Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Win an Avent 3-in-1 Sterilizer #BabyShower
I can't tell you how happy I am to be done with our bottle sterilizing days! I didn't have a fancy sterilizer (I honestly didn't even know they existed) so it was a lot of boiling pots and scalded fingers in our house!
The easiest way to sterilize
Adjustable size saves kitchen space
Our new electric steam sterilizer has been designed to make sterilizing as simple as
possible. With adjustable size, it takes up less kitchen space and the baskets fit both wide
and narrow neck bottles.
3-in-1 sterilizer
• Adjustable size
Fits all bottle types
• Suitable for wide neck and narrow neck bottles
Extra speed and safety
• 6 minute cycle with automatic shut-off
Effective sterilization
• Natural steam sterilization kills 99.9% of harmful germs
BPA Free
• This sterilizer is made from BPA Free materials
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Avent 3 in 1 Electric Steam Sterilizer makes sterilizing your bottles a breeze!
Adjustable size saves kitchen space
Our new electric steam sterilizer has been designed to make sterilizing as simple as
possible. With adjustable size, it takes up less kitchen space and the baskets fit both wide
and narrow neck bottles.
3-in-1 sterilizer
• Adjustable size
Fits all bottle types
• Suitable for wide neck and narrow neck bottles
Extra speed and safety
• 6 minute cycle with automatic shut-off
Effective sterilization
• Natural steam sterilization kills 99.9% of harmful germs
BPA Free
• This sterilizer is made from BPA Free materials
Avent is giving one lucky reader a chance to win the 3-in-1 Sterilizer! (Enter below)
The contest is open to Canadians. Enter until August 24th.
To My Mothers
Dear mothers,
I am a mom now myself. I have an absolutely beautiful and brilliant two year old daughter that I love more than anything in the entire world. I love her unconditionally and I know I always will. I cannot fathom anything that my child could possibly do in her lifetime that would make me turn my back on her. It is my job (among other things) to love her forever.
To my biological mother - You gave me up for adoption at birth. I understand and respect that decision. You were young and unprepared to raise a child. You made the best possible decision for both of us. It took me a lot of years to work up the courage to try and find you. When I finally made that decision luck was on my side and by a series of unlikely events I actually found you quite easily. You, simply put, rejected me. I cannot even begin to explain to you how that felt (just as I could not understand how you must have felt). All of those years I spent wondering, finding the courage to put myself out there and only to be completely rejected by you. I wasn't looking for you to be my mother or even to be my friend. In fact I didn't even need to meet you. A simple acknowledgement would have meant the world to me. You have no idea. Instead you have chosen to completely ignore me, to deny my total existence. It baffles me and it hurts me.
To the mother that raised me - You are my mother. I might use the word in reference to the woman who brought me into this world but, in actuality, you are the only one I have ever thought of as my mom. It is that reason that you hurt me the most. I have loved you, respected you, looked up to you and you have let me down so completely that there are no words in any dictionary that could define that pain. Although I don't really remember, I believe you were a good mother to me when I was a young child. I was a happy, healthy kid. You taught me manners, helped me with my homework, taught me many valuable lessons that I have held onto my entire life. But, somewhere along the way something changed. I grew up, had my own opinions and goals. More often than not you didn't support my ideas, my dreams. You are strong willed, as am I, but part of being a parent (as I've learned) is learning to be flexible. I wonder if there were times you were trying to protect me by being so seemingly closed minded. Maybe. But in the process you cut me off from life, from experiences that would help me grow. You wanted me to be perfect, that much I do know, and that is a heavy load for anyone, let alone a child, to carry. Nobody is perfect. We all need the opportunity to try, and to fail. It seemed you rather I didn't try at all and so I grew up believing that you didn't have faith in me and that failure was something to be ashamed of.
We had many tough years, you and I. But I never gave up trying to be your daughter, trying to make you proud of me. I left home at 17, made lots of decisions you didn't approve of, got an education, started a career, bought a house, and got married. All though that our relationship was like a roller coaster but I held on for dear life knowing that all roller coasters eventually come to a nice slow stop. And then, the biggest news of my entire life, I was pregnant. I was sure this was going to be the one event in my life that you might be happy about, maybe even proud. I will never forget the day I called to tell you we were expecting. I was so excited to share this news with you. It didn't matter that we weren't really speaking at the time. You are my mother after all and this was big and happy news! That conversation lasted 30 seconds, maybe. It was as if I called to tell you I won $10 on a scratch and win. "Congratulations, well I'm pretty busy so I better go." And there it was, the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.
So, my dear mothers, I hope that you are both happy. And, I actually don't say that with sarcasm. You have both made decisions at my expense, have hurt me greatly, and if those actions have not given you some satisfaction, some peace, then what a waste it would be. I think it's fate that I now have two mother in laws (yes that's right two!) that I can look up to , who are wonderful grandmother's to my daughter and who I trust will never turn their backs on me. I know that as my daughter grows up she will experience heart ache, that's inevitable, but I also know that it won't be me that causes her that pain. I'm not naive, I know that we will have our ups and downs too. The mother daughter relationship can be a tricky one. But I will never, ever, ever, stop being her mother or let her believe that I just don't care.
