spring forward

It is officially the first week of Spring.  As I looked out of our window at the light dusting of snow on the ground early Saturday morning, I briefly wondered if I woke up in the middle of February. I don't think Spring has arrived just yet.

Especially compared to last week when it felt  like summer to us, as the sun, sand and surf greeted us every morning during our winter family holiday in St. Lucia. Visits to natural spring waterfalls, mud baths in volcanos and just hanging out on the beach.  What a blissful time.

As our children become seasoned travellers, it has been interesting to see other countries through their eyes.  This year, we tried an "experiment" to see how long we could go without iPads and gaming devices.  Seeing first hand, what resources different countries have to thrive.  I didn't want them to not miss anything with their noses buried reading about it on the internet. These are the experiences I want them to have when they travel on their own someday.

During an excursion, we discovered that our personal island guide was a savvy businessman who truly understood what visitors to St. Lucia were seeking, creating a really unique local experience to truly discover the land he loved so much.  His personal tour company was starting to expand, as he was in the process of building a bed & breakfast type cottage next to his home, where he hoped that those who enjoyed his excursions would one day return for a more personal experience at his own "resort".  His wife cooked a traditional Caribbean lunch for us while his little boy entertained us with their pets and local animals.  We could see how he was shaping his own family to be a part of his expanding enterprise, creating a springboard for his children's future.

After our excursion, we had a renewed understanding of opportunities we have as North Americans.  At home, we have readily available access to free Wi-Fi to keep connected, or digital devices to pay for things in advance (instead of cash).  I wonder if all of this has made things too easy for us...taking things for granted and stripping us of our thirst for knowledge, our hunger to succeed, our inner drive to move forward.

When we returned to our nicely groomed beach, lounging with the perfect shade under the palm trees at our resort, the kids didn't even think twice about any digital devices...for the rest of the week.  They spent their time connecting with new friends, analyzing the fallen coconuts off the palm trees, and exploring the creatures of the sea.  And while they tried to hatch up an interesting enterprise of their own (bottling up the lava mud for facials back at home...sorry kids, customs!), what they really saw, was the promise of opportunity...and how blessed they really are.

We were able to go almost a whole week without the kids playing on their devices (they made up for lost time on 6 hour flight home though!).  Although the warm weather is now behind us, I think the kids have a renewed spark of interest in discovering the world in front of them, relishing the possibilities of building initiatives in the real world, not a digital one on their devices.

As I listen to them re-tell their discoveries about lava, coconuts and earning enough money so they can return to St. Lucia again soon, I realized...maybe we did spring forward after all.

Roasted Garlic Spring Green Beans with Parmesan 

Makes approximately 6 servings.

I love the added dimension that roasted garlic brings to this dish.  Sometimes I serve this as a side to other roasted garlic dishes (mashed potatoes or rack of lamb), so I make the roasted garlic ahead of time.  If time crunched, instead of roasting the garlic, just saute some fresh minced garlic with the butters approximately 6 servings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups, whole green beans, end stems removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic head, roasted 
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (I used a vegetable peeler and "shaved the parmesan on top...makes for a pretty presentation for dinner guests, but grated also works for every day meals).

Directions:

• Slice the top of the garlic head.
• Slightly drizzle olive oil on top of the garlic, and wrap in tin foil.
• Bake in the oven at 400degrees until roasted (about an hour).
• Cook green beans until tender but firm, approximately 7 minutes.  Drain.
• Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. 
• Add garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is tender.
• Toss the green beans into the saucepan until complete coated with melted butter and roasted garlic.
• Top with parmesan shavings.  (or toss gently with grated cheese).

Enjoy!

filled pockets

School is back from one of the most expensive breaks of the school year. At least in my humble opinion, that's how I view March Break.

Families either pay a dear price to travel to warmer climates, or scramble to find extra daycare or find time off of paid work to spend time with their kids visiting over-crowded, over priced "march break" special attractions.  Or attempting to forgo the lineups and chauffeuring playmates who are still in town, to keep the children occupied.

I'm not complaining.  It was a welcome break from the daily rigours of winter driving, making lunches and homework.  But often I ask, why are the most popular activities that fill March Break the ones that end up emptying our wallets.

