The purse junkie no more is signing off ..

I have mentioned previously that I am turning over a new leaf -- thinking in the positive - and you know what I believe it is starting to work. I learned this week that my neighbours of the past 5.5 year are moving to their hopefully dream home ( she is a great gardner and will be enjoying a real big yard with a pool). And while I am please for them, I was upset as well. We all know I don't like change that much!! The fear of the unknown neighbours!! I am going to hope for the best -- and wait to welcome the new people. I choose to believe the people who will be moving next door in a few months - will be good solid people.

This week , I set aside a few goals for myself -- little things -- but things to help me stay on track with my goals  (see side panel)  -- so check off decrease facebook friends  from the list : really does the guy I crushed on in grade 10 really care about my life? No - he has't written or posted anything since he asked me to be his friend. Or the boy I loved when I was 18? Does he need to see the pictures of my family and me? No. The girl I use to be friends with? Again no, because if they wanted friendship - they would have involved themselves with me.

Relationships take investiment, and we choose to invest in the people who invest in us -- I have co-workers I like, I have school friends that I will catch up with once in awhile. I am choosing what and who to purge from my life - either because it is just a piece of junk in my basement or because I do not add value to someone elses life and they do not add value to mine.. Life is meant to be a celebration of love and experiences. So if you are not someone I will sit down and have a cup of tea with, and I am not that person for you.. then really does it matter if we "facebook?"

Facebook as a social networking has brought  me some joy -- one or two reconnections, and  allowed keeping in touch with a few others to become easier.  In the end, did it add value to my life? I would say.. it is just another thing to spend time on in front of a screen. But blogging - this has added to my life an outlet that I want to explore more.

So dear friends.. as I shut off my computer today.. it will be the last entry for the purse junkie no more :) It has been fun, it has been a journey of growth for me. It has been 130 entries to a virtual diary ..

something new awaits, something more creative, something real, something that lets us connect ---

My New Blog can be found at:

http://livelovelaughconnect.blogspot.com/



Live  Love Laugh

Not sweating the small stuff

Do you worry about silly things, have expectations of yourself and others that really are over the top? I some times do, and you know what.. I don't want to anymore. I have created a series of strange rules, weird things like.. I can never eat sweats ( when I do I beat myself up about it for days!! )  I must be in control of everything, and within that control there is always tons of chaos and very little happiness with myself. I seem to always be striving to be something I am not.. skinnier, richer, more like so and so. I feel a lack of contentment with the wonderful things I have. Take for example my home, instead of being pround of owning a house in a much desired neighbourhood in this city a hop and skip away from the busy downtown streets ( love my location huge!) , I talk about the fact it is small. Yet, it is a character house, filled with lots of love and neat features ( like the hatch in my room under my bed - 1904 version of a bank)  or the beautiful curved door that leads into my kitchen - your picturing an arch - nope it is curved.

Somwhere along the line, I started to become a negative speaker - not good enough, not big enough, not skinny enough, try harder, don't do this, don't do that.. seriously I finally have figured what is enough -- enough of the negative self talk in my head -- Richard Smally needs to be my friend - because I am GOOD enough,.. LOL seriously though, I have to stop sweating the small stuff.

I spent part of my weekend - ears plugged and having taken too much Benedryl, yet the people around me where laughing having fun and playing with my little girl, and me - we swam, we talked we laughed and they chilled me out when we had a melt down in the New Sudbury mall over a stuffed dog. ( one of my OH NO people will judge me moments)  I spent 10 hours in a weekend traveling to see people I love, in a beautiful place ( I really need to get pictures of the rock formations in Sudbury - The park view on the road over looking the valley beside my friends development is stunning - even without the leaves) 

So I have made a decision - no more sweating the small stuff - going to speak in positive as I once did -- and I am going to realize how lucky I am -- because any girl that comes home to a big bunch of flowers -- really doesn't have too much to complain about in life!

Live Love Laugh

Melanie

Heading towards Mid Life --- how did that happen?

This year I will be 38 years old.  In two years I will be forty... How does this happen? It seems like yesturday I was 19 and the world of adulthood was just becoming a reality.. Now I am almost half way through my life ( if I am blessed to live till even my 70's)  and I am not yet freaking out -- ( but imagine I will be in a couple of years ) what have I done? What have I contributed to the world? What more can I do?

These are my questions, and yet I have so much to look back on fondly- I am not someone who will hold desperately to youth, it is not in my nature, however the white or Nordic Blonde as my hairdresser Joseph says - is starting - for the first time this year - I found a white hair! Can you believe I was just happy it was the snowy white - I can hide it well in my highlights!

I may not be a spring chicken, but by no means am I yet old ( even if I feel it once in awhile) time to plan for the next part of my life -- finally have some wisdom, some money and some true understanding of who I am -- they way I see it, the best is yet to come!