Link up your post in the Weekend Showcase:
I am a mom now myself. I have an absolutely beautiful and brilliant two year old daughter that I love more than anything in the entire world. I love her unconditionally and I know I always will. I cannot fathom anything that my child could possibly do in her lifetime that would make me turn my back on her. It is my job (among other things) to love her forever.
To my biological mother - You gave me up for adoption at birth. I understand and respect that decision. You were young and unprepared to raise a child. You made the best possible decision for both of us. It took me a lot of years to work up the courage to try and find you. When I finally made that decision luck was on my side and by a series of unlikely events I actually found you quite easily. You, simply put, rejected me. I cannot even begin to explain to you how that felt (just as I could not understand how you must have felt). All of those years I spent wondering, finding the courage to put myself out there and only to be completely rejected by you. I wasn't looking for you to be my mother or even to be my friend. In fact I didn't even need to meet you. A simple acknowledgement would have meant the world to me. You have no idea. Instead you have chosen to completely ignore me, to deny my total existence. It baffles me and it hurts me.
To the mother that raised me - You are my mother. I might use the word in reference to the woman who brought me into this world but, in actuality, you are the only one I have ever thought of as my mom. It is that reason that you hurt me the most. I have loved you, respected you, looked up to you and you have let me down so completely that there are no words in any dictionary that could define that pain. Although I don't really remember, I believe you were a good mother to me when I was a young child. I was a happy, healthy kid. You taught me manners, helped me with my homework, taught me many valuable lessons that I have held onto my entire life. But, somewhere along the way something changed. I grew up, had my own opinions and goals. More often than not you didn't support my ideas, my dreams. You are strong willed, as am I, but part of being a parent (as I've learned) is learning to be flexible. I wonder if there were times you were trying to protect me by being so seemingly closed minded. Maybe. But in the process you cut me off from life, from experiences that would help me grow. You wanted me to be perfect, that much I do know, and that is a heavy load for anyone, let alone a child, to carry. Nobody is perfect. We all need the opportunity to try, and to fail. It seemed you rather I didn't try at all and so I grew up believing that you didn't have faith in me and that failure was something to be ashamed of.
We had many tough years, you and I. But I never gave up trying to be your daughter, trying to make you proud of me. I left home at 17, made lots of decisions you didn't approve of, got an education, started a career, bought a house, and got married. All though that our relationship was like a roller coaster but I held on for dear life knowing that all roller coasters eventually come to a nice slow stop. And then, the biggest news of my entire life, I was pregnant. I was sure this was going to be the one event in my life that you might be happy about, maybe even proud. I will never forget the day I called to tell you we were expecting. I was so excited to share this news with you. It didn't matter that we weren't really speaking at the time. You are my mother after all and this was big and happy news! That conversation lasted 30 seconds, maybe. It was as if I called to tell you I won $10 on a scratch and win. "Congratulations, well I'm pretty busy so I better go." And there it was, the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.
So, my dear mothers, I hope that you are both happy. And, I actually don't say that with sarcasm. You have both made decisions at my expense, have hurt me greatly, and if those actions have not given you some satisfaction, some peace, then what a waste it would be. I think it's fate that I now have two mother in laws (yes that's right two!) that I can look up to , who are wonderful grandmother's to my daughter and who I trust will never turn their backs on me. I know that as my daughter grows up she will experience heart ache, that's inevitable, but I also know that it won't be me that causes her that pain. I'm not naive, I know that we will have our ups and downs too. The mother daughter relationship can be a tricky one. But I will never, ever, ever, stop being her mother or let her believe that I just don't care.
Link up your post in the Weekend Showcase:
Win a Halo Crib Set in the Online #BabyShower Event (Canada & US)
As a mom in a colder climate I don't know what I would have done with out my Halo Sleep Sacks. With blankets in the crib a big no no for the little ones sleep sacks are the perfect solution to keep your little one warm on those cold winter nights. My daughter absolutely loved hers (she wore her Halo Early Walker Sleep Sack until she was almost 2) and would ask for her "sack" at bed time!
Halo is giving you the chance to win your very own SleepSack Crib Set! This unique five-piece Safe Sleep Crib Set contains only those things your baby needs to sleep safe and sound from the start: a coordinating HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and matching decorative skirt.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Halo is giving you the chance to win your very own SleepSack Crib Set! This unique five-piece Safe Sleep Crib Set contains only those things your baby needs to sleep safe and sound from the start: a coordinating HALO SleepSack wearable blanket, SleepSack Swaddle, two soft 100% cotton jersey fitted crib sheets and matching decorative skirt.
A big thank you to Kidsumers for organizing this incredible giveaway!
Contest open to Canada and US
Closes August 24th
Enter below:
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Win a $145 Mobi Prize Pack #babyshower
The Online Baby Shower is here! I am thrilled to be part of this event, bringing you some awesome prizes over the next several weeks.
Baby monitors, digital thermometers, night lights - little luxuries that can make life for parents just a tiny bit easier. Mobi has a full line of award winning portable consumer electronics dedicated to bringing practical and affordable solutions to parents and caregivers everywhere.
Want to win some Mobi prizes? Here's whats up for grabs:
TRIPLE AWARD WINNER - AnimaLamps has been awarded Mom's Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold and National Parenting Center Seal of Approval awards. The prize includes 2 AnimaLamps!
