A few things I’m excited about…

I may (or may not) have mentioned my guy rides a bike;a Triumph for those of you who know your bikes. His good friend Steve has taken off recently on a Coast to Coast motorcycle trip with his girl and is blogging about the whole thing! I always want to support my fellow bloggers but because this is a person close to someone I love, I think it’s especially important to mention it. I’ve spent some time reading his posts and not only is he an excellent writer, but his words are accompanied with amazing photographs to complete the story. It really does seem like a trip of a lifetime; the idea of going on a journey with no real set agenda, across this great continent has always held a special appeal for me. I think it probably strikes a chord in alot of people actually…but we all have excuses for not setting out on our own trip, don’t we? Follow Steve’s ride here at Coast to Coast: A Motorcycle Odyssey and at least discover a little bit of North America via his blog!

 So about those kale chips…my girlfriend S made some last night and apparently they were “to die for delicious”. Sigh. Her success is all over Facebook and I’m thinking, ‘great, another person who loves them when the ones I made tasted bloody awful!’ Her secret? Not much of one but she used olive oil and seasoning salt. Yes, the blasted seasoning salt and it appears this *may* be the trick to making yummy kale chips. Rebecca mentions a little Braggs may be ticket to success…I’m pretty sure I have to try the Almighty Kale Chip again. How can so many people be wrong?

 This week I am embarking on a journey of a lifetime. My Guy, his son and I are headed to Great Britain to attend a wedding in Scotland. For those of you who don’t know, My  Guy hails from Scotland so this is essentially “going home” for him after quite a few years in Canada. I’m looking forward not only to meeting his family, but to seeing the places of his childhood and his heart, and of finally getting a glimpse into a land I have only read about. This is definitely something to be EXCITED about. One thing that makes it particularly exciting is the fact his son is coming, and he’s a) never been on a plane before, b) never been out of Canada before and the kicker, c) he turns 18 while we are overseas! How perfect will the birthday memory be? Remember your first flight? Remember when you turned 18 and the world was at your fingertips?

I will be updating via Facebook, Twitter and my blog a few times over the next 3 weeks so stay tuned!

So I have lots to talk about tonight! It’s been a fairly eventful week in the world of ideas and blogging and “stuff”. I can’t promise my thoughts and rambles will interest EVERYONE out there but one can hope I manage to snag a few new readers…

A little birdie (OK a co-worker…) told me the price of Genuine Health Greens + has gone up in price- significantly! We already pay $59.99 a tub here in Vancouver and if you’re lucky you can find it on sale somewhere for maybe $5 cheaper. My co-worker told me she paid up to $10 more recently! I haven’t had to purchase a new tub yet but I will have to soon, and can I afford to fork out almost $70 for my Greens? I honestly don’t know but it isn’t looking all that possible right now. I’ll be cutting the amount I use in half in hopes I can stretch the container and still have the benefits I’ve come to love from the product. I find it helps my tummy dramatically and if I lose this little bit of peace for my guts, I’m not sure what I’ll do.

The regular readers to this blog know I rave on and on about the PC Blue Label Worlds Best Meatless products…and other meat subs that use gardein. I’ve always been able to buy these products at Superstore here on the West Coast since they are Presidents Choice items…until recently. It started out innocently enough: we couldn’t find the Worlds Best Meatless Meatballs ANYWHERE. I thought, ‘OK they are popular, they’re just out of stock…’ and I held on to this belief for a month or so while I ran around the city checking out No Frills and Superstore for the balls. I could never find them and eventually the label disappeared from the freezer shelf where it had always been….it was replaced with Angus Beef Meatballs. Two rows of them! Why?? Why would Presidents Choice do this? These meatballs are a superior product. I know meat-eaters who love them! We have spaghetti and meatball night in our house that is now ruined and has become Taco Tuesday much to Moops chagrin…tacos sometimes just don’t cut it. I’m wondering if the Worlds Best Meatless Burger will be next? I love being a Vegetarian but too often we get these cool new products, they grab and hook us in…and then the product disappears…like the stuffed “chicken” breasts from Schneider’s. Remember those fellow Veggies?

