tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-630737949997191162024-03-21T14:45:40.003-06:00Up Mommy CreekAdventures in navigating Mommy-hood without a map...Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-43038423277000643162016-04-04T09:50:00.000-06:002016-04-04T09:50:20.581-06:00What's In My Locket? <center>
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<span class="s1">My Mother’s Day gift came early this year! </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br />Lockets. I love them. I am almost always wearing one. I have one I inherited from my Gramma with a photo of each of them when they began dating. I also have a few aromatherapy lockets that I rotate through.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I think what I love about photo lockets is how they are so uniquely personal and sentimental, but also a bit mysterious. Not many people will ask to see what you feel is so important you want to carry it close to your heart. It’s a way of keeping those treasured people or things with you throughout the day. Each time you see it (or if you are like me, play with the clasp), you think of what is inside that locket. It’s a way for me to have a little moment of mindfulness in a typically hectic day. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">When I was contacted about the <a href="http://www.monicarichkosann.com/categories/lockets.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monica Rich Kosann collection</a>, I just about fainted. They are STUNNING. Exactly the piece of jewelry I would cross my fingers for when opening up a gift. The pieces are unique and gorgeous, and I love that they come with a long chain, as I love to wear my necklaces long. This locket is a piece of jewelry I know will be handed down just as my Gramma’s locket was.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br />What I think really stands out in this collection is that Monica began as a photographer. Her eye for design and aesthetics is obvious, but it comes from a place of function. She has designed the pieces to hold my favourite photos, not just a pretty necklace. The most unique thing about this locket is that you can go to the website and upload your photo into the template which is specific to your locket, and print it out immediately. You don’t have to fumble through resizing and cropping, or order an expensive custom print. This also means it’s easy to change up the photo when you get a new favourite. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This is my ideal Mother’s Day gift, because I will let you in on the little secret of what’s in my locket: my boys and my darling husband. But I bet you never would have guessed that. They did just edge out a giant cup of coffee though. It was a close call. Basically if you ask me what I want for Mother’s Day (because that is totally something you would ask, right? RIGHT?) I would tell you the following: something nice that I would never buy for myself (check!), a giant cup of coffee and an hour to browse in Chapters alone without having to visit the train table. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I have great news for my fellow Canucks, who so often get let down once we go to our online cart and see the shipping is more than the product: Monica Rich Kosann offers free priority shipping on all orders to Canada. Not only that, but if you are local to Calgary, they also sell her collection at Rubayait on 17th Ave if you want to see them in person first! </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>**Disclaimer</b>: I received this necklace in exchange for a review, but all thoughts and opinions are my own (as always!) and I genuinely am in love with this product. I mean, who wouldn’t be?? </span></span></div>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-186005852131768552016-01-31T22:32:00.001-07:002016-01-31T22:32:17.425-07:00Learning to Crochet in the Mountains<center>
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I have done the impossible! I have become crafty! <o:p></o:p><br />
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A few of my blogger friends (and by a few, I mean 14 of us…) decided we needed a weekend away. An epic girls trip in the mountains where the only thing we had to worry about was where to eat and which pjs to bring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view from the room at Big Horn Meadows. It looked like a painting!</td></tr>
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Now, when I say epic girls trip it may bring about different connotations than the reality. This was the type of girls trip where we shopped at the thrift shop, ate at the local café, ordered pizza, watched Pitch Perfect 2 and crocheted. That’s right, we crocheted.<br />
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One of my dear friends happens to be a very talented crocheter (is that a word? Spellcheck says it is not. What do you call people who crochet?!) and she was crazy enough to volunteer to teach me. I will tell you, it started off very rocky. Somehow I managed to keep adding stitches upon stitches when I should have been keeping them the same. It is a mystery. HOWEVER, it did eventually get easier, and I managed to make this amazing little hat.<br />
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It turns out I find it very relaxing and therapeutic and so now I am attempting to make a blanket. Erin has tons of easy and awesome patterns on her blog (<a href="http://www.mrsbrits.blogspot.com/">www.mrsbrits.blogspot.com</a>) if you want to check them out! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why on earth did I not turn my phone around for this pic? Because I was too cozy and chill, it's my only excuse. </td></tr>