Mobi WallMate was honored with the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval Award
The contest is open to Canadians and closes August 24th. Enter below!
Thank you to Kidsumers for hosting this giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Baby monitors, digital thermometers, night lights - little luxuries that can make life for parents just a tiny bit easier. Mobi has a full line of award winning portable consumer electronics dedicated to bringing practical and affordable solutions to parents and caregivers everywhere.
Want to win some Mobi prizes? Here's whats up for grabs:
TRIPLE AWARD WINNER - AnimaLamps has been awarded Mom's Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold and National Parenting Center Seal of Approval awards. The prize includes 2 AnimaLamps!
- Portable Desk/Security Night Light
- Great for late night changing table
- Just the right amount of light for late night feeding
- Safe for reading in bed
- Backseat travel light
- Sturdy enough for games & playtime
- Touch Adjustable Brightness Control
- Up to 8-12 hours per charge
Plug In Automatic Safety Night Light
- LED light gives off no heat, environmentally friendly
- Comes on when it's dark...turns off when it's light
- Blue, green, red or rainbow colors
- Operates in any standard AC outlet
- ETL safety certified
The Pure Sounds™ Wireless Audio Monitor is environmentally
friendly with its built-in rechargeable battery for the monitor. High
performance and peace of mind for today’s families.
- Secure, private 2.4 GHz operation
- Clear sound
- 600 ft. operating range
- Low battery & out-of-range alerts
- Rechargeable NIMH monitor battery
- Belt Clip included
The Mobi DualScan Ultra has
been honored with the NAPPA Silver and the Mom's Choice Gold Award and
has received top ratings from online publications like www.consumersearch.com.
- Convenient Ear or Forehead Use
- Temperature readings in 2 seconds
- Mini LED flashlight for use in the dark. Won't disturb your sleeping invalid
- Large back-lit readout screen
- Talking Voice readout option
- Stores last 20 measurements with date & time for comparison
- Clock, Calendar, and room temperature feature
- Table stand included
The contest is open to Canadians and closes August 24th. Enter below!
Thank you to Kidsumers for hosting this giveaway!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Family Vacation? Yes Please!! UPDATE
A couple of weeks ago I came across a contest titled "Benadryl - Canada's Most Prepared Mom Contest". I knew I had to enter it. I normally don't enter contests that require people to vote but this one called out to me. So, I wrote up my 250 words or less entry, hit submit and moved on.
A few days ago I received an email from the lovely folks over at UrbanMoms letting me know that I had been chosen as one of the five finalists. I was thrilled! So here I am now and I need your help!
The prize for the Benadryl Canada's Most Prepared Mom Contest is a $10,000 travel voucher. I don't need to tell you how awesome that would be!
I'm not going to give you a big sob story here about how much my family needs this. You already know because you are just like me. You know how much effort goes into raising children, maintaining relationships, working (either as a full time parent or at another job), running a household, etc. - and doing all of this while trying to balance the checkbook. Being able to win this and give my family a vacation to remember would mean the world to me!!
So, here's the skinny - voting is quick and painless. Just follow the link, give my story a read (Shayna) and if you like it just vote. You can vote once a day, starting today until Friday.
UPDATE - voting has been closed because of some "bugs". The contest will start again on Monday July 30th.
Here is the link:
A few days ago I received an email from the lovely folks over at UrbanMoms letting me know that I had been chosen as one of the five finalists. I was thrilled! So here I am now and I need your help!
The prize for the Benadryl Canada's Most Prepared Mom Contest is a $10,000 travel voucher. I don't need to tell you how awesome that would be!
I'm not going to give you a big sob story here about how much my family needs this. You already know because you are just like me. You know how much effort goes into raising children, maintaining relationships, working (either as a full time parent or at another job), running a household, etc. - and doing all of this while trying to balance the checkbook. Being able to win this and give my family a vacation to remember would mean the world to me!!
So, here's the skinny - voting is quick and painless. Just follow the link, give my story a read (Shayna) and if you like it just vote. You can vote once a day, starting today until Friday.
UPDATE - voting has been closed because of some "bugs". The contest will start again on Monday July 30th.
Here is the link:
Introducing Our Top 5 Entries for BENADRYL® Canada's Most Prepared Mom Contest
If you do vote be sure to leave me a comment here so that I can thank you properly!Friday, July 20, 2012
Food Friday - BabyCakes Cake Pop Maker
Cake pops, sweet little balls of gooey goodness made famous by the very talented Bakerella. I'm sure you've seen them, probably tasted them and perhaps have even made them. If you haven't yet bought the book I highly recommend you do. It's full of some truly delightful cake pop recipes and decorating ideas.
I bought the book sometime ago and have frequently visited bakerella.com to see her latest cake pop creations (although her awesome creations are not limited to cake pops). A few months ago, at Christmas time to be precise I finally decided to give them a whirl. I'm no stranger to baking, it's one of my passions actually so I wasn't too intimidated by the whole process. I decided to make some Christmas trees for the Christmas party at my daughter's daycare.
I think they turned out pretty well (sorry for the less than stellar cell phone picture). They weren't perfect by any means but that's one of the reasons I was so pleased with them.
They were fun to make but very tedious, particularly finding the perfect cake to icing ratio and getting them to hold their shape while dipping them. I also find the cake/icing innards to be excruciatingly sweet and definitely not something that I would eat. So, I started to keep my eye open for an easier (and less sweet) was to make them.
