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!

One thing I do want to talk about is this great article I stumbled upon entitled Meat Alternatives Explained. It compares tofu, tempeh and seitan from calories to nutrients and everything in between. This is great information for veteran Veggies like myself, but also pretty invaluable for newbies or those who are thinking about becoming a Vegetarian. Of the 3 mentioned, I have never tried tempeh- I can’t believe it myself but it’s true. I’ve seen it at the stores but thought, ‘another processed mock meat. Do I really need ANOTHER one?’ and I turned the other way. This article though really explains it and almost makes me want to try it…After all, it’s basically just like tofu but the soybeans are fermented.

I recently entered the 21st Century and traded in my cell phone for an iPhone. Yeah, seriously. I was one of those people without one. How did I survive you ask? I never thought I wanted one…never thought I needed one! Now that I have the damn thing, I can’t seem to stop playing with it. What I’m most curious (and excited) about is the world of ‘apps’ and all that we can now see and do with the touch on the screen. For those of us trying to live healthy and happy, the possibilities for apps to help with that are endless. I’m still wading through many available but welcome suggestions on iPhone apps you have tried and love- that help you in every day life. Now I don’t mean the games…I mean a seriously helpful or handy app you think has somehow improved your life or helped in a significant way. I’d love to know! So far I’ve found calorie counting apps, pedometers, blood type diets and yoga to name a few! How is a person to choose what are really the good apps vs the junk apps?

So while I play around with my iPhone I’m also thinking of a friend of mine, Rebecca and her recent Gratitude Challenge. Each day I’m reading her inspirational posts on Facebook about the simple things in life she gives thanks for. It reminds me I haven’t sat down and looked at what I’m grateful in a very, very long time. It’s a sad fact I have to stop and think about this; instead of rejoicing daily on the ‘little things’. I was reminded of this the other day at work; one of our long-time Clients was talking to me and she passed on some advice: “Don’t sleep too much because life passes you by!”. She is 73 years old and commented that sometimes she wakes up late in the day and is sad she lost time because she doesn’t have much left…I personally think she’s 73 years YOUNG and has so much damn energy and fire in her, she will outlive me!

But her comment reminds me to stop and savour each moment, each day. I’m thankful I have a home and clean water to drink…I’m thankful I have treasured friends who all may not live close to me but are with me in spirit each and every day…I’m thankful I have My Guy to give me a hug when I need one and thankful I in turn, can brighten someone else’s day too…I’m thankful I have a job that pays the bills and allows me freedom to keep my options open…I’m thankful my parents are healthy and the sun shone today.

It’s the little things that make up the whole picture. One day at a time is all we can do, and all we can expect others to do as well. Don’t look too far ahead that you lose sight of today.

Love the ones you’re with and love them like there is no tomorrow.

Be strong and healthy. Make good choices in everything you do.

And finally, sleep well Dream big.

He then countered with, “What about our trip to Kelowna? Maybe a picture? What about the loss of your favourite restaurant there and if anyone knows what happened? Happy memories and sad losses…write about that.” Boom. An idea was formed. He’s right. I do have *something* to say. It may not be super interesting or appeal to everyone, but I do have some words to write down at least. Writing is usually relaxing for me because I get so excited when ideas form and I can’t seem to get them down fast enough…I want to share. But lately I have been feeling as if I have nothing ‘interesting’ to say so therefore I shouldn’t say anything at all. My faithful readers reassure me this isn’t so, but one is allowed to have self-doubt and worry at times and this is my time…perhaps if my hockey team brought home the Cup my mood might be somewhat lightened.

This past Saturday we all got up fairly early and as we were enjoying a leisurely breakfast and wondering when summer would come, it hit me: road trip. I suggested we get ready and be on the road within the hour with a destination of Kelowna, B.C.

The view from Knox Mountain, Kelowna BC

It’s always warm in Kelowna in the summer and the city is surrounded by a huge lake and sandy beaches. I figured it was the perfect place to spend a Saturday with the people I love. We piled in the car, told Moops to bring at least 4 books for the drive, and headed off into the mountains! Aside from the one teeny issue of forgetting my CD’s in the house, the trip went off without a hitch. We stopped for breakfast in Hope at My Guy’s fave truck stop diner and then drove in earnest totally enjoying the scenery and playing silly word games. Once upon a time I lived in Kelowna and have always liked the city; it’s not too big and not too small. It’s known for it’s wineries and diverse landscape that goes from tumbleweeds in the summer to dry snow in the winter.