I look at the people who surround me - at work, in my life and in my home -- ages across the lifespan -- you know what I have noticed.. it is the ones just starting life, and the ones entering the last half  that I need to soak in and enjoy - their stories are the ones that can shape the middle !

Reflective, thoughtful and a little curious about what lies ahead, and what I can do to make the most of what I got now -- I can dream of the future, but what can I do today to celebrate the life I have been blessed with?

Live Love Laugh .. learning Gratitude

Sometimes you just need to keep pushing through ...

When I was  listening  to my Itouch on the way to work, it clicked over to Miley and her song The Climb - now I will admit to having it on my Itouch - for a couple of reasons - I like the song message, but I also like the way she sounds! there said it -- I have a disney pop sensation on my Itouch - that one song.

It could not have been played at a more appropriate time, feeling a little down but not horribly low.. just one of those days when I want something  in my life, something different then what I have now - not more just different ( which makes no sense - so no need to analyize it to death).

I should be happy - I weighed in today and have returned back to the 12 pound weight loss mark ( had a couple of weeks there where it crept up a few pounds, after I was sick, now back down) I have great friends, a good stable job, a wonderful home and family.. so yeah I know poor me right?

One of the things I don't do well is be --- sad -- I don't like depression or sadness in myself let alone anyone else - so it comes off more like anger and / or withdrawn and disintereseted,  then what it truely is.. I believe this is the case because, I have all my life been a people pleaser and people don't like when the "happy good girl" isn't happy. Bbelieve me I know, have had friends tell me this. Yet if someone who is typically quiet, on the reserve side is  extra quiet or sad -- no one says a thing! -- I know rambling but his this what your getting today!

I  am often described as pleasant, funny and entertaining to be around oh and nice. You know what I am.
Tired and sometimes I really don't want to be nice -- yet it is this thing inside me that makes me do it!  Like the good girl monster or something!

So with an effort  --- I am going to learn to say NO to people ( when I don't want to do something), Not always give up my seat on the bus ( this would really actually shock me if I did this because I actually hate when people don't) and  I am not going to hold doors open at subways, and malls etc only to stand there for 10 minutes while people walk through without saying thank you! and I am going to stop apogizing to furniture I bump into, I think nice and good girls always get the short end of the stick -- sure we have lots of friends, and people like us ( I have won an award or two for being nice) but you know what --- I think those types -- you know mouthy , opinionated and loud ( wait that might be me too) seem to have a bit more fun! They also in some industries tend to be leaders in their fields -- and guess what the nice girl is the one off to the right holding her bag.

Hmmm, something for me to think about -- may be a rant, but it is what it is -- today you got my uncensored thoughts..

My mom has a good quote on her email signature that says :

 "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." - Harry Truman  

I think this is a FANTASTIC team work quote -- and 98% of the time I do feel exactly the same way -- but sometimes -- it would be nice to get credit -- rather then assumptions that you will just do it anyways -- team work is not just at work - it is in the community, in the home and in life all around us.

Live Love Laugh --- rant

Enjoying my new hobby

I thought I would share a few of my postcrossing postcards with you.. I am really enjoying my new hobby. And I have recieved 5 postcards so far.

( I don't have a scanner so sorry they are not super clear)

London

This is really neat, it is a photograph that has been lamiated. I think this is great, on my profile i mentioned that i wanted "ART" - no matter what kind - so  I have recieved images of famous paintings ( one from Quebec) I have recieved a collections of galleries from one in Polland..

This is a great hobby.. imagine somewhere out there 5 strangers have held the thought of who I am in there minds, based on a blurb on a website..and sent me these wonderful snap shots of there lives.. I love it.. and when I look in the mail box.. each one made me smile. Pretty good way to start an evening at home.

I am hopping to continue recieving wonderful moments from around the world.

Live Love Laugh -- Enjoy the words of others

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK -- TO ONE HELL OF A WOMAN - MY SISTER

While the third is her birthday , it is more fitting to celebrate an entire week, as she is an amazing woman who deserves the extra glitter a few more days will bring. My Sister and I, have had a story that will always be ours alone.. we have grown, we have faught, and cried and laughed. but it is only as I have grown older, sharing the joys and tears of motherhood, as I navigate the beauty of life that I  can truely begin to appreciate that - she loves me as I do her -- for exactly who we are.

To me she will always be snoopy crayons and mittens on the top bunk, presents opened before anyone else was awake, worms squished in hair, the only one who could brush my curls, orange cat strays .. and pink elephant unberellas. She will be why I went on the bus alone, the first spicy patty, flea market gold rings, and music I never understood the words but loved the beat. She will forever be the reason flirt chased me in circles around the kitchen. She is the one who safety let me explore things I really shouldn't have done - then made sure I never did them again. She will be the one who listened to fears , who I feared would disapear into being a grown up without me, and who would be there when no one else could be.

