going the extra mile

One of my favourite family activities is to go for a family walk: on the trails, to the dog park or just around the cottage.  Not only does it give us the opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying our natural surroundings and breathe the fresh air, we’re not running from place to place…slowing down enough to connect with the kids.  Our walks gives us time with no pressure or restrictions, so we can talk to each other about anything, both big and small. Whether we’re observing how the seasons change around us, or confiding our big aspirations of making the world a better place, with our own dreams and visions.

According to a national opinion poll, conducted by the SickKids Foundation, 73% of Canadians believe that children’s lifestyles are not as healthy today as compared to their own youth.

I’m probably part of that statistic. As it becomes more and more difficult to compete with digital distractions, sometimes I find as parents, we have to go that extra mile to find opportunities that allow us to just be with each other…time to talk, observe and participate in something healthy together, both physically and mentally.

Last September, our family participated in a unique fundraising event that encouraged all ages to participate in (what is normally reserved for adults) a family type “walk-a-thon”. The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk to benefit SickKids was an amazing opportunity to take part in a family adventure that not only fed our body…but also fed our soul.

Looking back at that day, not only did my husband and I show a good example of challenging ourselves physically to participate in the full 20km walk (which was not mandatory…you can choose to do 5 or 10kms or complete the whole 20km route), the kids learned that it helps our spirit by helping others…by supporting SickKids and helping improve the health of children nationwide. Knowing we were helping others gave them the determination to keep walking to reach the finish line.

Although we were part of a team of families who worked together to raise money for this cause, we felt like were a part of a larger family consisting of thousands of walkers who were united for a common goal. Everyone cheered each other on, especially during that last final stretch of the route.  Cars that drove by honked in support. There were perfectly thought-out, family friendly stops along the route: fun-filled “campsites” that either entertained the kids with games and activities (where they earned badges for each activity they participated in), or provided a reprieve (for the adults)…a little break to nourish with food, drink or rest.

$1.3 million dollars was raised.  After crossing the finish line, not only did the kids feel accomplished achieving their own physical fitness goals (completing the 20km walk), they also felt rewarded, knowing that their contributions really made a difference.

My kids learned that although the journey may sometimes be long and difficult, nothing beats that great feeling when you stay determined to reach your goals, because you will get to your destination if you keep moving forward…and go that extra mile.

This September 27, 2014, join The Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk to benefit SickKids.  Register at www.WalkforSickKids.ca as an individual participant or as part of a team and all your fundraising efforts will go to support The Hospital for Sick Children.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WalkforSickKids
Twitter: @WalkforSickKids
Hashtag: #WalkforSickKids

{Disclaimer} This post was brought to you by The SickKids Foundation, however the opinions and images are my own. For more information please visit www.walkforsickkids.ca.

d is for dad

I love to watch my kids with their Dad.  He has such amazing grace and ease with them, and their relationship is filled with love, laughter and giggles.

It goes without saying that my husband plays such a huge role in our children's lives, and I see a lot of his special qualities in our kids:  leadership, intelligence, kindness and understanding.  

One of his favourite Father's Day gift from the kids was a "secret" year-long project (we dubbed it "project D") that the kids concocted last year...something special that showed how they cherish him, not just on Father's Day, birthdays or other special occasions...but every day, every season, all year long.

When he opened the framed photo, he cherished knowing we were dedicated to complete our "project" for him, wherever we were together as a family. Whether we were on our family vacation on the beach...

...or after a day of skiing together...

...or just hanging out in our backyard...

...we cherished our time together.  I think their Father's Day gift was worth a thousand words.

Happy Father's Day!

six degrees of bacon

As vast and wide our world is, I am continually awestruck with how connected we really can be. I truly believe there really is "six degrees of separation"...that two people at opposite ends of this earth can be somehow be six or fewer acquaintances apart from each other.

Obviously with social media and it's "domino chain" effect, it's easier to "meet" people through common links on Facebook, Twitter or even Pinterest.  But I think good old fashioned travel and the ability to make fast friends, especially when crossing paths with other travellers with similar (or even polar opposite) views...can help us expand our knowledge of the global world, feeling just a little more connected, and accepting of others.

