To All My Mommas That Don't Have Their Sh** Together - You Are Not Alone

Recently I celebrated my 6th wedding anniversary, after having celebrating another round of birthdays for each of my kids...June, July, August - full of reminders that yet another year has gone by. 

As I got into each celebration, I started thinking about how much my kids have grown. Naturally.  But this year, I also thought about how much I have changed, grown, altered my perception. 

I feel like so many of us stumble through the years of raising toddlers, it whizzing by, kind of losing ourselves because it goes by so fast to really think about what may be happening within you and outside of you. You are just trying to do you, but also trying to get little humans alive and happy, while doing your absolute best to not freak out or panic on all the things you are not getting done.

At least that is how I feel.

I feel like at some point, I did lose a bit of myself. Not in a negative way, but I just forgot to check in on how I was doing...what I needed. Truthfully, I just told myself I didn't have time and put "me" on the backburner because I was either too tired, or...well, yeah, I was just too tired.

As women, we often feel the need to either portray that we have all our shit together, and it can be difficult on us, unless we really talk about it.

To everyone that knows me and says to me "I don't know how you do it" and may be thinking my snapchats and instagram is things coming easily or naturally...trust me, I don't always have my shit together...at all.  At least I don't feel like I do. 

To be honest, I think it was hard for me to admit how scattered and flighty I felt or how "I let myself go", because I am normally super organized and could never see myself being anything but. 

Because I felt that, I thought I should say so on this platform. Why?

- Because I am likely not alone

- Because writing it is my way of accepting it and figuring out my balance

- Because I want us moms to feel it is safe and not fear judgement to admit whatever we are feeling and needing

- Because it is just a part of life and I am always learning amd rediscovering myself

- Because it is hard some days and it doesn't make me a bad mom to admit that.

So what am I going to do?

I am giving myself a break. 

No. I'm not taking a break...I am going easy on myself. I am going to follow my passion and continue to work on that. I am going to live in the moment as much as possible.I am not going to always worry about what isn't right and focus on what is awesome. I am going to acknowledge what I need to feel like me and ask for help so that I can take care of me if that is what I need in that very moment. 

I want my kids to see I am a trier. But also that I know who I am and happy.

So, I am here saying...

"I am a proud and happy momma. I love motherhood and its journey. I do not always have my crap together but that is ok. I have changed and am still changing. I'm not lost I am just ever evolving. I do not care if it's what expected of me because the only expectation I will follow is the one I set for myself to be happy."

So moms...give yourself a break. It is ok to change and it's ok to do whatever you feel and want and need. Just smile and know you will find your true self so long as you just give yourself a break...and just be. 

Now take a nap...because if you read all this, you are a tired momma that totally relates ;)

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl

Soooooooo good.

Ok, I must admit I didn't really get smoothie bowls. I really was wondering why people wanted to spoon their smoothies...I mean if you are blending away a smoothie, the purpose is to drink it right? Furthermore, wouldn't it just be a fancy yogurt topped with stuff kind of deal??

So I abolished that stereotyping off smoothie bowls in my mind.

I was in the kitchen, using my handy dandy Ninja, creating a smoothie recipe. I decided to use the remaining Kefir I had in the fridge vs yogurt or milk this day. It turned out a bit thicker than a usual smoothie, which is ok. I thought I will just add some milk... then I thought, hmmm I'm going to give this bowl a shot.

Glad I did...

Rayna enjoyed it too. Caiden, well he drank it like a thick milkshake and didn't complain. But for us girls, we were being trendy.

So anyways, here it is...my first smoothie bowl. Well, if you are not into bowls just x-nay the toppings and drink, it's a darn good smoothie too.

Ingredients:

1 cup Kefir (strawberry or plain)
4 to 5 fresh strawberries
1 banana
1/4 cup chopped mangoes
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp flaxseed or hemp hearts
1 tsp chia seeds (topping)
1 tbsp granola (topping)
chopped fruit (topping)

What To Do:

Blend all ingredients well, except for toppings.

Place in a bowl and sprinkle toppings lovingly.

Take a picture and showcase you are not a smoothie bowl snob.

Enjoy!

Planning A Fun Girly Day At The Races

When I first saw the announcement coming in about the Deighton Cup, happening at Hastings Race Tracks, on July 23rd, I thought, "this is such a fun unique event that I may want to check out this year."

Naturally, my husband was beside me, and just told him to keep the day open because I am going to RSVP. Sounds good.

This seems like a great date. Get all dressed up, but more than normal dressup, go out wearing your best, fun & fancy hats, the works! Totally like "a day at the races" movie style!! (I am refraining from making Pretty Woman references, but I know that is what we are all thinking.)

The Deighton Cup, though I don't normally go to the horse races, or gamble much for that matter, really is an event where it doesn't matter. It is a unique and prestigious and fun celebration, which is great to experience.