I’ve got a bone to pick with the PC people and I’m looking for ways to get hold of Galen Weston Jr so I can REALLY vent how I feel! I could go on because there is ANOTHER product we can’t find….*sigh* It’s just simply gone from Superstore. The Meatless Beef Strips. But alas, I’ll leave this for now until I speak to Mr. Weston. Inquiring Veggie minds (and those who simply want to eat more healthy) want to know…stay tuned.

My dear friend M has been experimenting with spaghetti squash. To be specific, she is looking to use it as a traditional wheat spaghetti substitute due to gastrointestinal issues. She has tried the oven and microwave methods and says it always comes out crunchy. It seems like it’s a really sore spot with M, because she wants her dishes to turn out, but wants a spaghetti like texture. I personally have zero experience with this squash; it’s always freaked me out to be honest. I think I will expand my horizons however and experiment with this…I found some amazing recipes online today. I also found this informative article about how to best prepare the squash…it certainly looks appealing! And easy. I like that.

I’m still plagued by a stalker of YEARS ago. I know that person is reading this very post, because I can see all the various places they access my website from in the city they live in. As each new one appears, I flag it and block the access thinking surely they will get the hint. Sadly, their life must be so empty (and lonely) that to dwell on the past and re-live the hurt and anguish they put me through, is the only way to get some sort of satisfaction each day. I was really bothered at first because I’d been left alone for years and knew that once I did put a blog and website up, that I would become vulnerable in a sense…but now I feel sadness for this person. I haven’t forgiven and don’t know that I ever will…and I haven’t forgotten either because my life WAS hell during that time. I would appreciate it from the bottom of my heart if I could just be left alone by this person and nothing would bring me more peace than to know they had moved on…I certainly did and with thanks.

Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, someone seems too possessive…too weird…go with your gut. I wish I had.

I’m in a better place obviously now and LOVE the people in my life. With all my heart.

“Sing as if nobody can hear you…live like there is no tomorrow.”

OK, it has been FAR TOO LONG since my last ‘real’ blog post. I sincerely apologize. No excuse except that life just got in the way like it sometimes does. And with the recent appearance of the sun in my neck of the woods, the idea of plunking down in front of my computer to write something halfway intelligent, seemed crazy to me! But alas tonight I said to Moops, “I should write in my blog tonight.” She replied, “Yeah you should. If I had a blog I would write every day!” So thank you Moops…I dedicate tonight’s post to you…

PC Blue Menu The Worlds Best Seasoned Meatless Chicken Breasts: I was desperately looking through the frozen section at Superstore YET AGAIN, for the Worlds Best Meatless Meatballs and stumbled across these beauties. Imagine my total surprise. Here was what we’d been waiting for….gardein “chickn” breasts in a bulk package in the frozen section for a reasonable price! Now the stuff I saw wasn’t seasoned…and it was made with gardein…so I’m not sure if this is the exact product but you get the idea. I love the idea of buying these, but as much as I love the gardein brand on it’s own, it’s simply out of my price range unless a HUGE sale is on. The fact PC Blue Menu uses gardein (obviously through some private agreement) is amazing because its makes this versatile protein choice for vegetarians very affordable. Now if only I could find out what happened the meatless meatballs……..

Raising Money for a Good Cause: Last weekend Moops set up shop outside the front of the house here in Mount Pleasant and sold chocolate brownies, iced tea and various household items we didn’t need….and it was all to raise money for a good cause. In case you didn’t know, Moops is 8 years old and came up with this idea on her own. She raised $64 which she will be presenting to the BCSPCA later this week. She was thrilled when her 1st customer climbed the steps and saddened when the last walked away. We couldn’t be more proud.

Possibly the Cutest Idea for Sandals…EVER: I’m in love with these adorable sandals with animal prints ON THE BOTTOM! How cool is this??  There are 5 styles to choose from and include birds too! I just love the idea and think they look so whimsical in the sand. Now I can’t say for sure how comfy square sandals would truly be; I would no doubt be tripping over my own feet but then again, I’d be so tickled with my footprints I wouldn’t notice…I hope.