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In Radium we were so fortunate to be hosted by <a href="http://www.bighornmeadows.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Horn Meadows Resort</a>. This is not just a clever name; there was actually a herd of Big Horn sheep that wandered around the grounds the entire weekend we were there. Hello guys!!</div>
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The rooms were awesome. They were 3 bedroom units, and were spacious and gorgeous and cozy. They would be perfect if we took the kiddos out to Radium with us, as they could have their own little room, and we could still hang out in the living area and kitchen and not worry about keeping them up. The rooms were so large they fit 14 of us comfortably in the living room/dining room area and we were even able to do yoga on Sunday morning! So perfect. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Nothing refills your batteries like a weekend in the mountains. I honestly cannot recommend it highly enough. We of course went to the Radium Hot Springs for a soak, and also I went every single day to <a href="http://www.kickinghorsecoffee.com/" target="_blank">Kicking Horse Coffee</a> headquarters. Because COFFEE. <o:p></o:p><br />
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So a huge thank you to <a href="http://www.bighornmeadows.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Horn Meadows </a>for hosting us crazy ladies! I can’t wait to go back. They also happen to have a special on to save 20% off room bookings for 2 nights (or longer, because you will not want to leave), so if you want to check them out just let them know you want the Blogger Discount. It's good until June 23, 2016, but it's not valid on long weekends. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-38360305237336654462015-12-29T15:17:00.001-07:002015-12-29T15:17:10.755-07:00I'm a Good Mom<center>
Ah, the week before New Year's. This is a time where I traditionally reflect on all the things I do wrong, and how I'm not going to do them wrong the next year. It's a time when I think of all the things I am NOT (not healthy, not good with money, not fit...) and how I am going to attempt to change all of those things starting January 1st. But this year I actually surprised myself. </center>
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Being a mom is probably the largest part of my identity at this time of my life. And generally, since I have been thrust into that role, I have never felt like I excel at it. I always have felt that I am surviving; some days better than others, but surviving nonetheless. </center>
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Despite all of the reassurances to the contrary from my husband, my family, my friends, my therapist, the internet, the piles of parenting books and my other parent friends, I still believed I wasn't doing a great job at being a mom. I was doing an adequate job; I was the world's okayest mom. </center>
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But reflecting back on this year, I had the shocking realization that I don't really feel that way anymore. In fact, I think I'm doing a damn good job. Even if my kids watch too much Netflix, eat McDonald's, and are not fully potty trained. Even though I hate the park, I don't make cute little presents for preschool on holidays, and I often don't shower for more days in a row than is probably healthy. Even if sometimes I feel like I want to scream, and sometimes I do. Even if I need some precious alone time from my children, but then sneak into their rooms and risk waking them up just to get the goodnight kiss I missed. Now, when my children throw an epic tantrum in the middle of the grocery store and all eyes are looking at me and how I will deal with it, I know that no matter how it ends I AM A GOOD MOM. </center>
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I am not perfect, but as someone once said to me: "if there was such a thing as a perfect mom, you would hate that person anyway". There is no need to be perfect, because what my kids need is me, crazy and all. All of those times I felt like I was barely surviving, and doing a horrible job at raising tiny humans, I was actually just being a great mom. Because that is what great moms do. </center>
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I have told myself this countless times before this day, and never ever truly believed it. I would say it, and then think of all the things that I needed to fix about myself, to make me "a good mom". This doesn't mean that there isn't a bunch of things I can do better, because of course there is. But not doing them doesn't mean I am failing at all. That is a very freeing thought. </center>
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So this new year, I will still start it off with wishing I was more healthy, more fit and better with money. But I will not be feeling horrible about the year I just gave to my children. I actually feel really proud of it, despite all the rough spots, because it means that I have been lucky enough to spend it with the people I love the most in all of the world, and I know that they (and I!) am better for it. </center>
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So Happy New Year to all of the Great Moms reading this. I wish you another year of joy, tears, tantrums, messes and LOVE. </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-55510604979465692912015-10-01T13:56:00.000-06:002015-10-01T13:56:38.422-06:00Lazy Mom Fall Decorating Reveal<center>