Sometimes there have been moments while watching a movie, when I'd recollect working with the person on the screen, or recall stories I've heard from others who've worked with that very person.  We used to play "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" on set, and oddly enough, I'd come fairly close to winning (I'm only 3 degrees away).

It's such a funny game, but it demonstrates how we really have the ability to be connected to someone out there, some how, through the relationships we have currently...or had in the past.  

These connections whether brief or long term are just part of the path to finding out who we are.   I believe there is a reason certain people are placed in our lives, and these chance meetings, more than we will ever know, have long term effects down the road. Some people challenge us to rise to the occasion.  Others are there to support and guide.  And a select few are there to give infinite and unconditional love.

This Father's Day, I hope my husband (and all the Dads in our lives) relish the day, acknowledging their role in raising amazing children who challenge, as well as guide us, to be better parents.  And I will cherish my husband's role in our life story together, giving and receiving everlasting unconditional love to me and our kids and guiding all those who know him, whether directly or six degrees away from him...to rise to the occasion and be a better person.

To all the Dads this weekend,

Happy Father's Day!

Bacon Sausage Pasta

Serves 6-8

Although our kids have really great, diverse tastes and have a international palate, one of their favourite foods is a breakfast one...specifically bacon (although sausage runs a very close second). This dish uses up left over (if we ever have any!) bacon and sausages used at breakfast or lunch.  Perfect to go with pasta and make a quick meal for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 450g penne pasta
• 6 Breakfast Sausages (or Italian Sausages of your choice), sliced.
• 6 Slices of Bacon, cut into 1" pieces
• 750 ml of tomato sauce (or 300ml cream plus ½ cup of water, if you're doing a cream sauce)
• ½ cup of parmesan
• ¼ tsp. dried parsley (¼ cup fresh)

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to the package.
• In a sauce pan, cook onions and garlic with 1 tbsp of butter or olive oil, until tender.
• Add cooked sausages and bacon from breakfast. (if you didn't make this for breakfast, then cook the meat first, then add the onions and garlic to the meat). 
• Add the tomato sauce and parsley.
• Bring to boil, reduce and simmer for 5 minutes
• Add ½ cup parmesan
• Toss the sauce with the pasta.

Serve topped with more parmesan.

Enjoy!

the comfort score

Competition is a funny thing.  For some, it's a driving factor to succeed, no matter where you're positioned within the game. For others, it's a validation of your greatness...or weakness.

Our son recently competed at the regional level for track and field.  Although he performed very well for his first event, he strived to exceed his own personal record set during the qualifying rounds at school, and was disappointed.  As much as it would have made ME feel better to wrap my arms around him with reassurance, instead we gave him space and freedom to be consoled by his amazing group of buddies, whom with their support, gave him just the amount of encouragement he needed to re-group, bringing his determination back to excel on the next round of competition.  It also gave him the gratitude of having such friends by his side, and in turn, he became their biggest supporter during their events.

Although individually, each of these boys can be competitive and strive for excellence, witnessing their camaraderie on track and field day to me, validated their greatness not in the sport itself, but their sportsmanship.

As we wind down during the final weeks of school, it feels like we need just a little more encouragement to complete final assignments and tests that seem to compete with the lure of warm weather and summer vacations looming around the corner.  After a year's worth of work, it's like the last leg of the race when you feel like you're starting to lose steam but can see the finish line right in front of you.  Once the kids cross the finish line, I hope they don't just reflect on their academic achievements, but take comfort knowing that they achieved far more personal accomplishments with their friendships than any score could ever give.