I recently read a financial article about "millionaires", with a common theme that's been written about in thousands of "financial" articles:  Money doesn't buy you happiness.

As more gadgets and toys flood the market, I wonder if this is really something that my generation (or the next) can really understand.  As a parent, I've often wondered what kind of example I am to my kids as I covet the latest shoes or salivate going to the hottest restaurant.

Are we showing our kids that we have to spend the equivalent of a mortgage to do or acquire something in order to be happy? Do we really need to spend $200 to see the latest Disney on Ice show when we can enjoy the outdoors and just go skating instead?

It's a tough balance.  As adults, we strive for financial success because money alleviates the burden that comes with the lack of it.  But sometimes we can get carried away with our goals, forgetting that it's not the money that is our goal...it is only the means to allow us the freedom to get to it.

Honestly, I'm still struggling seeking the right balance.  I do know that balance might be in the way we view happiness and our definition of success. Working hard, being frugal and investing in our future, is really all about reaping what you sow. And we'll continue to pick our battles when it comes to what we sow.  Although I know we'll still sometimes splurge and empty our pockets to have the latest "shiny object", deep down I know that the happiest moments are usually the priceless ones...when we invest our time and have the freedom of knowing that in the future, our pockets will still be filled.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Pockets 

(otherwise known as Panini Panzarotti/Mini Calzone)

(Makes 6 pizza pockets)

After discovering that my local Whole Foods sold pizza dough, tomato sauce and MSG-free pepperoni, I've always thought of making my own pizza instead of buying the ones they bake on-site (which I also love). These pizza pockets are easy to make and are much more economical (and healthier) than the frozen ones at the grocery store.  Great to pack for lunches...for a day trip or school lunch.  These were a hit at our house.

Ingredients:

• 750g pizza dough
• 2 cups of mozzarella (or any cheese you wish)
• 100g of sliced pepperoni (if you don't have a Whole Foods near you, pre-sliced, additive-free salami found in your local deli section works too).
• ½ cup pizza sauce (or tomato paste, with herbs)
• Sliced onions, vegetables or whatever you wish to add to this.

Preparation:

• Heat you panini press, waffle maker or sandwich maker (I used the panini press/grill)
• Divide the dough into 6 equal balls.
• Using a rolling pin, roll out each pizza dough until you have 6 discs, each about ¼ inches thick.  
• Using a pastry brush, brush the tomato sauce generously on top of the dough.
• Add the cheese, pepperoni and other ingredients you desire.

• Fold in half.
• Place on panini grill and cook for about 5 minutes or until the crust is brown and cooked.

Serve and enjoy!

being one

One year.  I remember hosting birthday parties with family and close friends to celebrate the one year birthday for each of my children.  For our son, we had a big birthday bash with mazes and hay rides at a local farm.  For our daughter, we had a tea party at a local country inn.

Those birthday gatherings seem like such a long time ago.   I remember how daunting it felt as new parents, planning the first of what now seemingly feels like a million birthday parties for our kids. We experienced the exhilaration (as well as lack of sleep) of the introductory year and marked that special point in time with a celebration.  A time when we realized that just when you thought you couldn't love any more, someone comes along, proving you have much more love than you ever thought you could ever give.

Our little pup just turned a year old.  And as much as it has been frustrating to learn how to train a dog, walk a dog in cold weather, or find a collection of chewed up socks and underwear beneath our bed (our dog loves to hoard those things), this marks yet another realization about how time flies and that all of my babies...are growing up.  It felt like just yesterday when we brought our fur baby home (as I wrote about here).  

I was not raised with pets in my childhood home (fish don't really count),  so I thought the attention from our children to our new furry family member would be fleeting.  But their bond with their dog is everlasting and it has been amazing to watch my them give love and compassion to their "baby".  Our daughter finally has the opportunity to have a younger "sibling".  And it's been interesting to watch our son understand the unconditional love of man's best friend.  I love watching them kiss and cuddle with our pup without hesitation, judgement or reservations.  Just pure love.

And now once again, the initial "baby" stage in our home is complete.  There is no more potty training.  No more temper tantrums (if you don't include mine).  Just a little more independence.  And with each of these life stages, I've learned how much my children have accepted their responsibilities to help guide our pup to become a big dog.  As much as these beautiful babies will always be in my heart and as a family we will always be together, I have (slowly) learned to accept their independence as well, as they gain their own confidence to stand tall and be strong on their own...and become one.

Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Peanut Butter and Sweet Potato Dog Treats

Adapted from Allrecipes

(makes approximately two sandwich bags full of little treats)

This was really a really simple and easy recipe to make.  Next time I would make the treats even smaller (more bite sized), as I found we had to break apart the treats prior to feeding it to our pup.  It was a hit!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of baked sweet potatoes, mashed (I had left over sweet potatoes, which I used for this.  One cup of canned pumpkin works too)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup water

Preparation:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Beat the eggs.
• Mix in sweet potato and peanut butter together.  Add to eggs.
• Add the cinnamon then the flour, slowly into the mixture.
• Slowly add the water until the mixture becomes a soft dough (think playdoh).
• Roll out the dough and make into shapes (we used heart shapes and candy cane shapes turned into socks...our pup loves socks!).  Try to make small shapes.
• Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the treats are firm (it will harden as it cools).

Serve.

wrapped with love

There are days when I just want to wrap my arms around my children so tight and never let them go. Sometimes watching them go through growing pains is too much to witness, but I just have to continue with a brave smile on my face, letting them know that not every day will be cloudy, and the sun will soon shine again.

I remember, even when I was a young child, how the nights would amplify my fears.  When I would lie awake staring at the ceiling, analyzing every little detail of the day and contemplating its' earth shattering affects it will have on the next day.   I would ponder things like if I changed my hairstyle, would I have more friends? Or if I received a perfect score on my next spelling test, would that impress the cute boy that doesn't even know I exist?

Deep down in my heart, I think what I was really worrying about during those long reflective nights... was growing up.  In fact, I was terrified of it.  Especially those days when things weren't going my way, like not doing as well on a test or a disagreement with a classmate, it would feel like the world around me was caving in.  I thought, how could I be a successful adult if I wasn't (what I perceived at the time), a successful kid?  How could I conquer the world if I couldn't even conquer geography class?

A few weeks ago, during a particularly snowy weekend, our daughter finished her lunch and all of a sudden, started putting on her snowsuit.  We weren't sure where she was going, but on her own initiative, announced that she was going to shovel the driveway.  Not particularly OUR driveway, but several driveways in our neighbourhood.  She was determined to go out in the snow because she knew there were people who were tired of digging out of it and she was hoping to use her timely services to raise money to donate to those in need.  Despite what was seemingly a physical obstacle (the shovel is twice her size!), this wasn't how she viewed herself, and she managed to shovel 3 driveways.  She was so proud that day and planned her plane ride to hand deliver the funds to those who needed it.  In a rare moment of sibling camaraderie, her brother wanted to support his sister, and quietly went into his own allowance, and matched the donations she raised.

Despite those difficult parenting moments when we watch our children navigate their world around them, it's easy for us too, to forget those proud moments, just like on that snowy day.  We need to remember and remind our children of those shining moments. To help them understand that to change the world around us, we have to change the world within us.  That day is a reminder for me too, that we have to change how we view and love ourselves first, before we are able to wrap our arms around others.

Bacon Wrapped Italian Meatloaf

Adapted from: Tasty Kitchen

This was a quick and easy recipe that used whatever I had in the kitchen.  The bread soaked in milk made a big difference in making this meatloaf moist and tasty.  I was able to use some left over tomato sauce that I used for a previous meal for this recipe, but BBQ sauce or ketchup is just as delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup 3% milk
• 5 slices whole wheat grain bread 
• 1 pound of organic ground beef 
• ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Pinch of salt and pepper 
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 7 slices bacon (I used all natural bacon)
• 2 tbsp. thick tomato sauce (BBQ sauce or ¼ cup of ketchup with 1 tbsp. of brown sugar works too).

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 
• In a large bowl, break the bread into small pieces.
• Pour milk over the bread slices. 
• Allow it to soak in for several minutes then "mush" the bread with a fork until it's soft like dough.
• Add the ground beef, parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Pour in beaten eggs.
• Mix the ingredients until well combined. 
• Line a loaf pan with 6 slices bacon, width wise so there is enough to "hang" along the edge.