My front door area needs a lot of help. The door is just awful; full of marks and old stickers. I am desperate to replace the door with one with a window to let some light in because I have zero windows on the front of the house on my main floor. But replacing a door seems like a normal person DIY project, which means we are not capable AT ALL of doing it. So it will wait. </center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEszqTeSsEanhDmrQ-QZm0YKrPOhyphenhyphenuDTEBLR4rkl4MXNhfLDOUg85FTqn5S_qQHzMlPYqYmy_KKnwpqD5t28tlZGM6VThQ462QN5GfScGFbmeU9YaSlamou0xvLyTNrBVWf3o9W9VhRY/s1600/front+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEszqTeSsEanhDmrQ-QZm0YKrPOhyphenhyphenuDTEBLR4rkl4MXNhfLDOUg85FTqn5S_qQHzMlPYqYmy_KKnwpqD5t28tlZGM6VThQ462QN5GfScGFbmeU9YaSlamou0xvLyTNrBVWf3o9W9VhRY/s320/front+door.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful...</td></tr>
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But it is a bit sad. I have a dead hanging basket hanging on the front and a generic black rubber mat that says "Welcome". That's it. I wanted to spruce my stoop (is it a stoop?) up for the fall season. So here is the before photo:</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzQbZEZQW87CUBSTbaGN2_k0iIaJwQnkauCemtVlw94Y69eTIyBgG_m20Vo6a5nzbRmaS-LMN8XPtNYgr6hIvo5840EFRhGg6qXbN8Q1Z77iCOBeyEhMjDFly3bA48TFVoQqcA0eUD9U/s1600/front+stoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzQbZEZQW87CUBSTbaGN2_k0iIaJwQnkauCemtVlw94Y69eTIyBgG_m20Vo6a5nzbRmaS-LMN8XPtNYgr6hIvo5840EFRhGg6qXbN8Q1Z77iCOBeyEhMjDFly3bA48TFVoQqcA0eUD9U/s320/front+stoop.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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See? It needs some help. There is a lot of space for really cute fall decor, and it has a lot of potential. So I did some decorating that fits into my busy lifestyle:</div>
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Isn't it amazing? Here, I'll show you a side-by-side comparison just so you don't miss it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTZmJQcllDIY94i1025HGmGajAKjaB-86GYEOpMlogQfhoalknY6OtCtb2M_dlcKG8mt6W86sGAectYalsy8__9z3d39UBrbpf10dBHDBt2xzNdpa808Ye3CXoCFjaINxvMRsEUtwaaA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTZmJQcllDIY94i1025HGmGajAKjaB-86GYEOpMlogQfhoalknY6OtCtb2M_dlcKG8mt6W86sGAectYalsy8__9z3d39UBrbpf10dBHDBt2xzNdpa808Ye3CXoCFjaINxvMRsEUtwaaA/s640/PicMonkey+Collage+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here, my dear ones, is an example of setting small, achievable goals. You too can have a blog worthy front porch with minimal effort! Here is a handy tutorial: </div>
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Step 1: Purchase pumpkin.</div>
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Step 2: Place pumpkin on step. </div>
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Happy Fall Everyone! </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-17049110419445817182015-07-20T14:11:00.003-06:002015-07-20T14:11:37.394-06:00Hello...it's Me<center>
Whoa. So normally I kind of hate the "sorry I haven't written" type posts, but considering the fact it's been about 2 years since my last post, I suppose there should be SOME sort of catchupiness happening here. </center>
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So. It turns out blogging when you have 2 small boys is hard, yo. I mean, I had a lot of balls to juggle, and blogging seemed like the best one to drop. Because the other two were my boys (and that isn't a good thing, I am pretty sure we can all agree), or my ever-loving mind. I have managed to escape with that one somewhat intact, though it hasn't been without a struggle. </center>
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Depression and anxiety are not great for my creative juices. I had opened my laptop many times and stared at the blank screen with my hands ready to type and literally nothing came to mind. It was almost like someone had deleted the writing program from my brain. I have not really written much of anything for 2 whole years, and that is pretty crappy. Because I do love to write, even if it is dumb little anecdotes. </center>
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So, here we are. 2 years later. After therapy, and group therapy and medication and many, many, many tantrums (both from the kids and from me), and tears and laughter and joy and fun and sadness. We have made it through, and are at a point where I can put them in front of the TV to watch Penguins of Madagascar (I mean, how hilarious is Dave?!) and sneak upstairs to write this. Because the days of my children needing 140% of my time and attention are gone, and now they only need about 110%. So maybe I can use that -30% to concentrate on myself for about 20 minutes until someone needs something. I mean seriously, how many times a day can you hear the words "Mom, I'm STILL hungry!!"!?! You are tiny little humans with stomachs the size of lemons*. I mean how much can you actually fit in there for crying out loud?? </center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*please note, I have no idea what the actual size of a preschooler's stomach is. </span></center>
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You know what? Parenting is hard. Being a person is also sometimes very hard. It's even harder to be a parent and also a person at the exact same time. I haven't got it mastered yet, but I am getting better at it. </center>
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I'm sure it's been hard, in my absence, to not know what my thoughts were on (trying desperately to think of parenting issues that have happened in the last 2 years...) the Royal babies, celebrity baby names and *insert hot-button parenting issue here*, but I am sure you managed somehow. And thank you to all who wrote me a note to check in and see how I was doing, and to those who requested I start to write again. I am sure you will regret your decision soon enough. </center>