My life is filled with thousands of moments, of crazy hair, from growing and shrinking, to baby booties and the red sweater.. I am grateful - for while we have had our struggles, in the end she will always know - no amount of time apart, no amount of life evolutions will change one thing -- she is my sister, I love her and I am proud of her life, who she is and what she is in this world.

My big Sister -- Dawn I love you and I hope this year brings you more beauty, more love and happiness into your life. Your home is a safe haven for many, and that alone whould make you special -- but it is everything else about you, all the little things that only a few know that truely make you who you are.

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega

And for once --- I remembered -- for you know I have no memory for dates... I love you, Happy Birthday

Live Love Laugh ...Sisters

My Canadian Pride ... glitters with the Olympics .. but is shines on the people

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NQaWk_GTNc&feature=player_embedded

This link showed up on my Facebook page today .. posted by a happy popping friend ( she knows what I mean!)  --  while this is not new to me, it is a fantastic look through the eyes of someone else what it means to be Canadian. - Simply a true canadian company (100% now)  a Tim Horton's commerical that has sparked a few happy thoughts since I saw it once again today.

My Canada ---

My Canada was not always as it is today.  Not so long ago in my childhood it was the small town, skating on the lake in a town where almost everyone did look like me, the image the Canadian life of many before me. Generations of my family had been here by then, but the British and French immigrants from my families far past - still influenced much of what I saw around me -- fish and chip shops (no Thai to be seen) and tourtiere  baking in the oven ( Yummy) .. but that was the 1970's and the world was going on around me. It was evolving and new a new generation of  imigarnts were coming - and not always on the streets were the words welcoming to them. Women where gaining more and more rights ( a battle hard faught by my mother and the mothers of my friends)  There was clashing, there was racisim in Canada , but we as a society were beginning to emerge.

When we moved to the city when I was six years old - I was surrounded by more people just like me.. only now there were others too. And my experiences began to form how I see the world now. I watched as more friends arrived from different places , I learned all about Greek School on Saturdays, and Jewish Hebrew lessons, I learned that there was such a thing as Naan bread and it was yummy! And rice steamed is the best way to eat it right out of the steamer!  I learned that "different" was a cool thing! But it was not all roses and happy smiles, these lessons required an open mind, a global view of the way in which we accept each other and truely open ourselves up to the stories they bring with them, and weave them in among our own.

In the 1980's while visiting my father out west, another influx of immigaration was making news and the landscape of western Canada was begining to change - the Canadian Cowboys, and high powered business types were learning how to get along in a different world to the ones they had been exposed to. This Canada  From the Four Nations to the busy streets of this -  the worlds most multicultural city ( as named by the United Nations).- this evololution this is my Canada.

My Canada -- is a place I am pround to call home
A place where even though it is a struggle -- you are welcome to try and make a life for yourself here
My Cananda allows those that I love to love who ever they want because their heart chooses for them
My Canada will host world Pride .. With Pride!
My Canada will allow us to stumble and make mistakes and say stupid things -- but we will accept our critisims and learn to see your point of view -- even when we don't agree
My Canada celebrates Health and Wellness - making sure we all have access to healthcare - even if we don't think it is the best - it is better then many others have access to
My Canada believes children deserve an education - all children
My Canada belives that I can make a difference in the lives of others -- so they demand my participation in supporting the world through blood donations , cash donations and human scarafice.
My Canada may sparkle in the olympics -- but it shines in the heart of the people who call it home!

Live Love Laugh .. Be pround not only of our athletes but of those who have shaped and formed this country from the experiences they have brought with them.

Making my bed everyday

So I read somewhere in the last little while that it is the little things that can affect your overall happiness in life -- like little accomplishments that make you feel good. Strangly one of the ones listed was - make your bed everyday - no kidding.

Now, I know many people do this -- but for some of us -- getting up, getting the little lady up getting breakfast done, making sure lunches are made, and everyone has what they need before running out the door at 7am  ( without getting up at 3am) is not easy! So I started whipping together the beds as part of my morning routine - The little ladies, and ours. I have been doing this for about three weeks - don't think anyone but me has noticed -- however I do feel like it is one less thing, my house is one less bit messy ( which in a small house is good) and it really doesn' t take all that much time. So, if you like me were a make the bed when I get home kind of person - try doing it right after you get out of it ( before you even leave your bedroom) trust me on this - it makes a difference!

Who knew these little things coould make you feel like you have accomplished something right away and for me that is a better way to start my day.