• Place the meat into the loaf pan.
• Brush the top of the meat with BBQ sauce.
• Fold the bacon slices onto the top of the meat mixture.
• Top with one more slice of bacon, running lengthwise to fill where the middle where the 6 slices don't meet.
• Brush with tomato sauce.
• Bake for 1 ½ hours, basting the meatloaf approximately half way through with more sauce, if desired.

Serve and enjoy!

go with the flow

This year, there have been a litany of occasions that have tested my patience, most particularly when it comes to getting everyone out the door first thing in the morning to get to school on time.  We have experienced a record-breaking year of tardiness...we're now at the point where I can jokingly suggest to the school principal that we should have our late slips permanently laminated for the year.   I have no tears left for the mornings.

Often during our drive to school, we've encountered construction or busy traffic.  Early in the school year, I would switch lanes, dart around any obstruction just to rush to our destination.  In the backseat, I could only imagine what my kids witnessed...a seemingly crazy car race, whizzing by other vehicles.  Unfortunately I might have some idea of what kind of example I've set for the kids about patience...and about driving.

As the year progressed, for my sanity I had to learn to accept that there will be days when we will be late, and days when we will be on time.  There were times when we've left the house early only to encounter a traffic accident that put our concerted efforts down the drain.  There have also been days during questionable snowy driving conditions, where I would put safety first, focus on the task at hand, and go calmly knowing that we're not the only ones who are behind schedule due to the weather.  And ironically, it's those times when we've actually arrived earlier than everyone else!

Although I believe in respecting other people's time and arriving promptly, I also learned that I can only control how prepared we are to get to our destination, and I have absolutely no control about our path to it.

Now when I drive to school, the kids don't even flinch when I patiently wait behind a slow moving vehicle ahead of me.  They don't ask to "go faster" because I'm calm, cool and collected, and they now get the chance to observe what's outside the window, enjoying a safe and stress-free ride.  Sometimes there's a reason, not only which path we take, but how it is taken.  We should still prepare and do the best we can, and when we're satisfied with our efforts, just relax and go with the flow of traffic.  Maybe if we learn to stop rushing, we just might get to where we want to go...faster.

Grilled Mozzarella & Spinach Baguette

(Makes 6-8 servings)

This takes a little longer to make than your average grilled cheese sandwich, but it's well worth doing it.  Sometimes when I'm entertaining, I make 2 batches of this spinach mixture.  One to use with tortillas as a traditional dip, and the second batch I use for lunch the next day, as a grilled mozzarella spinach sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed.
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• mayonnaise
• mozzarella cheese
• parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Mix the thawed chopped spinach with the mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.  
• Add the onion and garlic.
• Fold in the mozzarella and parmesan until mixed. 
• Place inbetween two slices of a baguette.
• Grill until cheese is melted.

Side note:  If you're serving this as a spinach dip, once all the ingredients are mixed together, place in a oven safe dish and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until bubbly.  

Enjoy!

carpe diem

After an extra long weekend (with a PA day last Friday and the Family Day holiday on Monday), as our son noted, this past weekend was equally as long as our upcoming work week.   Finally, a break!

As a rule, we usually complete all of our homework right after school before we get to play.  Especially before a weekend, so we avoid the homework-scramble-the-night-before we return to school.  But this time, we deviated from our usual routine, and although the kids did most of their work, they left a few things to do for later on, and started enjoying their long break right away!

With March Break just a few weeks away, we decided to do a few low key activities and just enjoy spending time with friends, cousins and each other.  I guess we've been so accustomed to being organized and always on the go, that it felt a little out of my comfort zone to not plan anything at all and just go on a whim.  We went to restaurants we've been meaning to visit.  We took advantage of quiet skating parks.  Watched a few movies.  And to be honest, as much as we needed the rest and slow pace, a part of me was feeling a little anxious.  Nothing planned, no bookings, no rush.  This actually felt odd to me.  For once, there were no activities planned with military precision. Laundry and homework left incomplete.

Maybe I felt odd because subconsciously, I thought there were a lot of "should haves".  As in, "we should have" finished all our work before we played.  Or, maybe "we should have" taken advantage of this extra time off to go on a fabulous weekend getaway or full day ski trip.  