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So here is where we are at now. Peanut (Finn) is turning 4 next week. New Baby (Q) is now 2.5 and Hubby and I are still basically the same, just with a few grey hairs. Also, Kitty is still alive and well (she is still not quite right in the head, but that is her normal, and we generally love her anyway). We moved into an awesome house last year where we finally feel completely at home. Despite my terrible past as a plant serial killer, I am trying my hand at growing some fruit and veggies in our gardens and not completely failing. So far my success rate is about 60%. The plants are being lulled into a sense of safety. I am still at home with my boys, which means I basically sit on my butt all day and watch Maury Povich (is that guy still on TV? Because Oprah isn't, right?) and eat bon-bons. </center>
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So there we have it. When written down it sort of sounds like I haven't done much these last 2 years. Which is basically true, lets be honest. Sometimes just surviving is all the busy you can handle. </center>
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Much love to you all. I've missed you, darlings. </center>
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xoxo</center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-22307360222828458632013-12-22T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-22T08:00:00.638-07:00Why Leaving the House is The WORST<center>
Ok. Upon reading the title of this post, you may assume it is because of my <a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2013/07/im-struggling.html" target="_blank">recent struggles with anxiety.</a> But it's not. It's because of these 2 little angels: </center>
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Sweet, right? Yep. They generally are. Until we have to leave the house. As if my sanity wasn't fragile enough, I also have to wage fullscale WAR in order to walk out the door. No matter how much strategy I employ, no matter how clever I think I am being in preparing hours in advance, I am always outwitted, outlasted and outplayed. I am the weakest link, there can ONLY BE ONE!!!! and it's not me. </center>
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Let me explain.</center>
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Sometimes, we just have to leave the house. Maybe we have an appointment, maybe I'm crazy enough to think an outing would be nice, who knows. In any case, I have to be somewhere at some time. I try and start at least an hour before we have to leave, but this has proven to not be sufficient. I get them changed, which is like trying to wrangle an octopus into a ziplock bag, but twice. I eventually succeed, and then it is my turn to try and make myself presentable for the outside world. </center>
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This is impossible. The oldest is running around and throwing toys and dumping puzzles and pushing his brother and chasing the cat and evil laughing while dumping a glass of milk on the carpet. The youngest is screaming and crying like I have abandoned him in the wilderness despite the fact that he is 2 feet away from me. If I have to go to the closet to get a sweater, he crawls after me with his head up screaming and wailing at the ceiling. The 10 minutes it takes me to get dressed and run a comb through my hair is the loudest and most chaotic 10 minutes that has ever existed in space and time. It never fails either. I can have a ton of well-timed activities planned, I can even resort to putting Thomas the Tank Engine on...it doesn't matter. None of this holds any power compared to the innate instinct to make mommy lose her ever-loving mind. </center>
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This is usually the point where I start to really lose my composure. I shut down into a resigned zombie with no feelings on auto-pilot. I think it's a coping mechanism. "No Finn, don't hit your brother, Q, you are ok sweetheart, Mommy still loves you even though I am not physically touching you" while I smear eyeliner on and pull my greasy hair into a "messy bun" (understatement of the year). </center>
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After this, the hunt for the boots/coats/hats/no-not-the-green-ones-the-blue-ones-mommy-mittens begins. This is where my adrenaline starts to kick in and I wake up out of the zombie-state and start to get into a state of panic. I have usually noticed that if we don't leave the house in exactly 5 minutes, we will once again be late. But of course this one boot cannot be found. How can it not be there?! It's always in the box with all of the stuff. Could it be in the closet? I have checked absolutely everywhere, including the places that is doesn't even make sense to look. Maybe it's behind the toilet in the bathroom?! Any attempt at recruiting help from the toddler is just enlisting him to run around yelling "where's my boot mom?"about 30 times. Eventually, with one minute until we have to leave I unearth the missing boot from underneath the couch in the basement (I have no blooming idea how it could have gotten there) and get it on. </center>
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I put Q in his bucket seat and begin to buckle him in. Maybe I'm actually going to make it this time!! I can't even believe my luck...my hair is in disarray and I have non-matching socks on, but we may have actually done it. Just as I clip the last buckle, I hear the tell-tale rumble and know that it is not to be. Somehow the diaper which is designed for the specific purpose of not allowing everything to explode everywhere has failed, and it requires an entire change of wardrobe for the babe. Any chance we had at being semi-punctual is out the door (unlike us). </center>