Other little things that have made me feel good - having the leftovers (extra's from dinners specifically made for this purpose) frozen and ready to go for lunches during the week - this is a huge difference for me - I collect a few days worth in the freezer and I have a week of good choice lunches - little things, make me feel like I am doing good!

What little things do you do that you can share?

Live Laugh Love

B is for Book club over at It's gonna be a lovely day .. Girlfriends

http://itsgonnabealovelyday.blogspot.com/2010/02/b-is-for-book-club.html

Check out this entry - as you all know I am a great fan of anything woman-centric -- this entry reminded me of stories of quilt clubs, stich and bitches ( which once upon a time I participated in) and scrappy clubs.

So today I share a story (not my own) of what can happen when you hook up with some pretty cool chicks - my group of girls we were called swampwenches - we camped, we roadtriped, we laughed we grew up -- what about you? Do you have a circle of girlfriends like the one mentioned in the book club blog?

You will notice that they also did some good for others in their community.

Idea's to get you started:

A blog club
A book Club
A walking meet up
Coffee shop hopper
A Road trip crew
A Spa group
A knitting club
A sewing club
A painting circle

and it goes on and on -- find it, do it -- become the difference in your own life by meeting others who can show you the world as they see it - nothing better then a  friend - near or far!

Live Laugh Love -- Make Friends

Check in - 4 months since I stated goals for 2010

Hey all,

I have noticed a recent decrease in my posting - I think because my thoughts have been busy with keeping up with the little miss! Also I have been working on my five big goals for the year:

Now I wanted to check in with myself and see if I had met some of my goals:

So here there are:

1. Get healthy body, mind, and spirit  - I think I am doing pretty good here - lost 11 pounds ( was 12 - but still good) , exercising my brain a little and spirit well - still working on that one but I am right on track with this goal and proud of it!
2. Outlet for Creativity -so thanks to frequent reader and blogger Faiza - have found a new hobbie called Post crossing - which I have sent and they have recieved 3 postcards ( have also created my own postcard specifically to send - it arrived all printed and  this week from the printer!) - also I have been "picture" journalling once or twice evey couple of weeks with the little lady - we have a book that we draw together in.
3.Try to be happy with the now -- okay - this is actually been easier then I thought - the vaca helped, but I am staying relatively stress free ( could also be the Vitamin B )
4. Expect happiness and not perfection- doing better - but I do get down on myself once in awhile because I have not eaten well on one day.
5. Read ( doing this very well) and Learn - I am trying! and Listen - needs work!

So, 4 months in I am good with me and my goals - how are all of you doing?

To the walking lady - good for you 17 pounds is AMAZING and you look fantastic - Keep it up!  I am adding a new goal to the mix - was planning to nix shopping out of my life - but --- have to work up to complete no shopping - starting with all unnecessary purchases. I have actually decreased this activity HUGE in the past couple of years, a little more tweaking wouldn't hurt though.

To my darling friend in Sudbury - I am still on the shopping *decrease*and plan to enjoy our trip in April!

okay.. so how are all you doing with your goals?

Live Laugh Love

Oprah is decluttering her clost for a good cause!! --- sounds familiar!

Well look at that, we were ahead by a smidge in what is sure to be a big trend! Can you imagine if we had Oprahs closet?  In the Spirit of that -- we may put a couple bags up in the spring de-clutter ( not that there is many new - I will admit to a couple wallets,oh and a bag from Coach.- but have stayed pretty true to the title of the blog - no longer a purse junkie! - still a bag lover though )

Who wouldn't want a piece of Oprahs closet knowing it is going to benefit her school for Girls in South Africa. Check it out on Ebay or take a look at this months O magazine.

Had to give a good nod in that direction as it was decluttering my closet that started the blog and resulted in some great acts of love from all of you!

Seriously you should see the shoes in this book!

So - here is my new challenge -- and it is big -- I am going to try a no "new" buying binge - yup -- nothing new for me, I will get ready for it and let you know when I will be doing it - thought about the 40 days of lent, but since I am not Catholic - well didn't seem right. (Hubby did ask what I was giving up  - I think a small part of him wants me to be just as much a lapsed Catholic as him!) and so I am thinking on my rules -- looking at the calendar and thinking 2 months of no shopping for me or the house or the kid or the hubby... not a stich of clothes, not extra treats, no movies, no toys no books -- nothing. And it is almost spring cleaning and I prepare to clean house huge -- I don't have as much as most people .. but there seems to be some clutter in the kitchen cupboards and stuff from birthdays gone by that could find a new home..