During our quiet ride home from a dinner night out, our son unexpectedly said "You know, we are very blessed to have parents like you.  To be able to have opportunities like trying new restaurants and having new experiences, even if the experience is just eating a meal together.  Not a lot of kids are as lucky as we are."  I think my eyes started to water right there and then.

When I think of that moment, I realize that maybe we did seize the weekend after all.  The kids learned an important lesson about work before play, as they experienced the eleventh hour panic about incomplete homework on Monday night (trust me, they won't do THAT again).  And I learned that it's okay to get out of my comfort zone of planning and organizing...and to seize the day instead of carefully planning every little detail, because sometimes you just might find even more magic in those unexpected moments.  

Looking at the impromptu twelve layer chocolate cake with ice cream, and how it made those beautiful faces smile...I guess I'll just have to practice leaving my comfort zone once in a while and say 'carpe diem'...and maybe just seek comfort in my food instead.

Herb Mashed Potatoes

Serves 8-12 people

There is nothing more comforting than mashed potatoes, especially on the cold winter nights that we've been experiencing lately.  Adding roasted garlic and oregano added more depth to the taste, and elevated this dish from your average mashed potato into something a little more fancy, served at a restaurant.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and quartered. 
• ½ cup of butter
• ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup of cream cheese (optional...adding the cream cheese allows the potatoes to be made ahead of time and stay creamy when reheated).
• 1 whole garlic, roasted
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 ½ tsp. of oregano

Preparation

• Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
• Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, approximately 40 minutes.  Drain.
• In the meantime, place the garlic in a square of tin foil, drizzle with olive oil and roast in the oven at 400degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes.
• Add butter, parmesan, garlic, salt and oregano.
• Mash.
• Add cream cheese (if using), and top with a little more oregano.

Serve and enjoy.

a little bit of passion

As far as I can remember, I would always carry around a little pocket camera...an inexpensive point and shoot one that I'd take with me almost everywhere. Before the ability to take millions of photos with a digital camera,  as a child I would sort through developed photos, proudly looking at my photographic achievements.  The photos that captured what I was passionate about (I've always been  a little obsessed with sunsets) were always the most beautiful.

Those old photos may have been slightly blurry or had too much reflection, but it didn't matter to me because the photos represented a story, not a technical achievement. Even to this day, I've been reluctant to purchase a DSLR camera, not just because of the cost, but mostly because I believe too much technical "stuff" interferes with the moment.  I've often seen others spend too much time "setting up the right light" instead of just watching the story of the world unfold in front of us, and capturing just the right time.  I guess that is the difference between a run-of-the-mill "portrait" photographer, and a photographic artist like Annie Leibovitz, who doesn't just rely on her equipment, but her passionate eye and empathy of the human story behind the face, capturing the spirit in front of her. 

In this article on Inc.com, author Lee Colon discusses how to spark employee passion.  I thought this was apropos in timing, as we head into Valentines (and Family Day shortly thereafter). I gave my own personal twist to his 3 "needs of employees", to demonstrate how to incorporate these needs into our personal lives.  My own little "sparks" to ignite passion in our own family.

1.  Celebration or "Purpose".  Although the article describes offering an overall purpose for employees, it is often to difficult for young children to visualize and make the connection with the task at hand to an overarching goal (i.e. "eat your veggies, and you'll be really big and strong").  And as adults, far too often we get bogged down with our daily mundane tasks, making it difficult to see the forest for the trees. (Long commutes.  Laundry.  Endless laundry.)  So I try to arrange little weekend "rewards"...it could be small like trying a new dish or a big family outing to dinner and a movie.  Something to look forward to, short term purposes along the path of a long one, to celebrate our determination to muddle through the mundane because at the end (of the week), it will be worth it.

Just like employees who need purpose (short or long term), I consider these little celebrations our own little versions of "purpose" (or motivation).  And trust me, nothing makes the kids eat their veggies faster than the motivation of baking cookies or treats on the weekend.

2.  Rituals or "Intimacy".  My husband often has team building exercises at his company, sometimes off-site, and often filled with fun and interesting moments of discovery.  It gives everyone a chance to know each other beyond their professional capabilities.  It's a ritual that his team I think finds comfort because they are valued and listened to as human beings, not employee numbers.  In our home, we also have little rituals (from homework rituals to mealtime rituals).  Things like always saying our blessings before dinner and bedtime.  Or having "Fish Friday" (no-meat dinners on Friday).