We window shopped up Bernard Street and I recognized maybe 2 shops in all the ones we saw! So much change…so much time has passed really. Moops wanted a playground so we walked to the City Park where it seems time stood still. Jewellery vendors, craftsman and henna artists lined the pathway selling what looked like the same wares of years ago. The sun was shining, everyone was smiling and the lake was dotted with lucky boaters. We then headed up to Knox Mountain for views that literally left My Guy and Moops speechless. Knox Mountain is the PERFECT place to sit and reflect on life…the view is never tiring and there are no sounds of the city to be heard. We came face to face with a deer and only had the music of thousands of crickets to keep us company. Life was good.

Then it shattered. In a million little pieces. My favourite Vegetarian restaurant Lake Thai was gone- vanished without a trace. We drove into the Mission area to go to Lake Thai; I’d long since told My Guy and Moops endless stories of this tiny restaurant known for it’s vegan and vegetarian fare unlike anything I’d ever had before. I had planned to treat them to the BEST sweet and sour ‘pork’ in the world. My eyes couldn’t comprehend that the restaurant was gone. I was unwilling to believe and had to call 411 for information. When the operator told me there was no Lake Thai in Kelowna I said he was a liar. OK not to his face…to My Guy. I insisted he MUST BE WRONG. I didn’t bother checking before we left because Lake Thai was always there…I’m still shaken by it. I researched it more when we got home and of course, same old story you hear everywhere nowadays- lease runs out on a small business, condo developers sweep in and buy out the block so they can build more 500 square foot tiny little apartments to sell for half a million dollars. If anyone in Kelowna knows where the folks went who owned Lake Thai, or if they plan in re-opening somewhere else please let me know.

I have some good info ready for another ‘Things I’m Excited About’ post so I hope you check back soon.

Our Boys have one more chance on Wednesday to bring it home- GO CANUCKS GO.

Everything but the Kitchen Sink Muffin

I was wandering around the house tonight wanting to snack and/or bake…but also so aware NONE of my summer clothes fit me properly. I pulled out my faithful recipe book and turned to all my muffin recipes. There was one in there, probably about 6 or 7 years old and I’ve never made it but the ingredient list always intrigued me. I thought “there is way too much stuff in this recipe for it to cook properly!” I simply ignored the recipe until tonight. Tonight it spoke to me. I didn’t have all the ingredients, as usual; I always tend to ‘tweak’ a recipe and put my own touch on it. It’s a chunky muffin to say the least, jam-packed with good ‘stuff’ and it may seem like not alot of batter. Throw common sense out the window for this one folks and try it. Oh and they’re practically fat free too.

For those recipe-purists out there I will post the recipe as it was given to me, but I’ll put my changes in parentheses beside.

1 cup grated zucchini or a mix of carrot and zucchini (I opted for the mix)

1/2 cup Applesauce

1/4 cup raisins

1 14 oz tin of mandarin oranges, drained and cut finely (I had none, so used pineapple tidbits!)

1 cup of a flaked cereal (author used Special K, I used bran flakes)

1/4 cup oil (I chose NOT to use this, subbed applesauce instead for all but 2 tbsp and that I did use oil for)

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup sugar (*UPDATE: Just had a 2nd one and very sweet. I would say you don’t need a full 1/3 cup. I’m just sayin’…)

3/4 cup WW flour

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp cinnamon

dash nutmeg

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 chopped walnuts (I didn’t have any so I used pecans instead)

1/4 soy milk or regular milk (I didn’t even need this!)

3 tbsp coconut for topping (I didn’t have any so used pumpkin seeds!)

- PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES F

-I used 12 regular sized muffin cups, or could use 6 large if you had them. Will need to be greased or non-stick paper liners used.

-In large bowl mix zucchini (and carrot), raisins, oranges, applesauce and cereal. Set aside.

-Stir in oil if using and vanilla

-In separate bowl add dry: flours, sugar, spices, BP, BS and salt

-Add dry to the wet and fold in nuts. This would be when you would add in the milk if the batter is not moist enough but I found I didn’t need it.

-Divide evenly into muffin cups and top with coconut (or pumpkin seeds in my case)

-Bake 20 mins or until toothpick comes out clean. I had to do 30 minutes…oh and just because I always need a little chocolate a threw in a few chocolate chips too!