I had seen the BabyCakes cake pop maker in several stores and had also come across a few versions of cake pop pans. I went online and researched both options. The pans seemed to be quite finicky and not well received and the reviews for the BabyCakes maker seemed not bad. I was on the fence about it to be honest. Did I really need yet another appliance in my kitchen? A couple of weeks later I saw it on sale in the Canadian Tire flyer for a good price and decided to buy it.
A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to trying it out. I have to say I was really pleased with it. It comes with a small recipe book but I went the easy route and whipped up a boxed mix. I gave it a light dusting of nonstick cooking spray, filled a piping bag with batter (definitely the way to go) and 5 minutes later had my first batch of cake pops. They turned out well, but a little small and, consequently not quite round. I used more batter in the next round and, voila, near perfect little balls of chocolate cake. They were super easy and fast to make. They do have a bit of a ridge where the two side of the pan come together but it's not a big deal at all and I think if you dipped them in candy melts (I didn't) it might not be noticeable at all. If you wanted to trim them it wouldn't take much effort, certainly less effort than hand forming balls.
One of the things I loved about these cake pops are that they are perfect for little hands. They don't fall apart and they aren't gooey. I gave my two year old a can of icing and some sprinkles and she had a blast decorating (and eating) the cake pops. It also comes with quite a few sticks and a very handy stand. They also taste great. You know how the brownies in the edge of the pan are the best? Well, this is much the same. They aren't as dense or crisp as brownies but you get the idea.
I've bought some useless appliances over the years that are just taking up precious space in the cupboard but the BabyCakes Cake Pop Maker is not a purchase I regret. Obviously if you want to make cake pops in any shape other than round you will have to do it the "old fashion" way and roll them by hand, but for any round projects it is perfect.
I bought the book sometime ago and have frequently visited bakerella.com to see her latest cake pop creations (although her awesome creations are not limited to cake pops). A few months ago, at Christmas time to be precise I finally decided to give them a whirl. I'm no stranger to baking, it's one of my passions actually so I wasn't too intimidated by the whole process. I decided to make some Christmas trees for the Christmas party at my daughter's daycare.
I think they turned out pretty well (sorry for the less than stellar cell phone picture). They weren't perfect by any means but that's one of the reasons I was so pleased with them.
They were fun to make but very tedious, particularly finding the perfect cake to icing ratio and getting them to hold their shape while dipping them. I also find the cake/icing innards to be excruciatingly sweet and definitely not something that I would eat. So, I started to keep my eye open for an easier (and less sweet) was to make them.
I had seen the BabyCakes cake pop maker in several stores and had also come across a few versions of cake pop pans. I went online and researched both options. The pans seemed to be quite finicky and not well received and the reviews for the BabyCakes maker seemed not bad. I was on the fence about it to be honest. Did I really need yet another appliance in my kitchen? A couple of weeks later I saw it on sale in the Canadian Tire flyer for a good price and decided to buy it.
A couple of weeks ago I finally got around to trying it out. I have to say I was really pleased with it. It comes with a small recipe book but I went the easy route and whipped up a boxed mix. I gave it a light dusting of nonstick cooking spray, filled a piping bag with batter (definitely the way to go) and 5 minutes later had my first batch of cake pops. They turned out well, but a little small and, consequently not quite round. I used more batter in the next round and, voila, near perfect little balls of chocolate cake. They were super easy and fast to make. They do have a bit of a ridge where the two side of the pan come together but it's not a big deal at all and I think if you dipped them in candy melts (I didn't) it might not be noticeable at all. If you wanted to trim them it wouldn't take much effort, certainly less effort than hand forming balls.
One of the things I loved about these cake pops are that they are perfect for little hands. They don't fall apart and they aren't gooey. I gave my two year old a can of icing and some sprinkles and she had a blast decorating (and eating) the cake pops. It also comes with quite a few sticks and a very handy stand. They also taste great. You know how the brownies in the edge of the pan are the best? Well, this is much the same. They aren't as dense or crisp as brownies but you get the idea.
I've bought some useless appliances over the years that are just taking up precious space in the cupboard but the BabyCakes Cake Pop Maker is not a purchase I regret. Obviously if you want to make cake pops in any shape other than round you will have to do it the "old fashion" way and roll them by hand, but for any round projects it is perfect.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Online Baby Shower Event Coming Soon! #BabyShower
Babies, oh those cute little bundles of crying, pooping, cooing, joy! Maybe you have your own little peanut at home, or on the way. Maybe you are just thinking about starting a family or maybe yours is complete. Where ever you are in the "baby cycle" you don't want to miss out on the HUGE Online Baby Bash! The is event is being hosted by Kidsumers (along with some other fabulous bloggers) and there are TONS of amazing prizes to be won!
The event starts on July 24th and there are prizes open to US and Canada and some open to just Canada.