There is so much unknown in the world, so rituals big or small gives us the sense of comfort because we know what to expect.  The known.  And when you belong somewhere, you have the courage to fly and discover your passions, knowing there will always be a place to come home to.

3.  Count your blessings or "Appreciation".  I often think there is a misnomer in the business world that managers don't try make their employees feel appreciated.  I actually think there is a huge concerted effort by modern leaders today, more than ever, to involve their employees in many aspects of a business so they are involved, in control and feel their work and opinions are appreciated.  But the fundamental difference I see between many professionals and how I feel as a parent, is true gratitude.  We all work hard.  And yes, we'd like to hear "great job" once in awhile.  But there are many people who work just as hard (if not harder) who don't have the accoutrements that we enjoy today.

When my kids are tired of going to school, or don't like the lunch that was packed, I remind them that there are other children who have to bike an hour to school, or don't have food.  When they see others who don't have as much, they count their blessings and are grateful for what they have, and become more passionate about being better champions of this world.

With these "sparks", hopefully this Valentines you'll ignite a little passion...at work or at home.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes/Cake Pops

(Makes about 2 ½ dozen)

Our daughter received a Cake Pop maker for Christmas. In lieu of using the provided popsticks, we found it made great donut holes instead (aka "Timbits" for my Canadian readers).  However, if you don't own a cake pop maker, the batter of this recipe can be placed in mini-muffin pans (makes about 24) and baked for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.   It's not round, but the taste is the same.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1⁄3 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 ½  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Directions:

• Beat together sugar and shortening in mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. 
• Stir together flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
• Alternately blend in flour mixture and milk into shortening mixture, beginning and
• ending with the flour mixture.
• Fill each cooking reservoir (if using cakepop maker) or mini muffin cup with about 1 tablespoon of batter.
• Bake 4 to 5 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into puffs comes out clean. (20 minutes in the oven at 375 degrees if using the mini-muffin tin)
• For cinnamon-sugar topping, combine cinnamon and sugar in small bowl.
• Immediately roll hot puffs in melted butter, then in cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Makes about 2 ½ dozen

Enjoy these little bits of heaven!

end of the day

This January has been a particularly long, snowy and cold month.  As the temperatures continue to dive down to arctic equivalents, the motivation to get up and get moving in the morning has been challenging for both adults and children in the household.  Often I'd barely open my eyes, peeking out at the morning frost on the window, staying cuddled under the oh-so-warm comforter, hoping to hear the phone ring with an early morning call from the school to inform us that it's a snow day.

A brief but timely article in 'Inc. Magazine' had some interesting tips on how to end your day to become more productive.  Although this article was geared towards having a productive business day, I think many of the points would work for parents.  Here are 5 of the points that I think not only work well with adults, but are good habits to start teaching children when they are young.

1.  "Finish one (organizing) project".  Every semester, there is at least one long term project that is  due at the end of the term (or during "report card season").   Book reports, science projects, or other assignments that require various work phases to complete (like research, rough drafts etc.).  I always find these assignments are generally due during a frantic time...right before Christmas holidays or March Break, and there is nothing worse than trying to cram all your work into the last week before a holiday.  So on our school calendar, we mark due dates, and every single night, the kids are required to work on at least one hour worth of work towards completing their assignment.  By doing this, often they feel accomplished that they did something, and usually finish their projects way before it's due date.  There's never a better feeling than a worry free holiday instead of cramming last minute for school work.

2.  "Address all communication".  After school in our house, it is required that the kids empty their backpacks and present all notes that come from the school.  Notes from teachers, other parents, newsletters, birthday invitations, playdate arrangements etc. are determined, discussed, arranged and questions are answered.  This way we all know what is expected of us, and the next steps we need to take (like buying a birthday gift early, not on the way to the party!)

3.  "Review your calendar and to-do list".  After school, the kids are required to go over their agendas and check off all the homework, tests and assignments they must complete for the next day.  I usually take this opportunity to also probe what's happening (socially) in the class, and help them prepare for future assignments. Making sure an agenda is reviewed EVERY NIGHT is key. Luckily our school provides these agendas, but keeping an inexpensive one in the backpack sets a good habit for the kids to keep on top of things.