New Body Butter at The Body Shop: I was getting my Body Butter fix last weekend and noticed some new scents at The Body Shop. I picked up my usual Shea Butter and had a Coconut Butter in hand but then saw a new line called Dreams Unlimited. It smelled really damn fresh…uplifting even….but fresh and clean. Personally I’m always looking for those clean scents that are subtle but feminine and this seemed to be it. I bought it and I’ve not used it on my entire body yet, just a few places to ‘test drive’ the scent if you will, and fear it may be overpowering. I’ll try my whole body and get back to you. I want to love this body butter so I hope I’m not disappointed!

Fairy Cakes Now has a HOME on Fraser Street in Vancouver! OPENING SOON at 3586 Fraser Street… Website coming soon I’m told.

Is this woman beautiful?

I was driving through the Stanley Park Causeway this morning and an ad came over the radio for West Coast College of Massage Therapy’s new Spa and Aesthetics Program. All you had to do was give a little “blurb” about why you wanted to be a Spa Practitioner, send in your BEST glamour head-shot and be between the ages of 18-35. Easy peasy, right? WAIT A MINUTE…glamour head-shot? I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t have one of those hanging around…and I’m over the age of 35 so I wouldn’t even be in the running anyway.

I’m not personally interested in this program (however the massage therapy is a different story…) but I took offence to the ad this morning and it’s been sitting heavy in my gut all day. It bothers me that this contest will be based on LOOKS and who has the best glamour shot…are there not people over the age of 35 who have dreamed of being in this profession as well? Perhaps they don’t fit the mold that society calls ‘beautiful’ but didn’t the fine folks at Dove prove to us all that beauty is on the INSIDE? That ad campaign took the world by storm and showed us women with freckles or women with curves are just as beautiful as the air-brushed super models we see on all the magazine covers.

I realize the school and this program in particular probably have a very specific sort of image they wish to have on their marketing material. My Guy reminded me tonight that it’s their right to do that, they can gear this program to the younger and more beautiful crowd- if they want. My question is that everyone deserves the same chance to win something if it may further their dream…shouldn’t their hopes and aspirations count for just as much? I’d personally love to read someones reasons WHY they want to be a Spa Practitioner and what they hope to get out of it, how do they wish to help others? I can find beauty in anyone- and I don’t even have to look very hard.

I’m probably overreacting but it’s also my right to voice my opinion. I just wish the college had hired a beautiful model for the marketing, airbrushed the character out of her face and then opened up the contest to everyone who ever had a dream to work in this industry. May the person who told their story best win. *Shrug* That’s just my 2 cents for what it’s worth.

I’m sitting here with the game on and Moops on the other computer playing Mario. I’ve just disappointed her because yet again, I can’t make the damn Wii work. I have been shown how to hook it up (because we’ve got a different than normal set up) several times, but when I went to do it tonight, nothing was as it should be. I know it’s because we watched a DVD the other night, and the settings are different…I just feel like such an idiot. I’ve disappointed Moops who wanted to play Boom Blox and now I’m mad at myself for a) not getting it and b) wondering why I can’t seem to understand these extra steps to go through when I want to do something with the Wii or Netflix. I’m feeling stupid and sorry for myself right now…My Guy isn’t home, obviously…or else we would be ‘up and running’ smoothly. Thankfully Moops is a good kid (and no doubt has already forgotten I couldn’t hook up our game) and can amuse herself…but I’m feeling kinda bummed!

I think later tonight I’ll take a little walk or a bike ride. These past couple of weeks with the non-stop rain that has hit the city, really took a toll on me. I was struggling to stay awake; it’s amazing what a little sun can do for my spirit though. It shone today in a perfectly cloudless blue sky. Heaven. I was inside the clinic working, but I did manage to find little reasons to wander around outside and soak up some precious (and much needed) Vitamin D. It feels as though Vancouver never really got Spring, and now summer is a month away! I have so many hopes and plans for the summer; we’re not going anywhere, but my goal is for us to be outside in the garden or out on our bikes making the most of it.