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Once we get that settled, we all head into the car, and I strap the toddler in, while he tries to escape so he can drive Francesco Bernoulli. Why my toddler thinks our tiny little Honda Fit is a Formula One Racecar from Cars 2, I have no idea. </center>
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I finally sit in the car and heave a sigh of exhaustion. We haven't even pulled out of the garage and I am ready to go home. </center>
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And this happens every.single.time. </center>
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So THAT, my friends, is why leaving the house is the WORST (and also why I will be late every time we arrange to get together...sorry). </center>
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#momlife</center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-32027161799587593052013-12-20T21:48:00.002-07:002013-12-20T21:48:52.053-07:00A Few of my Favourite Things<center>
It's almost time for Christmas, so I thought I might share with you a couple of my favourite things, just in case you are still looking for something to put on your lists (or to snag in some great Boxing Day (week...month...??) deals!)</center>
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<a href="http://www.staples.ca/en/Google-Nexus-7-Tablet-2nd-Gen-NEXUS7ASUS-2B16-Android-43-7-inch/product_215186_2-CA_1_20001" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nexus 7 Tablet</a></center>
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Up until very recently I had never owned a tablet. In fact, I had only used an iPad very briefly. I LOVE this tablet. It's nice and small, and the screen is incredible. It looks better than my TV! The sound is also pretty amazing. I don't even need to plug it into my speakers when I am listening to Songza (another one of my favourite things!). I also liked how easily it synced to my phone and automatically downloaded all my apps. Pretty slick. It would make a great e-reader due to it's size, but I still prefer reading on my non-backlit Kobo, as it's easier on the eyes. The only thing I'm not that crazy about on the tablet is the camera, but that's fine. I always think it looks funny when people take photos with their tablets anyway. ;) I always thought that tablets were sort of redundant for me, since I have a laptop and a phone, but it changed my mind. </center>
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I loooooove these slippers. I don't even know where they are from, as I got them as a gift from Hubby last Christmas. They are so warm and comfy, and I love that when I wear them I don't get cheerios and crumbs and all the other little treasures my boys leave all over the floor for me stuck to my feet. They take a beating and keep on cozying my feet. </center>
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<a href="http://sodastream.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sodastream</a></center>
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I wasn't sure about the Sodastream. I hemmed and hawed about it for a long time. I mean, it seems like an awesome idea, but I'm a bit of a soda snob, especially when it comes to Cola. So I knew I wasn't going to use it much for making pop like Cola or Rootbeer. I didn't use it too much at first, but then I branched out and tried the other syrups they have, and the Kool-Aid syrup is my absolute favourite! I loooove bubbles, and that is the reason I drink so much pop. It's awesome to be able to control the level of syrup I use, as well as to add some bubbles to things like orange juice so I get that fizz fix but without adding calories or sugar. I also picked up some Torani syrup and make myself Italian Sodas as a treat every now and then. For those who like carbonated water, this is a must. It's so handy, and it was definitely something that grew on me. </center>
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<a href="http://www.dogeared.com/" target="_blank">Dogeared Jewelry</a></center>
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If you haven't heard about Dogeared, please don't Google it, since you will probably fall in love. I adore their designs; so clean and simple and beautiful. I have coveted the Karma necklace for a few years now and finally decided to buy myself a little present and picked it up, as well as a bracelet. I love them and wear them every single day. I am pretty sure I want one of everything...hint hint Hubby!! ;) </center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Please note: I have received some items listed in this post for the purpose of review, however all opinions (as always!) are my own. </span></center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-60209781223674405192013-12-11T12:33:00.002-07:002013-12-11T12:33:59.937-07:00THE most delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding<center>
This recipe is the devil. It's basically the most delicious thing ever, and it's really easy to make. </center>
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I was recently obsessed with the Sticky Toffee Pudding from President's Choice. Hubby got real sick of me thinking of things we needed from Superstore just so I could get my hands on more. It's seriously amazing. But I always think homemade is way better than store-bought. So if this stuff was so good, what would homemade sticky toffee pudding be like? It would have to be mind-blowing. </center>
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As fate would have it, a friend of mine just so happened to post on Facebook that she thought that sticky toffee pudding was perhaps the most perfect dessert ever created. I shared with Sarah my love for the gooey stuff and I started on the lookout for a good recipe. There are many out there, but they all seemed a little intimidating, or missing the gooey factor (which is the best part). I wanted something that was easy to make and preferably not using ramekins, as I don't own any (gasp!). </center>