And because it is rare for me to buy the O magaize .. I was equally surprised to find this quote to add to my collection:

To live content with small means;
to seek elegance rather than luxury
and refinement rather than fashion
to be worthy, not respectable; and
weahty, not rich ; to study hard, think
quietly, talk gently, act frankly..to
listen to stars and buds, to babes and
sages, with open heart; await occasions,
hurry never... this is my symphony.
- Willimam Henry Channing

On that.. I wish you happy ebaying to those who will venture into her closet, pat on that back to those who have done the same already -- and I will leave you today wondering -- can I do it? Can I give up shopping ?

Live Love Laugh... seek elegance

Sometimes a girl just likes to look at a handsome face

Anyone who knows me - knows I love this man - have since Chasing Amy and Kevin Smith entered my life. (As a huge Kevin fan - he just is not that big that they should have kicked him off a plane - but loving any type of PR he will ride the wave!)

So today --- this very loyal wife (whose hubby is well aware of this crush) is just going to look at this very handsome (to me) man today -- so enjoy--

who is your Hollywood crush? - sad  that mine has been the same for over a decade!


Let me guess -- Johnny? Angelina? ....







Live Love Laugh -- Crush on

Valentines / Family Day

I had a lovely weekend with friends and family this past long weekend. Hubby bought me a beautiful pair of earrings ( how did he know?) Any guy that buys you earrings to match your engagement ring is worth spending your valentines day with as far as I am concerned.

So nothing much new - getting back in the groove of things with work and life -- needing to get use to the social life of a four year old. She is asked out on more dates then I ever had as an adult - every weekend it is a birthday or a playdate ( which I am very happy to do) just simply wow.

Dosen't look like there is any  weight gain or loss this week -- which is fine cause I have lost 12 pounds so far!!!  The online point tracker told me to slow down! have recalculated to new point range and I am off to the races.  ( I give them huge credit here - but I was sick so they didn't know)

I recently started tracking my steps every couple of days with a pedometer - with a target of 10,000 steps - I have reached that total a few times - so I may have to up it a little.

Thinking of joining the YMCA ( I know , I know -- but this time I really think I will for the spring)

All is good... I want to try new foods ( not fish or mushrooms) healthy and low in fat, high in fibre - got an idea for me? Send it to me!

Live Love Laugh

Sick

Sorry all my home was invaded with the stomach flu - first taking out the little lady who then won the battle, then hubby - and finally me -- so we are now all on the mend - the two older ones a couple of pounds lighter ( this week weigh in showed I was down an additional 5 pounds - ugh, it was not worth the pain! and will likely return once hydrated again!) hoping a couple was for my efforts at weight loss though!

Well short entry this week - will be back next monday with more :)

Happy Family Day to all of you!

Enjoy yourself

Live Love Laugh - be healthy

Yummy dinner.. and a yummy snack

This with a couple slices of deli ham was dinner --- it was yummy and in total with ham 4 points!! Savoury and Peppery....

rice cakes (butter popcorn flavour)
Fat free philly cream cheese
fresh basil ( this is my favourite)
Fresh chives
a sweet yummy cherry tomatoes
sprinkle of black pepper!!

So good so little points ( three for the entire things as the fat free cream cheese is only .5 points!)

I discovered I like the yogurt parfait with granola last year -- who knew?? Well I have brought them back into my life.. only shock here -- the yummy Cafe kind are made with whole fat yogurt! (very high points!)

Mine made with low fat yogurt ( but with sugar hence higher point value per serving - but it is a big serving) 3/4 cup yogurt and 1/4 cup of granola = 4 points ( this is alot of yogurt) about a full cup of food... could be lower points if you used different yogurt and light or low fat granola ( but why.. full serving this way without any more additional chemicals.)
Best part of these (not the FANTASTIC coffee machine behind I LOVE this present from my sister!!!) but Hubby takes these for breakfast and my daughter likes them -- oh and I sprinkle fibre one on them as well - one container of yogurt and 3/4 cup of granola make 4 take away ziplock containers :)

so there you have it -- a sample of my tiny changes... Share a snack with me, I love to hear what you are eating and what tips you can share.


Live Love Laugh .. EAT

the "discomfort" of changing the way we eat

For those of you that know me,  you all know that I have always enjoyed a good meal -- seriously, I am a foodie at heart -- not some fancy foodie - but a good old fashion pot roast , potatoes loving girl. I do like many of the now widely available foods that were once oh so gourmet - but to tell the truth the true over indulgence is always those comfort foods - cheese, crackers, beef roasts, potatoes and pasta -- you know all the Yummy stuff.