Hopefully this warm weather is here to stay because it’s so much easier to get, and stay, motivated to exercise. We all know exercise is crucial to our well being, our self esteem and our outlook on life- and when we forget to do it the effects can be debilitating. Isn’t it so much easier to go for a walk after work in the sun, rather than to trudge through the rain? When it’s sunny maybe you want to walk to work, but if it’s raining? Not so much. I’m not making excuses, I’m just being real. Sunshine and warm weather makes me want to get outside, and if I’m out there I will exercise. I can’t stress how important exercise is. We all have to make an effort to get out each day and move our bodies. One of my ideas was to go out for a bike ride BEFORE work. I thought it might be a nice way to begin the morning with the fresh air and few cars on the road. Part of me isn’t quite ready to ride to work, only because I’m having trouble overcoming my fear of riding in busy traffic and since I’d have to go through the downtown core…I couldn’t possibly avoid the traffic! I got dinged by a truck 2 weeks ago on a ride and I’m having trouble shaking that…

I’m feeling very thankful these days. I absolutely love My Guy and when I look at him I think, “I waited years to meet you, but I’m so glad I found you.” Do you know that feeling? I get a little thrill when I receive a silly text message from him…or when he rubs my shoulders for no reason. I don’t need a man in my life for it to be complete- but it’s certainly a lovely life to have when you’re with someone you love. The only thing that is missing is a job that pays me what I’m worth for what I do, and for the care we all put into animals. It’s a shame Animal Health pays so little…we all do it for the LOVE and the desire to help those who can’t ask for it…but it’s sometimes a thankless job. I love what I do, I truly do…but it doesn’t pay the bills necessarily every month. I wrestle with that; the need to move on in order to survive. I’m just weighing the pros and cons…

Are you happy where you are? Are you doing what you love and surviving? If so, my heart is happy. There’s no better feeling.  Hold on to it.

That’s it tonight. No reviews and no “things I’m curious about” etc. Sorry to disappoint! Just me and my evening rambles and I thank each of you, as always, for reading.

Now go pull your bike out of the garage or storage area, clean it up and make it road worthy…and join me in MOVING YOUR BODY.

I heard it was Spring. You know, the season…Spring. The time when the sun comes out, flowers start to bloom and ‘new life’ awakens in nature, and in our souls. It seems in my neck of the woods, on the Wet Coast, we get a day of blissful sunshine followed by 2-3 days of dreary rain. Just last night, and the night before even- I was out on my bike in only a t-shirt, sweating under the early evening rays of sun. Tonight I donned a sweater and  just turned on the heat. What’s wrong with this picture?? It’s May 5th for crying out loud! I heard an announcer on CBC this morning say yes it was another day of rain but this was needed to get all the flowers and plants ready for a scorching hot summer…hmmm. I can only hope.

It gets increasingly difficult to exercise outside when the rain keeps falling. I want to be out on my bike but I don’t relish riding in the rain- unless I absolutely have to. Like a matter of life & death…Many people I talk to are dragging their asses lately. I don’t know if it’s from the weather, or the countless cold and flu bugs running rampant through our workplaces. All I do know for a fact is, the sun NEEDS to come out and shine it’s life-giving, energy-laden beams down on us.

Unless my scale is broken, and  it very well could be, I *think* I’ve lost a few lbs. I’m glad there’s finally some movement; I felt I was on this plateau of sorts and no matter what I did, I wasn’t getting anywhere. My Guy and I don’t eat much junk food- I guess if we have a vice it would be good wine and micro-brews! But even those are enjoyed in moderation. I think I personally have to admit that I’m (oh god I can’t believe it) getting older – gasp- and weight just seems to go on faster and take twice as long to get off. My metabolism is different now…everything is different now. I need to embrace the change in my life and body but I’m not ready. I’m so not ready!! There’s more I want, more I thought I’d be! But alas, I’m just panicking…point of this story is, I’m not the spring chicken I used to be and have to work a little (alot) harder!

I came across this article and even though it’s from 2010, since it’s about weight loss for summer I thought it applicable for the time. It’s  Celeb-Doc Dr. Oz telling us his 16 Tips for Summer Weight Loss. I like the first one: See Yourself Looking Fabulous. I used to have what I called a Dream Board. It was basically a glorified cork board on the wall but it was where I put things I hoped to acquire, or things I hoped to aspire to…it was where I put my hopes and dreams. But it was VISUAL. I looked at it every day. So this first one of Dr. Oz reminds me of that- picture yourself in what you want to be. How you want to be. Where you want to be. The mind is a powerful thing. I’ll let you all read through the rest of the article and you can decide if the tips are right for you…or if it’s a bunch of malarkey.