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A few days later, Sarah says her mother-in-law is visiting from Scotland, and happens to have a recipe for sticky toffee pudding which is both easy and scrumptious. And let me tell you...that is an understatement. This is literally heaven in a bowl (or straight from the pan if you have no self-restraint like me). </center>
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Many thanks to Ann and Sarah for bringing this into my life, although I'm not sure my waistline thanks you as much. Ha! </center>
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So without further ado, I bring you</center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh mannnn...that sauce! Drool.</td></tr>
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<u><b>THE most delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding </b></u></center>
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<i>Sponge (cake)</i></center>
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1 cup sliced, chopped dates</center>
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1 tsp baking soda</center>
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1 1/4 cups of boiling water</center>
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1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened</center>
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1 cup of sugar</center>
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2 eggs at room temperature, beaten</center>
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1 1/2 cups of flour</center>
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2 1/4 tsps baking powder</center>
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1/2 tsp salt</center>
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract</center>
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<i>Toffee Sauce</i></center>
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1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar</center>
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1/2 cup unsalted butter</center>
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2/3 cup whipping cream</center>
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Place dates and baking soda into a medium saucepan and pour the boiling water over them (mixture will foam up). Set the pan over medium heat and simmer for one minute. Take off the hear and leave to cool for 15 minutes. </center>
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Preheat oven to 350F, and grease a 8" square baking dish. </center>
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Place butter and sugar into a large mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs, beating well after each addition. Mix flour, baking powder and salt together, and gently stir into bowl with a spoon, followed by date mixture and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Pour into greased baking dish and bake for 35 minutes until springy to the touch. </center>
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While cake is baking, make the sauce. Place sugar, butter and cream into a medium saucepan and add a split vanilla bean. Heat gently until butter is melted, then bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened and a rich toffee colour. Try not to eat the whole pan. </center>
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When cake is done, spoon a little sauce over the sponge to coat the surface and return to the oven for 5 minutes. </center>
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Remove from oven, cut into squares and pour hot sauce all over the sponge. Lick the plate. </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-12320911715858368452013-12-08T13:30:00.000-07:002013-12-08T13:30:46.479-07:00We Day 2013<center>
I've been lucky enough to be a part of <a href="http://www.weday.com/" target="_blank">We Day</a> for the last 2 years. This year when <a href="http://telusforweday.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Telus</a> asked me to be a guest to attend the event, I jumped at the chance. I was so excited to attend the actual event, and as I was able to bring a youth guest, I began trying to think of someone I knew in that age range. It turns out I don't know that many people between the ages of 8 and 18...who knew?! So when my husband suggested the daughter of his coworker, I thought it would be an awesome experience. After all, while I feel I am sort of hip and know a bit about pop culture, I have to be honest in saying I had to google a couple of the celebrity guests at We Day this year...shhhh...don't tell! </center>
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Anyway, my hope was that in bringing Emily along I would be able to get a better idea of how We Day effects someone still in the prime of their young years. When I was Emily's age I was a true idealist, looking to change the world by buying tshirts to save the otters (remember There Otter Be A Law? NO? Just me?! Ahhhh well...). Sadly, I have lost a little bit of that shine since I've become older and a bit more jaded with life. So I was looking forward to catching the enthusiasm and really enjoying We Day in the way it was intended. </center>
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I knew I was going to be very moved, and I was. But what really was inspirational for me was to see the entire stadium filled with young people, all inspired to make changes, no matter how small, in this world for the better. I know that if even 10 of those whom attended carry that forward into their life that this world is a better place. </center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the red carpet with Emily </td></tr>