4.  "Set out your clothes".  Every night, we review the weather forecast and set out all the clothes for the next day.  We consider their school schedule (gym, outdoor recess), and make sure that that all the necessary items are ready to go.  This shaves at least 15 minutes off the morning routine, as the kids have already coordinated their outfits the night before, items are checked to ensure they're clean and don't have holes, and there are no arguments on what to wear.  This also teaches them to understand how to read the weather reports, and prepare for the next day.

5.  "Set out your shut-down time".  This one is the most challenging for me, especially since technology plays a large role in our family life.  Our rule of thumb is: no video games during the school week, so we can concentrate on school work/extracurricular activities.  No technology allowed at the table during meals....only real conversations allowed.  And we try to shut down all media at least one hour prior to bedtime, so we can unwind and avoid media driven stimulation.  This last hour, prior to bedtime is spent either reading, writing in journals, drawing, playing with legos or (my favourite), a quiet conversation about our day.   As much as I love everything that comes with our digital devices, it's the quiet time that truly allows us to connect.  It's a cathartic time to release any negativity that hinder us, and provide clarity or perspective of the day to help us realize how grateful we should be.

I guess it's true that how you end your day can be just as important as how you begin it.  As I shudder at the thought of driving through one more snowy cold morning, with end of day planning, organizing and then settling down (maybe with some warm homemade soup), we'll be well prepared for tomorrow.  Whatever the weather.

Quick and Easy Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

(Makes approx. 4 servings)

This recipe is very adaptable.  You can add all kinds of spices to give this more depth, like rosemary, parsley or thyme.  It's not a lot different than making a mushroom roux (or gravy), but adding other spice elements along with cream makes this a simple and easy soup.  Side note: If you're making a recipe that requires condensed cream of mushroom soup, I discovered that this can be used in lieu of the "canned" version (bonus: no preservatives).  Just follow the instructions but omit the cream.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons onions, chopped (I used red onions...shallots would work well too)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour (separated)
• 2 cups chicken broth (I used low sodium organic broth).
• 1 cup light cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme or parsley

Directions:

• Cut the mushrooms into slices.
• Melt butter in large frying pan. Add in onions, garlic, and mushrooms. 
• Cook until onions are soft.
• Blend in 2 tbsp. flour and stir.
• Slowly add the chicken broth until slightly thickened while stirring frequently.
• Add one more tbsp. of flour and seasonings, continuing the stirring.
• Slowly add the cream to the soup until desired thickness and consistency.
• Top with croutons or parsley.

Enjoy!

eating our veggies

Celebrating Chinese New Year has a particularly special meaning to me.  Even if it's just a day of celebration, eating traditional Chinese foods while my kids listen to their grandparent's stories of how they celebrated when they were children, and all the different foods from the sweet to the bitter that they worked hard to purchase for this special time of year.  It's a window into a culture that greatly influenced my views of family, the world, and my own interaction with both.

There are two habits that have been ingrained in me by my parents and upbringing.  These are not necessarily derived from a specific Chinese heritage per se, but a general sentiment by immigrants as a whole, who had to learn a new way of life in this country:  discipline and perseverance.

I recently watched a documentary on the "lost, jobless" generation...twenty and thirty-somethings that are over educated and underemployed.  I watched while young people were drinking wine and having sushi while discussing how underemployed they were, and how the markets have shifted so those lucky few who do have any work, whether it's in their desired field or not, resent not being promoted quicker into the more "ideal" positions that they were "trained" for.  Positions that their predecessors hold.  

As I watched this documentary, I thought about the generation (or two) that will follow them in the future.  My kids.  And what we are doing as parents now that will affect how they approach their future.  What kind of opportunities will they have?  Although so much emphasis is on education and it's reform in schools right now, gone are the days when getting a degree meant an almost guaranteed job position, so sometimes I ask what else can we provide besides a strong curriculum.

I heard a comment made by Robert Herjavec (of Dragon's Den/Shark Tank fame) to a nineteen year old student who was seeking business advice, that really struck me.  She was trying to start a cupcake business and he said she was on the right track, because nowadays kids can no longer expect to be hired for a job once they graduate, and the people who will succeed are the ones that create their OWN job, instead of waiting for one.