Potato Leek with Cod Chowder

Adapted from Epicurious

Makes 4-6 full servings

Nothing beats fresh corn and seafood in the summer.  Although most people think of chowders as comfort food during cold weather climates, this chowder is surprisingly fresh...perfect for cool summer evenings.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, sliced.
• 2 tbsp of butter (instead of using bacon fat to cook leek)
• 1 large leek, whites and greens separated 
• 2 cloves (teaspoons) finely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
• 4 cups milk (2%...I used 3% homogenized)
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (I used organic low sodium chicken stock)
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme (or 2 tsp. dried)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½  pound cod, skin removed, cubed (I used 400g package of frozen Wild Pacific Cod Fillets)
• 2 1/2 cups cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (or one 12oz can of peaches and cream corn--omit salt if using canned corn as it already has a high sodium content)

Preparation

• While dicing potatoes and leeks, cook bacon in a cast iron skillet in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. (or brown over medium heat until crisp, 6 minutes on the stovetop)
• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate; slice. 
• In a large stock pot, sauté leek and garlic (white part) for 2 minutes with butter until softened.
• Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. 
• Stir in potatoes, milk, broth, thyme, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. 
• Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes. 
• Stir in fish, corn and bacon; simmer 10 minutes or until fish is cooked and flakes.
• Garnish with extra bacon or chopped scallion.

Serve.

little miss sunshine

"It looks like our tree just dyed it's hair pink last night!"

Our daughter has the funniest way of looking at things.  Her imagination is so vivid that often we feel like we're cartoon characters living out a fantasy script.  

Every year for a brief week or so, our cherry blossom tree suddenly blooms almost overnight to this vibrantly pink hue. Then the pretty pink petals make a mess are blown in the wind as a sign that warm weather has finally arrived. It's amazing how time flies...it was only ten weeks ago when this tree was snow covered during March Break.

Shortly after March Break, we received a wonderful package of non-toxic nail polish from Suncoat to review, and inspired by nature's beauty, our daughter finally wanted to try out the pink nail polish this past weekend.

I think her initial hesitation came from her experience with "makeup" when she had the princess makeover at Disney.  Although she enjoys all the whimsical magic of playing dress up, she really is true to who she is and would rather wear a superhero costume accessorized with sparkles in her hair and cool nail polish, instead of being just a princess.

One of the few cosmetic related products that she is willing to try (and that I will allow at her young age) is nail polish.  Nail polish doesn't "transform" or "makeover" her existing, beautifully natural look and is not a lot different than putting on a bracelet or hair clip...it's an accessory that highlights and compliments your beauty. However, finding nail polish that is safe and non toxic was a task in itself.

Knowing what dangerous chemicals are in regular nail polish, not only was my daughter thrilled that there were no strong scents (that have turned her off in the past), but I finally felt comfortable letting her wear it, knowing that Suncoat (Girl) natural nail polish is water-based, odourless, 100% VOC free (chemical solvent free: no toluene, formaldehyde, phthalate plasticizer, acetates, alcohol, acetone) and peels off when ready.  (which is great for travel...no remover is needed). Eco-friendly and not tested on animals too!

I always tell her that she is beautiful on the inside, so it's best to not mask that with unnatural makeup, and just let the natural shine of her still come through. After she put on the Suncoat nail polish, she smiled and modelled her pink nails in front of our window overlooking our pink tree.

The sun shined brightly that afternoon, showing the beautiful pink hues of our tree...

...and showing the natural beauty of our little girl.




{Disclaimer} Thank you to Suncoat Girl for providing the nail polishes for review. Opinions and images are my own. For more information please visit http://suncoatproducts.com.

recover

When we first acquired our dining room set, it was a beautiful antique piece bought with the money gifted to us as wedding gifts.  Gorgeous mahogany pieces with beautiful white jacquard satin striped fabric for our dining chairs. Yes, white.  It was simple and classic, and at the time, suited our needs.  But clearly it was bought before children were in our home.

My painting projects went into hibernation during our cold winter months (painting in the garage + subzero temperatures = cracks!), so I was itching to do a small DIY project that can be done inside.  Since I had some left over fabric from a previous project (just enough to recover about 4 chairs), this was a quick afternoon project.

Here's how that afternoon went.  I removed the cushioned seat top by unscrewing it from the bottom of the seat.

Then the fabric was cut (approximately 1-2 inches larger than the cushion).  With the patterned side down, using a staple gun (and upholstery staples), I began stapling the centre of each of the four sides, working my way from the centre towards the corners.

Like wrapping a present, the corners were tucked in.  Then the chair seat was re-attached to the chair.