So then I thought, why not actually share the event with one of my besties. Make a girly day of it, have a partner who wants to wear a big hat, drink a mimosa, and cheer at a sporting event...I immediately knew I wanted to do that with one special lady in particular. So I ditched the hubs and asked my homegirl to join me, and she was stoked!

I can't wait!

So if you're interested in having a fun Saturday out with some friends, a girlfriend, or your spouse... And looking for a cool, unique event to try... perhaps you should check out the Deighton Cup as well.

Photo Credit: Jonathon Stakes

If you are thinking of going, I have a link here for 15% discount off regular priced tickets:

 https://deighton-cup.guestmanager.com/deighton-cup-2017-11-00am-6-00pm/media/order

Let's have some fun! Forget your worries, dress up and live in the moment!


I was provided tickets in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Father's Day & Soccer - Whitecaps Ticket Giveaway

This father's day coming up, I have been contemplating what to get hubby, on behalf of the kids.  Caiden and Rayna are only 2 and 3, so it's hard to think of something outside of painted spiderman pictures, play-doh figurines and crayon-engraved cards.

The Love For Soccer

We love those, but now that Caiden has started playing soccer, for fun, and hubs is, well to really understate it, a soccer fanatic, I thought maybe we should tie something together to do with soccer.

Those of you who know Vick, know his love for the game. How he played as a youth, excelled as one of the top players in BC at his time in his teenage years, but then went on to play at a professional level in Greece for most of his 20s. He has consistently been a part of the VMSL, through playing and assisting in coaching. Although he is retired, soccer is something that has shaped him, showed him the world, and even if our kids do not grow up to play it, it will be always be a something we want to share with them. Something we want them to learn about, be exposed to...the lesson of trying, the beauty and the discipline any passion takes, and the fun of a sport.

Father's Day Whitecaps Game

What better way to say Happy Father's Day than to take him to a soccer game here. Although the kids and us have gone to many games before, I learned that on June 17th, Whitecaps vs. Dallas FC, there is a special Father's Day game. On this day, lucky fans can get a chance to get out on the field and actually take a picture on the field.

As Caiden just started kicking the ball around and discovering how fun soccer can be, I think this is the perfect opportunity to have them go and enjoy, not only the game, but have a unique experience of standing in a field of a stadium together. Something that Caiden will hear about but hasn't seen with his dad yet.

Cute huh?  Nostalgic and precious...and will make a great gift for Father's Day.

If you want to go to this game, and I suggest you do, please visit the link here for tickets.

Ticket Giveaway

I'm so excited to be offering a pair of tickets, and a photo opportunity out on the field for this game!!!  To enter, please click here.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Father's Day to all you soccer fans!!!

*I was provided tickets in exchange for this post, however, as always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Mom's Homemade Turkey Burger Meatballs

Meatballs can be a quick meal option. Other than them just being a cool kid food. 

I make meatballs, because, frankly, I know my kids will eat them. It's easy enough, homemade so I am controlling what goes in, and...oh yeah that's right, tastes freaking awesome.

Thanks Mom!

Before I give you my meatballs recipe, I have to admit...it's not really my own. I may have borrowed it from my mom. You see, my mom always has, and still does, makes the best turkey and/or chicken burgers. Hands down, the best...for real (moms are the best home cooks, so it's ok for me to say that). Soooo, who am I to play with perfection?

Therefore, I simply took her recipe, remixed it just a tad, into meatball form, and stuffed it with cheese...oh yes. Meatballs with cheese, that tastes like moms burgers, and my kids eat! 

Eat Sprout

Now, as you may have known by now, I recently started getting my meat products farm fresh from Sprout Farm Fresh. The reason being:

• They have organic meat products available
• The meat is butcher-quality and coming from the farm straight to your door - yes delivered!!
• Fresh the day of delivery, so higher nutritional profile than those that have been in the freezer
• Their selection and prices are awesome, and an easy to shop process

I really encourage you all to try this option. Shop or browse by clicking here.

Turkey for the Win!

Ok my meatballs...I chose to make them out of turkey. Turkey is a lean meat, meaning it has less fat than other meats, so generally better for you in that sense. 

Oh I should mention, when I got the meat, 2kg of it, it was delivered neatly packed into 0.5kg bags.  Sealed and ready for storage, or the freezer if needed. Such nicely packed, portioned amounts is ideal for me! It's so easy to store, and defrost, and just saves me having to do it (which, if you have ever packed/portioned ground meat yourself, is far from enjoyable). 

Ok yes, cheese-stuffed turkey meatballs...here we go.

Ingredients

• 0.5 kg ground turkey meat
• 1 handful chopped cilantro
• 1 large egg
• 4 minced garlic gloves
• 1/2 finely chopped onion
• 2-3 tsp minced fresh ginger (or grated)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2-3 tsp garlic powder
• a dash of oregano
• salt and pepper as desired
• 3-4 oz. cubed cheddar cheese 
• breadcrumbs (optional)
• olive oil, baking spray or parchment paper to line baking tray

What To Do

1. Preheat the oven at 325°
2. Combine all the ingredients, except for the cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (it's best to just mix with your hands, I think). 
   