I’ll end this post with a little video to warm the heart. Animals never cease to amaze me and this just proves that they do have beautiful, curious souls!! Watch it here.

Today at work wasn’t the best…I mean it IS work and all…but after work is another story. I drove home with the sun shining and barely a cloud in the sky. I rounded the corner to the back door of my house and noticed My Guy’s motorcycle was gone. I immediately texted him, thinking he better be ON his bike or else it’s stolen. The reason I was surprised it was gone is because it’s not been insured all winter, sitting under the patio looking cold and lonely. I know My Guy was waiting and wishing for the sun to come out so he could get it back on the road…and looks like today was THE DAY. He texted me back and said “Wanna go for a ride?” I got ready in a flash, met him at the door, helmet in hand…

Once we got back from the ride, I traded the motorcycle helmet for MY KICK ASS NUTCASE bike helmet and took off for a ride. I thought I’d take a new route and basically, well, got lost. I went farther into the East side and then turned south…but couldn’t find a bike street to take me back west so ended up almost down by the river…but it was an awesome ride nevertheless! I was actually HOT with the sun beating  down on me, and as I cruised around taking it all in I wondered at the amazing vehicle a pedal-bike truly is. I felt like my legs would take me anywhere I wanted. It was all in my power, I could go anywhere…

The helmet rocks by the way. Totally unobtrusive. Fits like a glove- not too tight and not too loose of course. The strap is wide and comfortable- it’s very light weight…and hell it looks good.

Something else I’m pretty excited about? Netflix. We finally got it. We stopped our cable TV a few weeks ago because honestly, the prices you are expected to pay here by the one major cable provider…starts with an S….ends in a W….are outrageous. Plus we have little choice here in Vancouver…so we decided we’re not going to pay those prices and besides, maybe cancelling cable TV will get us out more. And there is Moops to think of…we all need to BIKE MORE! Anyway I digress. (So excited I  forgot my train of thought…) Netflix. $7.99 a month. Movies. Good TV shows…movies…$7.99 a month. We’re stoked about it and this next month will be a test since it’s the FREE TRIAL and if all goes well, we like it….hey $7.99 is the cost one bloody new release almost at the video store! My Guy is seriously pumped about the documentary selection available…

If you’re like me, the Seal Hunt makes you sick and disgusted. Please check out this amazingly cute, and informative video about the Canadian Seal hunt. Yeah so I’m personally invested a little in it, but put that aside, and watch it because you support those who are against the Seal Hunt. Watch it because you think, and feel, that animals should be the only ones wearing their OWN FUR. Watch it because all life is precious. My heart thanks you…

Now that Spring is really here, get out and ENJOY IT. Seize each day like it’s the dawn of a new beginning. Feel the wind in your hair, get your legs pumping and don’t forget to EAT FRUIT. (oh and your veggies.)

Now go out there. Enjoy. Be. Move. Live.

I woke up to Moops standing at the bedside holding a Victoria Secret bag and a large white box (I thought in my just-woken-up-state) it was a rounded purple cake of some sort.

Handmade card by Moops and My Guy

Amidst “Happy Birthdays” and kisses, I was presented with an armful of presents…the cake turned out to be the awesomest new bike helmet from probably one of the coolest companies around- Nutcase Helmets! No more tacky, ill-fitting, the-side-straps-obscure-my-vision, silly super hero helmet for me! Now I’m styling and protecting my brain in a matte eggplant coloured helmet…sweet.

Brain Bucket

My Guy is also taking me to see the musical titled “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” coming to the Arts Club Theatre in June. I adore Patsy’s voice, and story and can’t wait to hear and see the production.  I don’t know what else the day holds in store for me but it can only go UP from here. I’m surrounded by love, family and happiness! Happy Day.