Here's the before and after:

It was a cost effective, quick way to freshen up the look of our dining room chairs.  Now that the weather is starting to improve, I might be ready to tackle the pile of painting projects waiting in my garage.

Now I can officially say I've started to recover from the long winter break. 

kid at heart

I recently read an article of a parent's account of how it feels to have a grown child begin their first foray to university or college. 

There have been a lot of articles about this actually.  Feelings of nostalgia, heart in the throat, bittersweet heartache as they watch their babies become adults right before their eyes.

Although my children are still quite young, it won't be long before I too, will personally empathize with that same feeling of those parents kissing their kids off to college.  I already can relate to that feeling as I watch my kids go through the final stretch of yet another school year, finishing yet one more grade.

As I think about the summer holidays ahead, it's just another reminder that this childhood story, although fleeting, never really ends.  It just evolves and becomes more sophisticated, more challenging, and equally rewarding as our kids remain child-like at heart while approaching ever so slowly into adulthood.  Yes, they might rather just surf the waves instead of playing in the sand.  Or they'd rather see a movie with their friends instead of just watching a family movie.  Although their tastes may become more adult like, no matter what, they'll always be our little kids in our hearts.

Grown Up Grilled Cheese 
(Blue Cheese & Fig Jam) Sandwich Pockets
(makes approx. 5 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

• 8-10 slices of bread
• ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese (to taste)
• ¼ cup of fig jam (to taste)

Preparation:

• Heat your panini press, waffle maker or sandwich maker (I used the sandwich pocket maker for this)
• Place a piece of bread on the press or sandwich maker
• Add the blue cheese and jam.  
• Place another piece of bread on top, and press with the sandwich maker.

Note:  A panini press or sandwich maker isn't required.  You can grill this like a grill cheese sandwich, on a cast iron skillet.

Enjoy!

mother's day

As a writer of a blog, I've published many stories, recipes, DIY and crafts that have been tested, tried and true in my home.  My own cathartic way to express my creativity.

Creative expression is very important, and as a mother (or any parent or guardian), one of the most rewarding things to see is our children's creativity.  It reflects how much they have progressed, what they've learned, and their view of the world.  It's also a sneak peek at understanding how we've  influenced them...answering which trait, which part of us has been passed on to them.  

For Mother's Day, I thought I'd sit back and show the results of my kid's creative juices...art and crafts made by the KIDS.  The recipes, the creative juices that flowed, the results of their creative juices.  It's a window into their world.  Those funny, insane, creative little moments...displayed in the hall of their school...

...or a drawing for a book report...

...or just silly dress up play with the toys...

...or a family craft, done yearly for the holidays...

Now it's my turn to really shine...with pride.

Happy Mother's Day!

enjoy being mom

On Mother's Day, the part of the day that I enjoy the most...more than the flowers and handmade cards and crafts...is the annual tradition of breakfast in bed.

Although that quiet meal time usually lasts a mere few minutes, as I end up finishing my meal with my family, it's in those few minutes alone that I realize that breakfast, although lovingly made by my kids and husband, tastes much better when I can enjoy it with them.

The joy of this day filled with love, hugs and kisses is just a reminder for the reason of this special day.  It's a day to really enjoy being a Mom without excuses, guilt, self doubt or measurement of how we rank (in our minds) as parents.  It's just a guilt free day to spoil our kids back with love, hugs and kisses....being everything that being a Mom should really be all about.

Cheers to all the beautiful mothers in the world, especially my own, who've wrapped their children with pure love.  May you all receive the same love, hugs and kisses...for Mother's Day and everyday.

Sweet Crepes

Makes approx. 24 crepes (or 8 servings)

These are sweet "dessert" type crepes.  Removing the sugar and vanilla will make these more savoury, and can be filled with scrambled eggs, bacon or whatever you prefer for brunch or any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 ⅓ cup milk
• 2 tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preparation

• Heat the cast iron skillet.
• In a glass mixing bowl, melt the butter.
• Whisk in eggs.
• Add the vanilla extra, salt and sugar.
• Add the milk.   Whisk vigorously.
• Slowly add the flour, ⅓ cup at a time and continue to whisk vigorously until mixture is very watery and there are no lumps.
• Place a little butter on the skillet and spread with brush.
• Spoon about 3 tbsp. of batter onto the hot pan.
• Quickly tilt the pan to spread the batter thinly on the skillet.
• As soon the edges cook, flip (approx. 2 minutes).
• Serve with whipped cream, berries or maple syrup.

