Wednesday, August 9, 2017
To All My Mommas That Don't Have Their Sh** Together - You Are Not Alone
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
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.Monday, July 17, 2017
Planning A Fun Girly Day At The Races
Photo Credit: Jonathon Stakes |
I was provided tickets in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Father's Day & Soccer - Whitecaps Ticket Giveaway
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.
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Mom's Homemade Turkey Burger Meatballs
Thanks Mom!
Eat Sprout
- 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
Turkey for the Win!
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
- Preheat the oven at 325°
- Combine all the ingredients, except for the cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (it's best to just mix with your hands, I think).
- 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.
- Taking an amount no larger than 1 tablespoon, work into a half dome.
- Add a piece of the cheddar cheese in the middle of the dome.
- Now roll into a ball, about 1/2 inch size small meatballs, and cover the cheese completely.
- 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).
- 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).
Thursday, April 20, 2017
12 Rice Dishes You Will Flip Your Lid For
Mom's Homemade Chicken Biryani
Photo Credit: The Write Balance |
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: Super Urdu Mom |
Photo Credit: Flour and Spice |
Thursday, April 6, 2017
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.
Monday, April 3, 2017
2 Toddlers, 2 To Watch Grow, 2 That I Cherish
This toddler phase is so amazing. It really truly is.
I mean, well...ok, it is tough. They are at an independence seeking stage, where they want to have their way, throw tantrums occasionally, always on the go, become selective eaters, make you late by not wanting to get dresses, and pretty much stop hearing you call their name or tuning you saying, "please stop that," repeatedly to the point you want to scream...and then you sometimes do. SIGH.
Yes toddlerism is all those things. No doubt.
I have 2 of them. Being 23 months apart, while they love and play with eachother, I do go through 2 sets of little people acting like big people, and wanting their way.
Sometimes I catch myself even pleading with them for 5 minutes of quiet time...and hand them crayons and paper, only to get them to be hush hush for a small fraction of time. Then of course, someone wants the blue crayon and only that one specific blue crayon that the other is using, while the other is trying to eat it. BIG SIGH.
Here is the irony.
As annoying and exhausting as it can be, at times, I catch myself being in total awe.
Yes, I mean that.
I am constantly trying to soak up all this goodness due to my anxiety of just how fast time is going. They won't be this age ever again...they won't always want to sing and dance in their pjs, and they won't always speak in these cute voices totally mispronouncing words like "delicious" or "ok" (which are currently "dishus" and "otay").
I am actually okay with the occasional tantrum or meltdown in the restaurant, or them not wanting to get dressed (notice I say occasional). This is because, frankly they are kids. They are kind of supposed to do all this and go through all this...and hopefully come out half decent. There is no need to stress about why they are being crazy, because they won't always be this little...and I fear I will long for those days again.
So grab your toddlers and go play hide and seek and colour with them, leave the chores once in a while, and just cherish moments when you can.
After all, these critters are not that bad...they are pretty darn fun and we could all use a little fun.
Thank you my babies for reminding me to just stop and "come play me momma."
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Easy No-Bake Energy Bites
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp seedibles cinnawow (if you don't have this use ground flax mixed with cinnamon)
2 tbsp desiccated unsweetened coconut
1tsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp almond butter (or any nut butter)
2 to 3 tbsp peach & pear puree (preferably homemade)
1 tsp vanilla
- To make puree at home: Peel and cut 1 Bartlett Pear, 1 peach, add about 2 tablespoons of water and blend away.
- Optional add-ins: dried cranberries, crushed nuts, yogurt chips, dark chocolate bits, raisins, pumpkin seeds, chopped up dates...
- It's up to you what vanilla you use, I couldn't wait to use the vanilla I got from Mexico...honestly it was delicious!
Monday, March 13, 2017
I love the way you talk.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
2 Stuffed Chicken Recipes You Will Love
I love chicken.
Chicken As Nutritious as Possible and Farm Fresh
My Order from Sprout Farm Fresh
I urge you to check it out for yourself. I found it, personally to be extremely convenient, healthier and fresher, and surprisingly...absolutely affordable and well-priced.
2 Stuffed Chicken Recipes
Broccoli & Cheese Stuffed Breaded Chicken
Ingredients
3 Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
5 cloves garlic, crushed
5-6 cherry tomatoes, halved
8 broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 tbsp margarine or butter
3 oz gouda, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
What To Do
In a dish, combine the garlic, cherry tomatoes, broccoli and margarine and mix well.
Place the mixture evenly on the inside of the chicken (just on one side).
Place a piece of gouda on the top.
Fold the chicken over to cover completely.
In a plate, pour your breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper (and any other spices you wish to add). Beat the eggs in a separate dish.
Take each chicken and dip into the egg, and then place into the breadcrumb plate. Ensure it is fully coated and covered.
Place on a baking try (slightly greased) and bake at 325 for about 30-35min (check to see if browned on top to a crisp).
Pepper & Feta Stuffed Chicken with Lime & Cilantro
Ingredients
4 Skinless, boneless chicken breasts
5 cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lime juice
1 handful cilantro
1 orange pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
feta cheese, crumbled
salt and pepper to taste
toothpicks
What To Do
Open up the chicken breasts, so it is in a heart shape, no need to flatten.
In each chicken, place some peppers and feta (do not overfill but the amount is up to you).
Close each chicken with toothpicks to seal.
Place the chicken in the sauce and fully coat. If you like, at this stage you can allow it to marinate in the fridge for about 1 hour (marinated seals in more flavour, but if you don't have the time, don't worry, it's still good).
Place on a baking tray and bake at 325 for about 20-25min, checking to see if the chicken is fully cooked through.
That's it, bon appetit!
*All Images were taken by me
*I was provided product to create this post, however, as always, all opinions and thoughts are my own