheaper than a bottle of water? Why are there a dozen variations of candy and fried foods, but only one or two options of healthy choices , if any.

Wouldn't it be nice to have, now and then, an alternative?  When we go to the movies, I often try to sneak in healthier snack options, like oatmeal raisin cookies or banana bread (shh...don't tell!).   When I bake my own snacks, I have the ability to choose the amount of sugar and salt that goes into my food, and can add healthier ingredients.  I think the biggest problem, especially when you go to a venue like the movies, is that there are so many options for junk food, but such little, pricier options for healthy foods, and sometimes we can forget that although it may appear cheaper to pay for the oversized soft drink now, in the long run, what price do you really pay (with your body) when you drink a 32 ounce soft drink?


Maybe instead of a ban on sugary foods and drinks, how about regulating the price of healthy ones?  Lowering the price of healthy, organic foods, while implementing a health and education tax on items with artificial ingredients (MSG, nitrates, dyes), or contain an excess of 2% of the daily intake of salt and sugar, so food producers don't find it economical to mass produce inferior quality foods.   Maybe that health tax would pay for the damage you put into your body every time you eat nitrate-filled, cancer inducing foods, and the education tax could go towards educating proper nutrition in schools.  And the freedom of choice is still intact...you still want it,  you can pay for it.  


Healthy food should be more affordable and accessible.  Think of it...what would happen if there was a price reversal at the movie concession stand? Charge $1 for a 16 oz bottle of water and $3.99 for a 32 ounce soda.   I wonder what people will order then?  Until that happens, I think I will continue to sneak in some healthier options, like these oatmeal raisin cookies.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
(makes approx. 24 cookies)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup raisins

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and raisins. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. Do not overbake.
• Cool for 2 minutes and store in airtight container.

Enjoy.

saying yes to me

I overheard the other day, someone talking about boundaries.  That sometimes we are so inundated with requests...to volunteer, to help, to give opinion or to just DO...that we can get so caught up with other people's needs that we don't have time to take care of our own.

I love this quote:  "Sometimes saying 'no' to someone else means saying 'yes' to me".

I like that...although it's easier said than done.  When I hear the phrase "take care of yourself first", I often think of the speech that I listen to on the plane...you know, the one where the flight attendant explains the emergency instructions.  They always say that even if you're travelling with dependants, make sure you put the oxygen mask on yourself first, before you put it on those that depend on you.

As a mother, that honestly freaks me out!  Instinctually, I would put the mask on my kids before me.  Ensuring their safety first.  But the airline attendant's explanation is this...in order for me to help them, I must be able to function myself (i.e put the mask on) before I can do that.  

Well, unlikely emergencies aside, I'm starting to learn to feel comfortable with saying 'no' to others.  With all the general obligations that life asks us to uphold, it's become too easy to forget to stop and enjoy the simple things.  And really savour it.  Like the smell of that first cup of coffee in the morning.  Or the sweet feeling of a cookie melt in your mouth...

I'd like to reintroduce a new definition of R&R for this summer.  Yes, it will still mean rest and relaxation, but I think it should also mean reflect and realign.  


To look back and understand the why we do the things that we do. To refresh ourselves so we can be more efficient with when we say "yes", and de-clutter our obligations so we can be healthy enough, physically and mentally to take to task, only the things that have true meaning.


I'm not exactly sure what will change after we have some R&R this summer, but one thing is for sure...I'll stop and smell the coffee, and enjoy saying yes (at least once) to my favourite shortbread cookies.

Easy Shortbread with Chocolate Chunks

Makes 4 dozen/48 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 3 ½ cups flour
• ½ cup cornstartch
• 1 bars (about 100g) Toberone Swiss Milk, chopped (or organic Belgium chocolate)
• 3 tbsp, sifted icing sugar, optional

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350degrees
• Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
• Add cornstarch then flour and mix, beating until well blended.
• Stir in chocolate.
• Place 1 tbsp. balls on cookie sheet/silpat, about 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes inti lightly browned.
• Cool 5 minutes, then sprinkle with icing sugar.

Enjoy!

coffee cake

Growing up, I remember my brother and I visiting our cousins, and my Mom and her sister would always make a particular treat for the nieces and nephews to trade.

My Mom would make a coffee cake and my aunt would make Chinese dumplings.  Both were very good, and we would eat the dumplings on the car ride home as my cousins would devour the coffee cake my Mom would make.  We were recently at one of my cousin's engagement party, and when I saw my aunt, I could almost taste the dumplings she would make.  Almost pavlovian, isn't it?

I never quite understood the name "coffee cake"...it doesn't necessarily have coffee in it.  But I guess the premise of having coffee cake is to have it with...coffee.  This isn't my Mom's recipe (I would have to give up my first born for that one!)...here's a similar cake that I like to use.  It travels well, and can be served with coffee or tea...or just devoured in the backseat of the car, on your way home from visiting friends or family.

Simple Coffee Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp. melted butter
• 1/2 cup milk.

Crumble Topping (optional)

• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed.

Mix the sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon, with a fork (I like using a pastry blender), until it resembles a crumb like mixture.

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
• Mix dry ingredients together.
• Mix the egg, milk and melted butter, then add to the dry ingredients.
• Pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan.  
• Top with the crumble mixture. (optional)
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Serve.