Enjoy!

bringing curly back

When my daughter was just a toddler, I let her hair grow long…it was unspoiled, natural and so beautiful.  So when she had that “first haircut” just before starting school, although it was a cherished "first" memory, we lost a little something that day...her glorious, long spiral curls! (we see hints of it’s return every time we go to a beach...she naturally gets those gorgeous "beach wave curls" ~ lucky girl!).

These are her natural spiral curls (pre-first haircut)

In preparation for a school performance last week, while other girls in her class were brushing their hair straight, my daughter was curling hers around her fingers. She said she wished her hair looked like it did while we were in St. Lucia. (I think she misses the beach!)

When I used to work on film sets, I learned a few hair tricks from celebrity stylists on ways to create curls or volume without damaging the hair with hot curling irons. So I was eager to "bring curly back" for my daughter, without damaging her hair.   I went to my local Beauty Supply Outlet, a one-stop beauty supply store with employees who offer expert advice, for some some guidance and tools of the trade.

I wanted to ensure my daughter’s hair was protected, even if I was going to use very little heat, and conveniently there were lots of top brands to choose from for heat protectants (CHI, Rusk and Biosilk make the best ones in the market, according to top beauty magazines).  Another customer overheard my concern and said she swears by the CHI Silk Infusion and remarked that she found the best prices in the city right in this store, especially during their Red Hot Deals specials (good to know for my next beauty haul!)

BEFORE:  Her current silky hair in it's natural state.

When I got home, my daughter was eager to try out these new rollers, so we started with the Velcro ones (the salon quality ones by Dannyco), since it is recommended for use in dry hair.  I lightly massaged some heat protectant in the palms of my hands, coated my daughter’s hair, and then began our experiment.

AFTER:  VOLUMINOUS HAIR
Instructions:  1.  Brush the hair and separate into 2 inch wide sections. 2.  Coat the hair with a heat protectant.  (CHI, RUSK or Biosilk make good ones).  3.  From the bottom of the hair, gently roll the Velcro roller to the scalp.  4.  Using a blow dryer, heat the Velcro rollers (I used the cool/warm setting as I was afraid to burn her scalp.  However, you can also use hair spray and the hot temperature to make the curl last longer). The heat allows the hair follicles to expand which helps the curl last longer.  5.  Let the hair cool, then remove the rollers.

Although the Velcro rollers didn’t give her spiral curls, when brushed out, it created a lot of volume (I think I’ve found something that is good for me!).

That evening, after her shower, I put heat protectant in her hair again, and this time we tried the sponge rollers (by Dannyco, they look like those long rods you see in the salons).

AFTER:  SPIRAL CURLS
Instructions:  1.  Have your hair washed and dried so the hair is slightly damp.  2.  Brush out the hair.  2.  Section 2” of hair and place the sponge rod half way from the head.  3.   Wind the bottom of the hair around the rod.  4.  Roll the rod towards the scalp.  5.  Once you reach the roots, fold the two ends of the together. 6.  Dry the hair (with a diffuser) or sleep with it over night. (hairspray before drying if you’re going out afterwards). 7.  Gently unroll to remove the sponge rollers/rods.  

I think we found our solution.  The sponge rods created beautiful spiral curls without damaging her hair.  When my daughter saw the results, her face lit up.  As I watched her smile and pose in front of the mirror, for a brief moment it seemed like she was transported back to the beach with her “beach wave curls”.

And for a brief moment, I too, was transported back to when she first had those baby curls, and I smiled knowing that she is still that little girl…unspoiled, natural and so beautiful.



This post was brought to you by The Beauty Supply Outlet. The opinions and images expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the Beauty Supply Outlet. For more information, sign up for their eNewsletter to hear about the latest Red Hot Deals and new products at thebso.com .