Here is a sampling of some of the awesome prizes:
Giveaways open to Canada and the US
- $500 Gift card to The Children’s Place
- Halo Crib Set ARV $115
- Hevea Prize Pack ARV $90 – includes pacifier, teether, bath duck, two paci clips
- Thermometer Prize Pack ARV $100 – includes 2 MothersTouch, 1 TempleTouch and a Mini Temple thermometer
- Playtex Gift Basket ARV $250
- $130 Mobi Prize Pack – includes baby monitor, 2 animal lamps, night light, ear/forehead thermometer
- $100 Pampers Prize Pack
- Avent 3 in 1 sterilizer ARV $100
Are you a blogger? There is still time to take part. There is no fee and this is a great opportunity to grow your followers and gain new readers! Fill out the application HERE.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Photo a Day - July 12-15
Ok, I know I'm way behind on my photo a day project but that's just what happens when you have a sick kid at home. I managed to finally get the photos I have taken off the camera today so now I'm only a few days behind!
Texture
 | ||||
| My daughters "ballerina" dress. |
Open
Building
 | ||
| I have no idea what she was trying to build with her lunch.... |
Finger
 |
| Well in this case fingers.... |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
My boyfriend is a big fat liar - AKA The Proposal
Four years (and a couple of months) ago my boyfriend started acting a little strange. It wasn't unusual for one of us to call the other at some point during the day while we were at work but we were already living together so for the most part there wasn't a whole lot of urgent issues that we needed to talk about during the day. But, all of a sudden he was calling at least two often three times during the work day. I found it a bit odd but didn't exactly lose any sleep over it. I just figured he was feeling a little bit insecure for one reason or another - perhaps because his girlfriend of three years was wondering if he was ever going to get on with business of popping the question.
I had devoted one lovely spring Saturday to working in my yard. There were weeds that needed to be pulled, and plants that needed to be planted. I had make it very clear that I had my plan for the day and that was that. My husband informed me that his brother and his family were at the park and wanted us to join them. Well, I seldom passed up an opportunity to spend time with our wickedly adorable niece (see Black Magic Baby ) so I hung up my garden gloves and agreed to take a short break to go play in the park.
I fired up my quirky little 1960 Beetle and off we went for the short jaunt to the park. I can't recall if he was driving or I was driving and he was giving me directions to precisely where the family was (it's a large park) but I do know that where we were going wasn't making a lot of sense. Why on earth would they be playing, with a toddler, on top of a large hill covered mainly in gravel? I didn't get it but I went along for the ride. And, wait, what is that? That is a 1960's era 15 Window Deluxe Volkswagen bus. What the hell? My boyfriend and I were very active in the VW community, in fact I think he may have been president of the club at the time, and knew every vintage VW in town. I did not know this bus. It was a looker. We both excitedly got out of the car and went to check it out. It looked to be original (or an exceptional restoration) and was in unbelievable condition.
My boyfriend told me to get in. What? No way, I'm not getting into someone stranger's bus. That's just not right. Suddenly my boyfriend has a key in the lock and he's opening the door. I am absolutely dazed and confused by now. Where did this bus come from and why on earth did my husband have a key to it? I think I was in alien abduction mode at this point, like there was a laser beam on me directing me where to go and what to do. I stopped asking questions and just got in the bus as I was told. I climbed into the drivers seat and my boyfriend walked around and got into the passenger side. As I sat there wondering what the hell was going on my boyfriend began to talk. Loving words, personal words that I don't need to blog about, and then he told me to open the ash tray. Ok, I now what you're thinking - the ash tray? But the ash tray on a vintage VW bus sits right in the middle of the dash and is covered with a shiny little chrome plate. I opened it, it was lined with velvet with something sparkly in it, then I realized, I was sitting in a giant ring box.
This bus, a 1961 original (not restored after all) was an engagement present. There was much excitement, of course, it was a pretty exciting occasion! But I also had to many questions? Where did this bus come from? How did you get it here? How did I not know about it? As the details began to unfold I suddenly realized what a darn good liar my future husband was! He had been working on this surprise for months and had a whole group of people involved. He had even taken a 12 hour road trip to pick it up one day when I thought he was just working late. And all of those sudden phone calls I was getting during the day? Well at that point that bus was in town and being worked on at various locations. My boyfriend knew that I often had to run around town for various business tasks during my work day so he was keeping tabs on me so I wouldn't inadvertently see the bus and ruin the whole surprise.
To this day I still cannot believe that his secret was not spilled. There were so many people in on this plan, most of them friends and family, and some of them not known for their ability to keep a secret. But everyone pulled together and managed to keep me completely in the dark.
On July 18th of the following year we were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony with all of our friends and family there to celebrate with us. My maid of honour and I arrived at the wedding in my beautiful bus (which my father in law had very lovingly polished to a dazzling shine).
I had devoted one lovely spring Saturday to working in my yard. There were weeds that needed to be pulled, and plants that needed to be planted. I had make it very clear that I had my plan for the day and that was that. My husband informed me that his brother and his family were at the park and wanted us to join them. Well, I seldom passed up an opportunity to spend time with our wickedly adorable niece (see Black Magic Baby ) so I hung up my garden gloves and agreed to take a short break to go play in the park.
I fired up my quirky little 1960 Beetle and off we went for the short jaunt to the park. I can't recall if he was driving or I was driving and he was giving me directions to precisely where the family was (it's a large park) but I do know that where we were going wasn't making a lot of sense. Why on earth would they be playing, with a toddler, on top of a large hill covered mainly in gravel? I didn't get it but I went along for the ride. And, wait, what is that? That is a 1960's era 15 Window Deluxe Volkswagen bus. What the hell? My boyfriend and I were very active in the VW community, in fact I think he may have been president of the club at the time, and knew every vintage VW in town. I did not know this bus. It was a looker. We both excitedly got out of the car and went to check it out. It looked to be original (or an exceptional restoration) and was in unbelievable condition.