So what makes this WW time around different, is I am willing to finally say no to the fat filled gravy, the old fashion cooking with butter and all those sauces - and to begin to look at food - not as a celebration , but as fuel to the body - now it still needs to taste yummy ( life is just to short to eat yucky stuff) but it is time to change what I consider "comfort" - so to honour myself and my family. I have slowly tried making some of those old favourites - differently. for example - on Sunday - instead of making the gravy from the meat drippings in the pan - they got fat free gravy made with onions and low sodium base -- was it as good , no but it saved all of them from too much salt and fat.  Oh and since I stuffed the pork loin roast - that was different too, this time I used veggies and whole wheat couscous. - little changes in the ingredients and big changes in portion sizes - allow me to stay within points and for the "big" Sunday meal - I hope they get use to the changes..

other great swaps I have made ( and all are yummy to me) as I move to world a world of more healthier choices:

Benefiber  - I take this 2 times a day - every day -- my stomach thanks me

Lifesmart pasta ( Sobeys, Food Basics, and Metro) 10g of fibre per serving ! and yummy - though the spagetti one is very good to my taste buds - Hubby needs it cooked a little longer then I like - Little lady LOVES it! -- also a big bonus -- no pasta bloat feeling or that too full just ate too much pasta pain I use to get - it is very filling and I just naturally eat less

Crispy Mini butter popcorn rice cakes - so I will always love the crunch and salt - now only 2 points for 2 and Little Lady loves them too! ( FANTASTIC with low fat cream cheese and tomato and fresh basil)

2% Kraft cheese -- melts well for cooking - fills the cheese need and well while not fat free still much lower then my cheese choices of before.

olive oil - a friend whose father is recovering from triple bi-pass surgery let me know that the cardiologist said olive oil is great - raw not cooked -- so no more frying of the olive oil ( will still roast the veg, but true benefit comes from just a little)  - a little added each day after cooking .

Coffeemate  Liquid - fat free instead of cream

Skim milk - No one in my house drinks anything about skim now, and when really cold it is yummy.

Lifesmart line / blue menu line = lots of yummy choices I just make sure fibre is high and sodium is low :)

While in a perfect world I would eat only organicially grown local food , and no processed food would ever touch my lips - I am just not there yet and don't know if I ever will be. But getting lower sodium, lower fat, higher fiber and better foods in my cupboards is doing wonders for me and I am learning -- creating a new me from the better choices I am making.. the jeans are lose , my hair is shinning and today the confidence is good -- my little girl said my tummy is smaller today, it is a good day.

Live Laugh Love and make the best choices you can

Proud Mama

With great pride I show you the work of my little girl -- who while I was on the phone with my sister tonight, said here mommy look what I did .. Needless to say my sister got the very proud mom moment in her ear and I of course was so very excited and proud well and sappy :)

My little miss who since her fourth birthday in November has been growing leaps and bounds, not only physically but emotionally as well  --- appears to also has the ability to see into the future and draw a skinny me!! Seriously though she did this all on her own with no help from me -- pure parent pride happening here!

On another note, for those of you who read you will have notice a lovely lady who comments on my blog, and has a great blog of her own. Fazia. She did a post awhile back as well as recently on postcrossing - the idea interested me, so today I mailed my first one -- now forever matched with the moment about I too will have a wonderful first post crossing story as Fazia does.

This the post card I sent to Finland today :)

What a great start to the year ... I sense good things coming

Live Love Laugh ... Create your own happiness

Simply said .. What a trip

I have seen beauty in my life.. but the look on the faces of my eleven year old neice and my 4 year old little lady when they saw this castle light up -- was Magical.

Nothing prepares you for how this experience can effect you if you let it.. I had to relax into being a kid, but once I did, I too felt the magic of this place. I highly recomend this trip to anyone who can go. The food is disney food, but the kids don't care and they ate their veggies and fruit so I cannot complain. We had seven day passes and we stayed in Disney Pop Century.. great all around.

So from one exhausted mom and dad.. to two beautiful little ladies --- thank you for being such great kids and making this a super fun trip.. here are some pics for the rest of you..

My little girl having the time of her life.. ( I will not show pictures of my niece without permission first from my sister)

Live Love Laugh.. Dreams do come true

Ps Weight lost = 8 pounds to date!!

Disney -- off to the place where dreams come true.

We head off for a week of Mickey Mouse and Princess Bliss - I will tell you all about it when I get back ---

I have officially lost 5 pounds, even after having a great BBQ yesturday!! yeah me.. And would like to welcome some other great people on the WW journey - a couple of people in my family as well as a great lady I work with who has started off with a great 2 pounds loss -- We are our own little group! Since I do the on line version, it is great to have a group of friends and family around to talk about and share the journey.

Just a note to my mom - who my last post freaked out at first -- always  read the tag or title at the top - All is good  - not looking for a new love -- I am blessed with one fantastic one at home ;). The song was for me.

Well everyone, I wish you all a great week and a bit, off to hopefully feel the sun, see the delight on two beautiful faces and build some memories that last a life time!

Live Love Laugh -- Celebrate life

A love song to my skinny self - and my new theme song!!

I'm not surprised.

Not everything lasts.