When he said this, it reminded me of my family, and generations before them.  It also made me think of my new neighbours...immigrants who have come to a new country filled with promise, and had to start from scratch in an unknown land.  Like my parents, foreign students not only struggle to put food on their family's table, but are often also looking for opportunities for free English classes or extra work to pay for school. They didn't have the opportunities like "Generation F" , drinking fancy lattes on their way to their parent-paid ivy league classes.  These foreign students have the discipline to work efficiently, balancing work, school and social activities, and the perseverance to move forward, despite the disadvantages, like not being fluent in English or having very little to eat.  Because sitting around drinking wine while complaining is NOT an option.  

This Friday is Chinese New Year...the Year of the Horse.  An animal that represents wisdom and hard work.  As my kids listen to stories of culture and tradition from my parents, hopefully they'll also learn some lessons on hardship.  I hope they understand the difference between being spoiled and being privileged.  Although it's a privilege to have many educational and life opportunities in front of them,  they'll also need the discipline and perseverance, like eating our veggies, to have the understanding to know what is good for us and to keep pushing forward, no matter how it tastes.

Happy Chinese New Year !!!

Garlic Bok Choy Fettuccine

(serves 4-6 people)

This isn't a traditional Chinese dish, however, my kids have recently started to really enjoy eating bok choy, a Chinese cabbage.  I've made this dish without the pasta (i.e. sauteed the vegetables with olive oil and garlic), which is similar to the way it is cooked in Chinese restaurants.  I added the pasta with other vegetables to make this a complete meal.

  

Ingredients:

• 3-6 tbsp. minced garlic (to taste)
• 3 tbsp. olive oil 
• ¼ cup of butter
• 1 pound of bok choy
• 1 red pepper
• 1 orange pepper
• Parsley, basil, thyme to taste
• 1 box of linguine or fettucine pasta (approx. 450g)

Directions:

• Cook the pasta as per directions on the box.
• Heat the olive oil in a saucepan on medium-high heat.
• Add the garlic and herbs and saute until garlic is softened.
• Add butter and the bok choy and various peppers.   
• Cook until bok choy is softened, then remove from heat.
• Toss the pasta into the vegetable mixture.

Serve and Enjoy!

start learning chinese

When I was a preteen, I remember going to "Chinese school"  to learn the language.  At the time, there were no innovative methods to teach or learn, and many Saturday afternoons were spent with friends reading "Tween" magazines, drooling over the latest rock star (Duran Duran was the choice of the day) in the back of the class while a teacher speaking very little English hoped we were going to learn the Chinese language by osmosis.  I'm not sure if there was much value in those classes.

Education in general, has made some revolutionary changes, from iPads in elementary school classrooms to Mooc's (Massive Online Open Courses) that teach university level subjects.  Now more than ever, learning things like a new language or how to cook bok choy is available at your fingertips.

Recently I was introduced to an app called Learn With Miao Miao, that teaches preschoolers basic Chinese words and thought this would be a great opportunity for my kids to learn Chinese while having fun.

The app was easy to use since my daughter intuitively knew to tap on the Chinese characters (the written form of the words) and watch it come to life, becoming animated objects that look like the words they represented.  This, I thought, was really cool...and I finally saw the correlation between the pictures and words, and it actually helped ME to recognize Chinese characters!  Something I never learned in those classes.

“Some people don't realize how many Chinese characters are based on pictures, but it is actually an age-old way for Chinese children to learn to read,” says Leo Yu He, the producer for all the Miaomiao games and television programs.

Although   Learn with Miao Miao  isn't set up to teach complete fluency in Chinese (it's geared toward preschoolers), it is a great start for young children.  This app DID accomplish sparking an interest in my kids to learn more, and they were both eager and hopeful that a more challenging version for older kids would be available in the near future.  Anything that engages my kids to start a new language learning journey is worth a try to me (and has much more value than exchanging tween heartthrob pictures at the back of a classroom).

learnwithmiaomiao.com 

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Editors note:  This Chinese New Year (January 31st), a free update with a new writing component will be available. Kids can trace the characters by following a lady bug or Doh Doh the dog that shows them the correct stroke order.  You can find out more at learnwithmiaomiao.com or download the app here at the iTunes store.  

A great big thank you to Christine at Mark Animation for introducing us to this Learn with Miao Miao app.