My boyfriend told me to get in. What? No way, I'm not getting into someone stranger's bus. That's just not right. Suddenly my boyfriend has a key in the lock and he's opening the door. I am absolutely dazed and confused by now. Where did this bus come from and why on earth did my husband have a key to it? I think I was in alien abduction mode at this point, like there was a laser beam on me directing me where to go and what to do. I stopped asking questions and just got in the bus as I was told. I climbed into the drivers seat and my boyfriend walked around and got into the passenger side. As I sat there wondering what the hell was going on my boyfriend began to talk. Loving words, personal words that I don't need to blog about, and then he told me to open the ash tray. Ok, I now what you're thinking - the ash tray? But the ash tray on a vintage VW bus sits right in the middle of the dash and is covered with a shiny little chrome plate. I opened it, it was lined with velvet with something sparkly in it, then I realized, I was sitting in a giant ring box.
This bus, a 1961 original (not restored after all) was an engagement present. There was much excitement, of course, it was a pretty exciting occasion! But I also had to many questions? Where did this bus come from? How did you get it here? How did I not know about it? As the details began to unfold I suddenly realized what a darn good liar my future husband was! He had been working on this surprise for months and had a whole group of people involved. He had even taken a 12 hour road trip to pick it up one day when I thought he was just working late. And all of those sudden phone calls I was getting during the day? Well at that point that bus was in town and being worked on at various locations. My boyfriend knew that I often had to run around town for various business tasks during my work day so he was keeping tabs on me so I wouldn't inadvertently see the bus and ruin the whole surprise.
To this day I still cannot believe that his secret was not spilled. There were so many people in on this plan, most of them friends and family, and some of them not known for their ability to keep a secret. But everyone pulled together and managed to keep me completely in the dark.
On July 18th of the following year we were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony with all of our friends and family there to celebrate with us. My maid of honour and I arrived at the wedding in my beautiful bus (which my father in law had very lovingly polished to a dazzling shine).
Photo taken by my sister in law
Happy 3 year anniversary to my sneaky, yet wonderful, husband!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Adult Essentials Men's Blog Tour
When I first met my husband he was a vitamin taker. For a few years he stopped taking them on a regular basis but in recent months he has really felt that his health would benefit from taking supplements. Sounds good, except for one problem - for some reason, he can no longer tolerate swallowing large pills and vitamin supplements are notoriously massive! This created a dilemma. It's pretty easy to find chewable vitamins, even for adults, but to be perfectly honest, they taste horrid. A few months ago I became aware of Adult Essential Gummies and knew this would be an option he would be more than willing to try. So, we were both thrilled when my husband was given the opportunity to become part of the Adult Essentials Men's Blog Tour.
The point of the tour is to get men's perspectives on the Adult Essential products. As interesting as it might be to hand my blog over to my husband (and watch him peck away at the keyboard) I think I'll keep the reigns here and continue this post Barbara Walters style (ie interview), although I seriously doubt I'll be making anyone cry...
MO - When we first met you took vitamins on a pretty regular basis. Why did take them?
DO - Primarily because of my lifestyle. I was a smoker at the time, I worked long hours and ate poorly.
MO - Why did you stop taking them?
DO - I was having a hard time swallowing those giant multivitamins and there really weren't any other options so I just stopped taking them.
MO - I know you recently have decided that you want to start taking vitamins again. Why the change?
DO - I have a different outlook on life and my health now. I have a wife and a little one so I want to be healthy not just for me but for my family.
MO - How is your health in general?
DO - It's fantastic.
MO - I'll also add, because you didn't mention it, that you recently quit smoking.
MO - Do you think that taking vitamins helps with things like increased energy and sleep issues?
DO - Yes I think so. My experience has been that they have more of an impact on sleep than energy though.
MO - In your opinion, are vitamins mainly beneficial as preventative medicine?
DO - Yes, I think they are helpful in preventing things like colds and the flu. I'm not sure if they are useful for preventing more serious health issues.
MO - Do you think vitamins should be taken every day for the best benefits?
DO - Yes I do.
MO - Do you exercise on a regular basis?
DO - I don't specifically "work out". My work is quite physically demanding and I also have a very active two year old that keeps me on my toes!
MO - Is there one specific benefit that you hope to get out of taking vitamins again?
DO - I think that if I had to pick one benefit it would be to see an increase in my energy level. My main reason for wanting to take vitamins though is just to feel like I am doing something positive for my health.
MO - Well those are all the questions I have for you today. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I look forward to talking to about this again, once you've been taking the Adult Essential Gummies for a while to see how it's going!
To find out more about Adult Essentials, including details about their full line of products be sure to visit them at http://www.adultgummies.com.
And be sure to visit them on Facebook and Twitter too!
The point of the tour is to get men's perspectives on the Adult Essential products. As interesting as it might be to hand my blog over to my husband (and watch him peck away at the keyboard) I think I'll keep the reigns here and continue this post Barbara Walters style (ie interview), although I seriously doubt I'll be making anyone cry...