I've broken my heart so many times I stopped keeping track.

Talk myself in.

I talk myself out.

I get all worked up, then I let myself down.



I tried so very hard not to lose it.

I came up with a million excuses.

I thought I thought of every possibility.



And I know someday that it'll all turn out.

You'll make me work so we can work to work it out.

And promise you, kid, that I'll give so much more than I get.

I just haven't met you yet.



Mmmm...



I might have to wait.

I'll never give up.

I guess it's half timing,

And the other half's luck.

Wherever you are.

Whenever it's right.

You'll come out of nowhere and into my life.



And I know that we can be so amazing.

And baby your love is gonna change me.

And now I can see every possibility.



Mmmm...



But somehow I know that it'll all turn out.

And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out.

And I promise you, kid, I'll give so much more than I get.

I just haven't met you yet.



They say all's fair.

In love and war.

But I won't need to fight it.

We'll get it right and,

We'll be united.



And I know that we can be so amazing.

And being in your life is gonna change me.

And now I can see every single possibility, mmmm.



And someday I know it'll all turn out.

And I'll work to work it out.

Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get,

Than I get, than I get, than I get.



Ohhh!



You know it'll all turn out.

And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out.

And I promise you, kid, to give so much more than I get.

I just haven't met you yet.



I just haven't met you yet.

Ohh, promise you, kid, to give so much than I get.



(I said love, love, love, love...)

I just haven't met you yet



I just haven't met you yet.


Live LOVE Laugh ... working on meeting the skinny me!

Thought you would like to know this years theme song! So here it is - Michael Buble happens to be a favourite too !

Getting Ready to visit the Disney

I am in the process of figuring out how to pack for the weather in florida, finding out what if any of my daughters clothes still fit (man has she gotten tall) and what we need to do for the last minute stuff - EXCITED for the girls, and for us as we enter the arena of travelling as a family!!!

I can't wait for the adventures to come - Cinderella for my neice and Ariel for my daugher these are the goals.

I think i am doing pretty good with the hole diet thing - weigh in is on thursday -- though the soya sauce from my homemade chinese food has swelled up my hands! I notice it way more now that I have started to cut out the salt.

Live Love Laugh

All them BEANS chili

As requested here is my crazy all beans chili   -- I love to cook and rarely if ever measure out the ingredients but this one is super easy and very yummy!

1 Large Can of Black beans - rinsed
1 Large Can of Bean medley (not bean salad - has 6 to 8 different kinds)
1 Large Can of Chickpeas - rinsed
1 Large Can of white Kidney beans - keep the liquid as thickner
1 Can of Faba beans - rinsed
1 Can of Brown beans ( in tomato sauce)*** this will make it sweater so it is optional
1 extra large onioin chopped or sliced ( or more for your taste)
1 can salt reduced tomatoes
1 hand full of chopped (very small) fresh baby spinach
1 package of mexican crumble
chili powder - mexican
cilantro to taste
roasted garlic to taste
1 tbsp of olive oil ( the very best you can afford)


In a large pot - warm the oil and cook onions and spinach until wilted , add tomatoes and beans , chili powder ( I like alot) cilantro fresh or dried to taste and roasted garlic to taste. add all the beans - bring to boil then reduce to simmer- I let mine sit for an hour or two on low  - then add crumble bring back to low boil - serve with baked nacho chips ( Garden Fresh are very good and very low sodium) serve with a scoop of low fat sour cream and low fat chesse - even a little bit of chopped avacado --- YUMMY

this is the same recipe I use to make only then I would use ground chicken, or ground poin loin.

Enjoy Faiza!

YEAH ME... Lost 2.5 pounds since January 2nd!!!

Who knew ( well okay I did) but I have lost 2.5 pounds this week - thanks to a broken elevator, brisk 20 minute walks pulling 40 pounds in the wagon through the snow ( the little lady) and actually watching and changing what I have been eating - I am making better choices ! I have added spinach to everything - yes your read that rigt cooked spinach to everything, I have been eating vegetarian chili - with the hubby saying he didn't miss the meat! ( there was mexican veggie crumble in it since i only use tomatoes and 12 different types of beans and onions)

I think making the effort to eat at home and take my lunch everyday has really been a benefit to me! I think I will go out for lunch once a week - but I will make good choices and walk extra those days.

Getting ready for our Disney Trip -- wow it was -1 in florida.. hmmmm might wanted to have check that out before booking our flight! well it will still be good fun! Projected temperatures for that time is closer to 20 which I can handle and it is nice enough to not wear a coat.

I have also made two cards ( creative attempt) that are very cute. Off to earn a living all..


Live Love Laugh and keep working on your goals ( I am!)

PS for those who love chips as much as I do -- I will be attempting to make roasted chickpeas and sprinkling them with popcorn flavouring!!