 I know this seems a little un-traditional in the mixing and not at all like a normal muffin recipe…I thought so too and perhaps that’s why I ignored it for so long. I’m not disappointed though. I find them sweet, hearty and healthy.

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.

The site claims, “One of the worlds great food science teams has spent the last 7 years perfecting a patented method of replacing the valuable antioxidants that are lost from the premium brand coffees during the roasting process.” I’ll be damned. I NEED TO TRY THIS COFFEE. I’m curious and who wouldn’t be? My question is; is the roast still good? Is the actual coffee still good? The antioxidant claim is only a bonus IF the coffee TASTES good. I have a feeling this stuff is only available online though…I’ll keep ya’ll posted.

My Guy discovered the coolest mammal today online. I can’t believe I don’t know about this creature.

It’s called a Fossa; and is closely related to the mongoose family. I love the lines on this animal! He’s sleek, cat-like but also very lithe…it’s easy to see the mongoose family in his features. Native to Madagascar (home to those cool lemurs of course) and is on the endangered animal list…Such a beautiful creature.

That’s it for now- My Guy’s mom is about to Skype us so I must run

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.

She held her own fairly well, wasn’t breaking a sweat but then again she wasn’t running either. When she finally did increase her speed, damned if I was going to let her beat me! I kept going past my time, feeling my legs burn and my chest begin to burn but I was determined to go farther and longer than this girl in a school girl uniform! Immature I know. She floundered just when I thought I might pass out, grasping at the bars on the treadmill to hold herself up…and I slowed down, as if I meant to stop soon after her. Sigh. Just a little friendly competition at the gym.

But this post is meant to be serious in the sense, I don’t understand people who choose to work out in what looks like uncomfortable clothing to me. I couldn’t imagine sweating up a storm in jeans and a sweatshirt! I also need proper footwear; it just makes everything go smoother if your feet and legs are happy. I’m not saying go out and buy expensive gear and top of the line yoga pants etc, it is possible to find exercise clothing for reasonable prices. The more comfortable you feel, the more apt you are to keep at it and return for your next work out. Ach, call me crazy.

My new goal is still what I posted last time, getting to the gym MORE but in those visits it’s to build up endurance. I’m so pleased with how my knee feels; how I sometimes don’t feel any twinges of pain AT ALL! And if I do, I stop…I don’t push it.

Another goal? My Guy and I are eating more fruit. We said we needed to eat more but both of us struggled with how high maintenance fruit can be…really. It seems like such a chore sometimes! We’ve been preparing up fruit salad to bring to work and we’re loving not only the awesome mid-morning snack but the way it’s making us feel too. It’s a little change but we really do notice a difference…I have to say in all honesty though, we eat very well. There’s no junk food in the house but we do keep some digestive biscuits around for a sweet fix with tea…or I’ll have a handful of raisins, chocolate chips and almonds.

Perhaps our biggest indulgence is beer and wine. Of course these are loaded with calories! My Guys current fave? Howe Sound Brewery’s Rail Ale Nut Brown. We first discovered this beer before Christmas and his eyes still light up whenever we pick some up. One of my favourites? Stanley Park Brewery’s 1897 Belgian Style Amber. Mmmm, so crisp and clean I can taste it now! I do love my wine still, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes a cold beer really hits the spot. So maybe this is where we indulge…where do YOU indulge? Oh and indulge responsibly. Of course.

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…

This site can give you an idea of how many calories you burn on an average day; so what your body needs to function at the level you are accustomed to. If you take the amount and eat LESS calories, along with a regular exercise regime, you WILL lose weight.

Did you know 3500 calories make up a pound? Think about the calorie dense foods/drinks you may indulge in on a daily basis, and then eliminate them. How about soda? Drink alot of that? One can of Coke  has 140 calories approximately. Are you someone who has 3 Cokes a day, 7 days a week? If you cut those out you would see a savings of almost 2800 calories a week! It’s the little things people! How about a little treat with your morning cuppa coffee at Starbucks? Personally I love the Banana Nut Bread but at almost 600 calories a (teeny) slice, I have learned to pass it up. Imagine one of those bad boys 5 days a week? Saying no to that bread is equivalent to a pound of fat. Chew on that.

It’s common sense living. Take the initiative and look at what you’re eating every day. If you’re struggling to lose weight than make a few simple changes with your diet…baby steps…