MO = Mommy Outside DO = Daddy Outside
MO - When we first met you took vitamins on a pretty regular basis. Why did take them?
DO - Primarily because of my lifestyle. I was a smoker at the time, I worked long hours and ate poorly.
MO - Why did you stop taking them?
DO - I was having a hard time swallowing those giant multivitamins and there really weren't any other options so I just stopped taking them.
MO - I know you recently have decided that you want to start taking vitamins again. Why the change?
DO - I have a different outlook on life and my health now. I have a wife and a little one so I want to be healthy not just for me but for my family.
MO - How is your health in general?
DO - It's fantastic.
MO - I'll also add, because you didn't mention it, that you recently quit smoking.
MO - Do you think that taking vitamins helps with things like increased energy and sleep issues?
DO - Yes I think so. My experience has been that they have more of an impact on sleep than energy though.
MO - In your opinion, are vitamins mainly beneficial as preventative medicine?
DO - Yes, I think they are helpful in preventing things like colds and the flu. I'm not sure if they are useful for preventing more serious health issues.
MO - Do you think vitamins should be taken every day for the best benefits?
DO - Yes I do.
MO - Do you exercise on a regular basis?
DO - I don't specifically "work out". My work is quite physically demanding and I also have a very active two year old that keeps me on my toes!
MO - Is there one specific benefit that you hope to get out of taking vitamins again?
DO - I think that if I had to pick one benefit it would be to see an increase in my energy level. My main reason for wanting to take vitamins though is just to feel like I am doing something positive for my health.
MO - Well those are all the questions I have for you today. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I look forward to talking to about this again, once you've been taking the Adult Essential Gummies for a while to see how it's going!
To find out more about Adult Essentials, including details about their full line of products be sure to visit them at http://www.adultgummies.com.
And be sure to visit them on Facebook and Twitter too!
This is a sponsored post but all opinions are our own.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Photo a Day for July 11th
Letter
Sticky note to myself to water a co-workers plants while she is on vacation
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
What's Your Burger Personality? Twitter Party!
It's that time of year again - burger time! Ok, I know, burgers are great any time of year but there is just something extra special about a juicy burger done on the grill. And one of the wonderful things about burgers is they are so versatile. When it comes to dressing your burger, you really are only limited by your imagination. So, the question is What's Your Burger Personality?
Me, I'd have to say I'm right smack in the middle of being an Old School and a Gourmet kind of burger girl. I like to keep it relatively simple but little touches like switching up the cheddar for some creamy Havarti and some tender baby greens for the iceberg, maybe throwing in some sweet roasted red peppers are a great way to enjoy the classic burger that I like while satisfying my desire for something just slightly out of the ordinary.
Want to discover your personality? Want to have some fun and maybe even walk away with some prizes too? Then you will want to mark August 7th on your calendar! @CanadianBeef and @ShesConnected will be hosting the #LoveCDNBeef twitter party! Come join the fun at 7pm EST. Be sure to stop by the party - hey you could even win a $500 Burger Prize Pack!
So, head on over to the Canadian Beef Facebook Page to find out your burger personality and be sure to RSVP for the Twitter Party!
See you there!!
I am a proud Canadian Beef Brand Ambassador
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Hey Sillies!
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| http://www.passiveaggressivenotes.com |
My mother always said "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." Now, I'd have to call her to clarify but I have a feeling she would also add "and don't leave anonymous, totally passive aggressive, notes either."
Passive aggressive behavior is one of my biggest pet peeves. Now, I'm not completely innocent when it comes to using these tactics. I've done it. We all do it. How many times have you begrudgingly agreed to go along with something you really didn't want to do? You smile and say "sure" but quietly moan and groan about how much this completely sucks and when someone asks you if everything is ok you plaster on that fake grin, the one that you know everyone else knows is completely fake, and mutter how everything is just hunky dory.
Once again the internet and social media has introduced us to new ways to display our unsavory social behavior. When someone acts in a way we find insulting or ignorant, some how we think that posting a cryptic tweet or status update about how "some people should do this or not do that." will solve the problem. Some people? Is that what you mean? No, of course it's not. You are talking about someone specific but don't have the nerve to confront that person directly so you post something vague on the internet hoping they will see it and instantly recognize that you are referring to them. Is this an effective way of communicating? Probably not. But it's easy and much less confrontational than directly communicating with the person or persons that have offended you.
I do think there are times when passive aggressive behavior is acceptable and maybe even helpful, even if the only benefit is that you release some of the tension that someone has created. Something like leaving a note on the windshield of someone's car thanking them for parking like an idiot is pretty harmless. It's when we take the passive aggressive approach towards people or subjects that matter in our lives that we are wasting opportunities to effectively and efficiently deal with a problem. Those obscure social media remarks are, at best, counter productive. They don't really make us feel any better about the situation. They do, however, make us appear childish and woefully incapable of dealing with conflict.
So, the next time someone rubs you the wrong way, before you hit that post button, pull up your big girl/boy pants, take a deep breath and contemplate, just for a moment. Does what you are about to say portray the image that you want your friends, family, followers, sponsors, etc. to see?
Link up your post for the Friday Blog Hop. Be sure to link to a specific post that you want others to read and then go visit the other posts and leave a thoughtful comment!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Friday, July 6, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Canadian Beef - Goodness in Every Bite!