New week at work - I brought my lunch and snacks!

So I made my breakfast and ate it at home before going to work , with a very yummy coffee from my Tassimo machine my sister gave us for Christmas. I have been weighing my meat portions, and measuring out my higher point choices ( potatoes etc) to make sure I am doing this right - even thougth I have done the whole WW thing before, I gain it back because I like most North Americans (I think?) seriously have NO IDEA what accurate portion sizes are. For example - did you know like 17 chips is a serving size - have you ever had just 17 chips????? I sure as hell haven't.

So with my lunch box packed with my http://www.laptoplunches.com/  containers - all portioned accurately like my 2 cups of mixed salads , 2 tbsps of fat free ranch dressing and my side of sliced radishes and one stick of cheese and 1/3 cup of corn nuts I am off to a half decent start!
Work is going to be a challenge for me as I work downtown , have access to all my favourite yummies and I will work through my lunch when I bring it in. But I am living the new lifestyle and liking it.


Due to the elevator being out I have walked up and down 4 flights of stairs twice today.

So tell me --- what do you eat for lunch at work?????

Live Love Laugh .. Lunch

I am worth it ... time to bring me .. out from under the fat!

Welcome 2010! a new decade not just a New Year -- it is time to clean out the system and get ready for the best year of my life! Positive thoughts for me, I am going for it - this year instead of looking for happiness I will create the happiness I want and need in my life. This year I will achieve my weight loss goal by eating healthy and excercising. I will find a creative outlet that will be a way to cope with the stuff I need to deal with but also with my need to make things.

As you all know i have joined weight watchers on line and the first step is to set your winning outcomes or your goals -  much like the objectives of any behaviour program I have written. They are achievable goals that are either short or long term and include accountablity. The program also indicates you should share your goals with others - thus seeking support but this also creates accountablity as well ( See the blogger I read - **Bitchcakes** for a fearless beautiful woman from Brooklyn  who faces her weight loss journey with determination, courage and humour - her sense of style is incredible and one that she has mastered, and she writes so well that you are on her journey  with her as she rides her pink hello kitty bike on the streets of New York)

So for my Long term goal - I WILL lose 50 pounds by following the weight watchers plan and I WILL introduce true excercise into my life. I will lead by example for my child what a healthy lifestyle is.

I WILL bring back the creative outlets I have enjoyed and that give me a sense of who i am  - photography and picture journaling will be my first easing back into the world of creative expression.

I WILL learn about anthropology anyway I can and be excited by what I have wanted to learn.

I WILL let go at last of all the things I hate about myself

-- my first attempt at getting rid of the crap that bogs me down in my head is below, because to get rid of it you have to see it first, raw and open to judgement---

Here we go...time to be honest with myself and to let one or two of you know your thoughts might not be alone in your head -- I think and feel them too. 

I am fat - because I eat too much food and don't exercise any significant amount.
I am fat - because I choose to be fat
I hate the way I look in the mirror
I hate the way it is uncomfortable to be in my own skin sometimes
I hate the way I allowed myself to become this way
I hate the way that being fat makes me feel like a failure all the time
I try to control everything and everyone else because I cannot control my weight
I DETEST that I am letting two beautiful little girls see me eat and overindulge

Now for what I do LOVE because the list above is not the whole me...

I love the way I see the world - my eyes give me the insight into others , I love how I observe
I love the way my hair has gone crazy curly and I don't fuss about wanting it any other way
I love my strong back, legs and arms
I love that I can walk for 7 hours and not be winded even carrying  all the extra weight
I love that I am a person that can help others
I love that I can see both sides of who I am - I love that I do not hide the truth from myself
I am proud of quitting smoking it was hard , it isolates you away from others who do - but I did it
I love that I am self reflective enough to work on my "issues" and ask for help when I need too

I know some of you will think these are private thoughts, your right - for you these may be. But I am sick of not "fitting" into the life I want -- so today I am opening up my mind and my journey to you.. not a daily update, but I will let you know how it is going. Share a thought or a recipe now and again.

 I will still ramble on about the city I love,my friends and life.I am looking forward to sharing some of my new adventures with you..

Wish me luck .. cause I am going to need it

Oh just so you know, my weakness are chips, dips and anything fatty, salty and crunchy- so PLEASE don't offer me any - I know my limits and while I can take one or two from you --- it will lead to a crazy chip binge!!!! --- a few little treats exist in my kitchen from the holidays - enough that my extra weekly points will cover them --- but here goes my new healthy lifesytle begins --- Right now

Right now
I am facing my fear head on
Right now
I am letting myself become
the person I want to be
Right now
I am scared as hell of failure
Right now
I am ready to do it for me

Live Love Laugh ... Creating my life