I can’t stop making it. I am on this serious mission to get the PERFECT texture and mouth-feel to my seitan. I have a batch in the oven now baking; wrapped tightly in foil at the suggestion of several others over at The Veggie Boards. I’m told this *may* provide the not-so-chewy, meatier texture My Guy is looking for. I’m totally having a blast experimenting with this and don’t care really how many times I have to keep making the stuff, cause I keep on eating it! As I put away groceries yesterday after my big shop, I realized we have some gardein products that are nearing their expiry date! With all the crazy seitan-making going on in this house, the gardein and tofu got neglected. *UPDATE: the recipe I use now is here.*

I had an awesome bike ride through my beautiful Mount Pleasant neighborhood the other night. It was so nice to just coast along the flat parts of Ontario Street and watch life go on around me. The green spaces were full, front yards had children playing, bikes were whizzing past me and runners out as well. Everyone was out and the feeling that Spring is finally here, was palpable. It’s been a great week for exercising for me; I ran farther than I’ve run before at the beginning of the week but I also paid for that act by a throbbing knee! No worries. I’m resting it up and using my bike until I’m ready to use it again…This is a perfect time to begin an exercise program or to get back out if you’ve gotten a little lazy over the winter. There is nothing better than a spring day, with the fresh smell of grass, earth and leaves upon a slightly brisk wind…you can feel the warmth of the sun and know that soon it will be summer and it’s full strength will blast down on us! I feel energized at this time of year and have no desire to visit the gym. I want to feel the air and see others out and about, moving and celebrating the moment.

Grab a friend and go for a walk. Or pull out your bike and do a little tune up. When was the last time you rode it? Is it road-ready? Spring is meant to be enjoyed and savoured. It’s a time for new growth and new beginnings. Maybe you slipped on your New Years Resolution…so what? Spring is re-birth so make a new resolution and jump right into it!

My spring day involves waiting on the seitan to bake…a bike ride…a stop at Michaels for some stuff…and who knows what else?

What does YOUR spring day involve? Oh and yes, for those inquiring minds emailing me about the sietan, I WILL post pics of the baked stuff once it’s done!

Can you believe NEXT WEEKEND we spring ahead and set our clocks forward ONE HOUR? That means, yes, it will be light after say 6 pm! This happens next week, so Spring really is close by- right? It’s been a long winter for me personally and I’m blessed with living somewhere that doesn’t traditionally get a ‘white winter’ or temperatures too cold. But this past winter seemed to stretch on especially long and we did get show and we did go below freezing!! So I’m ready for Spring to be sprung upon us; I don’t care what those pesky little groundhogs had to say. I say BRING SPRING ON.

While we wait though, this last little stretch can seem unbearable. It’s important to keep your spirits up during the colder months because it’s easy to let depression and the blues creep in. I’m my own worst enemy in this one, but you gotta exercise. It’s vital. I realize that, I know it, and I’m trying…I really do feel better when I leave the gym but it’s the getting there part that can be a challenge.

Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. With fruit we can bring in a little ‘sunshine’- I saw whole pineapples on sale last week at a local grocer. When was the last time you bought a pineapple? And lets be honest, fresh pineapple tastes a world better than canned tidbits doesn’t it?

Have some quiet time. Just because you spend part of Saturday lounging in bed reading doesn’t mean your lazy…it means your giving your body a break and a little treat. If we’re not good to ourselves, who will be? Don’t be afraid to indulge and have a lazy day. It’s when those lazy days turn into weeks and months that a problem will arise…

Pull out your recipe books or ask friends/coworkers for some new dishes to try. I’ve got a few recipes from coworkers I’m excited about but haven’t yet tried…one is Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins and then I picked up on Facebook on the gardein page for ‘Chick’n Pot Pie’. I love experimenting in the kitchen and used to do it so much more. I’d like to get back to that as it always made me smile…

Take a walk. Or better yet, does your city have some botanical or tropical gardens under cover? My Guy, Moops and I went to some here in QE Park awhile back and the heady, wet smell of fresh earth mixed with the vibrant colours made my head spin. While it was cold outside, inside was warm….(the pics above at beginning of this post is from there…)

Embrace this time before Spring and try to keep your head up. It can be tough but we’re ALMOST THERE! Tell me your ideas at keeping the winter blues at bay…