3. Once all combined, test rolling out some in your hand, if you find that the meat is too sticky, add breadcrumbs. Add enough, slowly, to not be very visible, but making the mixture more workable. 
4. Taking an amount no larger than 1 tablespoon, work into a half dome. 
5. Add a piece of the cheddar cheese in the middle of the dome.
   
6. Now roll into a ball, about 1/2 inch size small meatballs, and cover the cheese completely.
   
7. Place on the baking sheet and back for about 20min. (You will need to check if meatballs are browning, as cooking time will vary depending on the size of the meatballs).
8. Let cool, serve with salad, pasta, in sauce, or have as a snack (I sometimes serve this simply with some greek style potatoes and veggies). 

*I was provided with product to write this post, however, all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

12 Rice Dishes You Will Flip Your Lid For

Rice. Simple in nature, popular internationally, completely understated rice. 

Rice is so amazing. It is a versatile grain that goes with any protein and vegetables to be made into a perfect meal. Although, I definitely do not, nor recommend to have it daily (I do believe in a versatile diet), I honestly could!

My kids love rice, I think most do. So, it is an easy go to for dinner once in a while. It allows me to mix in key nutrition while filling them up.

I personally opt for parboiled and brown rice. But to make it more interesting, I am always looking to make inventive rice dishes. Typically, being Fijian/Indian, we have rice plain but mixed with daal or curries or chutneys.  Even still, I love one pot meals, and to kick it up a notch with rice. Given, I don't want to just always have it there as a compliment often.

So...

I took to my South Asian Blogger Network friends because they were sure to have some awesome ideas (no I'm not being stereotypical, it's knowing what library to look in), and, BAM!!! They did not disappoint, that's for sure.

I rounded some of the, I kid you not friends, best rice dishes...ever!

If you love rice, and need to change it up and make meal ideas, then bookmark or pin this post and try these recipes.

Mom's Homemade Chicken Biryani

Photo Credit: The Write Balance

Fish Biryani

Photo Credit: Flour and Spice

Bibimbap

Photo Credit: Food Mamma

Roasted Acorn Squash with Goat Cheese, Mushrooms and Rice

Cheesy Chicken and Rice

Lemon Rice

Photo Credit: Madh Mama

Chicken Yakhni Pulao

Photo Credit: Super Urdu Mom

Qeema Chawal - Rice & Ground Beef Pilaf

Photo Credit: Flour and Spice

Spicy Chicken Burrito

Photo Credit: The Spicy Eggplant

Soy Pulao Biryani

Chicken Dum Biryani

Photo Credit: Live Laugh Mirch

New York Style Street Cart Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit: Pantry Diva

Yum yum yum...which one are you going to try first?

I Finally Decided to Breathe

When I became a mom, I fell so deep in love with this phase of my life that all else didn't matter. Not my relationships with others, not my career, not even my own self. The only thing that mattered was my connection with my child, my child's health (of course) and me being the best mom I could possibly be.

I would read about every recommendation and was on top of all the suggestions (both medical and familial). I was that new mom that rolled into each doctor's appointment with a note with a list of questions.

I was in charge of a rigurous schedule that worked well for my child (because I knew exactly how many hours of sleep they needed and when and why). I counted each hour, with each nap, each day, and if it fell below that minimum, I freaked.

I breastfed exclusively, and mastered every obstacle that came with that (because it was not easy at first for me). I watched the clock and timed every feed and every ounce I would have to leave behind, if I had to leave, and ensured I was back before that amount of ounce per hour saved was up. I took no chances.

Afterall, I was responsible for human life. Fricking HUGE responsibility right?

Yes...but what I failed to realize, what that you know what, I was a good mom regardless. I was a good mom for trying, but that didn't mean I had to be perfect.

Enter child #2. Wow. It's like she was my Ativan. She was the vapourizer, and my realization that I needed to breathe.

While, yes I still monitored her closely, she clusterfed. So, keeping track of how much was nearly impossible, and I didn't even bother to pump...I just took a wrap and her and out the door I went. I did mind her sleep, but I didnt agonize, because I knew she needed x amount and she was getting it, because I listened to her cues vs. A chart only. I didn't always have questions now, but that didn't mean I always had the answers either.

But that was alright.

When Rayna was born, I also had Caiden as  young dependent toddler. They were different in so many ways, that not one set of methods seemed to make sense anymore. I trusted myself, because I felt like a good mom. My babies loved me, and me asking for help, me taking breaks, and me sometimes going with the flow, didn't alter that.

Of course, I have my ways of parenting, and that works for me. But having two different personalities in my kids taught me that you have to do what works for you.

You can listen to a world of advice, but breathing and taking it in, and being true to yourself is key.

All new moms go through a learning curve and some paranoia. But it is perfectly ok. Once you got it...that's just it, you got it.

So breathe moms.

Because you are doing great, no matter how you are doing it.

Sigh.