I am a city dweller. I get up every week day morning, put on my business clothes and go off to my job in the executive wing of a well known and respected organization. I like my job, the folks that I work with and I like living in the city. However, in my heart I will always be a farm girl.
In our home doing chores meant feeding the cows, bedding stalls and cleaning grain bins. Extra curricular activities were training your 4-H calf to walk a ring and learning how to groom him for a show. Weekends were spent driving through the pasture (it was a huge pasture) doing head counts and refilling the salt block stations. That all might sound leisurely, I'm not sure, but it really wasn't. Farm life is a busy life. It's just a different kind of busy than you experience in the city. There is no 5:00 pm grid lock, you carry your coffee in a thermos so no waiting in line at the Tim Horton's and grocery shopping is done from your well stocked pantry, freezer and garden.
I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to grow up on a farm and it's one of the reasons that I am so excited to begin my journey as a Canadian Beef Brand Ambassador.
I've spent quite a bit a time over at the Canadian Beef website and the information and resources they provide on the site are a must read for any beef lover. The fantastic group of experts at the Beef Information Centre have an answer for everything beef!
Having family over for a scrumptious roast beef dinner? You can find everything you need to help you prepare and pull off an amazing meal. You'll find information on what size of roast to buy, recipes for yummy rubs, sauces and gravy, cooking tips and guidelines and help to carve a roast like a pro.
Or maybe you want to master the art of barbequing the perfect steak. Learn all the tips, tricks and recipes that will make you the king or queen of the grill!
My favorite section is the Cook Booklets. Here you will find booklets (most available to download) on everything from grilling, casseroles, quick and easy meals, to how to make the perfect burger. There are also booklets on beef nutrition, safe food handling and healthy meal ideas.
Of course, it shouldn't be surprising that my favorite booklet is Made in Canada. Real. Authentic. Beef.
"Meet some of Canada’s proud beef ranchers and farmers as they tell of
their life’s work and their commitment to bring world-class beef to you.
Real folks with real stories, and as always from Canada Beef, you’ll
find great recipes to inspire you to share beef at your table."
Also, be sure to check out the Beef Blog. It's always being updated with fresh information and ideas. I love keeping up with what's happening in the test kitchen!
The Canadian Beef site makes me beam with pride to be a Canadian and to have such close ties to our fabulous beef industry. It also makes my mouth water and inspires me. There is nothing I love more than a perfectly grilled steak. I'm not too shabby on the barbeque but by the time summer is over I vow to be the Grill Master (Mistress??)!
Be sure to stay tuned - there are some fun and exciting things coming our way from Canadian Beef!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Wordless Wednesday - Best Part of Your Day
My July 3rd Photo a Day picture:
Best part of your day
Bubble Bath!
Best Friends Forever or Best Friends for Now
" A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget.."
A couple of weeks ago I met with a friend that I hadn't seen in almost 20 years. I'll admit I was a bit nervous about the meeting. I hate those awkward moments that occur when you realize whatever you once had in common is no longer there. You briefly fill each other in on the important milestones that have happened in your lives and then struggle to find anything of substance or significance to discuss. I'm happy to say that wasn't the case this time. There was perhaps a brief moment of apprehension but it passed very quickly and soon we were deep into the kind of conversations we had all those years ago when we saw each other almost every day (we went to college together). It was wonderful.
When I really think about it, a lot of my best friendships are with people I don't see every day, every week or even every month. These relationships are with people that I know are truly friends, that I don't feel the need to check in with on a regular basis but I know that if I needed them they would be there for me without hesitation. These are the people that I don't call to talk about last night's episode of <insert popular TV show here> or to gossip about whatever horrible thing what's his name did to what's her name. These are the people that I do share important life events with, the people that were invited to our wedding, the people that I send Christmas cards and a family picture to every year, the people that I get excited about seeing and look forward to catching up with.
I'm not dismissing those friendships that do involve daily phone calls or text messages, etc. Lot's of people have friends that they are in contact with nearly every day. Some friendships do work well that way. But often (not always) those friendships fizzle out. Life gets busy, you go a few days without a call, email or text and insecurity gets the best of some people. Why didn't she call? Is she mad at me? She's posting on Facebook but doesn't have time to email me back? Social media has certainly added new dimensions and even new definitions to friendships but that is a whole other post.
We are constantly updating our real life "friend list" even if we aren't clicking boxes on Facebook. A lot of the time it's not even a decision to not be friends with someone any more, it just happens. One day someone asks you "Hey how is Sally these days?" You stop, you think, and you realize you really haven't talked to Sally in ages and you're ok with that. It's not that you don't like Sally, you'd stop and say hi if you ran in to each other on the street, but you probably won't be inviting her to any backyard barbeques this summer. Friendships evolve and dissolve all the time. Sometimes that's a little sad but not everyone is meant to be a "forever friend".
“…..People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each
person." author unknown
Monday, July 2, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Photo A Day July 1st
I was over visiting Optimistic Mommy's blog and noticed that she is participating in a Photo A Day challenge and figured I'd hop on board as well. So here is my picture for July 1st.
Self Portrait
If anyone else is taking on the challenge please let me know. I'd love to follow along with you!!
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