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If you haven't heard of We Day, it's an event put on by <a href="http://www.freethechildren.com/" target="_blank">Free the Children</a>. Thanks to generous sponsors like <a href="http://www.telusforweday.com/" target="_blank">Telus</a>, the event is free for the youth to attend, but they have to earn their way through volunteering in the community and in the world at large. It's a full day of speakers, music, celebrity guests and inspiration. And one of the cool things they have introduced is an app called <a href="https://app.we365.com/web/" target="_blank">We365</a>. It's a completely safe digital social space for youth to inspire each other, and bring the spirit of We Day with them into their lives. They can choose causes they identify with and complete challenges from small things like using a reusable coffee cup to larger ones like fundraising. And it can also track your volunteer hours for school projects, etc. It's basically the Facebook of Doing Good. My favourite part about it is that it is totally moderated and it is safe (i.e. you can only "friend" people you know in real life, no geo-tagging of posts for youth, etc). It's a great way to make these ideas real, and to have a tangible way of making changes in your everyday life. It may seem small, but you can see that hundreds of users are doing the same thing, and you can know that you are indeed making a difference. Love it! </center>
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I can write a summary of the event for you, but I think I would rather have Emily tell you in her own words, as they are so perfect. It was such a pleasure tospend the day with such an amazing young woman, and I hope that the experience will remain with her for some time. Thanks Emily for helping me to get a little bit of that old shine back and for inspiring me. </center>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My experience at We Day is one that I will never forget; from all the inspirational speakers to getting to meet part of one of my favorite bands! When we first arrived at the Saddledome I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect since it was my first time going. All I knew was that I was excited to have the chance to get to see all the amazing people speak. My junior high had always been a big supporter of We Day so I had a general idea of what it was all about but I never imagined the impact it would have on me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We got to watch from one of Telus' private suites which was amazing and when we went to our seats there were swag bags waiting for us. Inside were many things including a bracelet that lit up every time you clapped. The idea behind it was that the light was a spark, and a single spark can grow to be so much more. They would get everyone to begin clapping together so that it would demonstrate how everything starts with an idea and eventually that idea can grow to be big and can change the world, like We Day itself. I loved the whole concept of the bracelets and it really got me thinking about how I too can change the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There were many speakers including Spencer West, Martin Luther King the third, Magic Johnson and more! However I was really inspired by Amanda Lindhout. Her story had stood out to me. She was a lady who had always dreamed of travelling the world and going to see exotic places and when she became a journalist she got the opportunity. However her trip to Somalia had gone terribly wrong when she was kidnapped. She had been held captive for almost a year and was treated horribly. She was kept in a dark room and was only allowed to lay on her side. I had heard part of her story already as my mom had read her book she wrote, but I didn’t expect to be as affected by her speech as I was. I think she is an amazing person to go through that, manage to escape, then come back home and get back to living a normal life where she doesn’t always have to fear everything. I can’t imagine how hard the whole thing must have been for her. I think it is incredible that she can take her story and use it to inspire people like she did me. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Nelly Furtado. She's even more gorgeous in person, and she is so passionate about Free the Children. Amazing. </td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I also really liked the Kenyan boy’s choir! Not only did we get to see them perform with Nelly Furtado and Shawn Desman on stage, but we got to see them perform at the press conference too! They were really fun to listen to and each performance was really energetic! The press conference was also a really neat experience. Nelly Furtado and Craig Kielburger also spoke at the press conference and it was cool how we got to get a kind of inside look into the show before it had started. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of my favorite parts of We Day aside from the inspirational parts was the red carpet. We got to meet Shawn Desman, Kardinal Offishal and Down With Webster! I have to admit I was pretty star struck especially when Down With Webster came. I am a huge fan of Down With Webster and it was crazy that I got to meet them! Anyway, each group got to ask each of them questions and I was pretty impressed with many of the answers especially Kardinal Offishal. In one of his answers he had compared his view of the world to glasses. He had said that it was like when you have a pair of glasses and you think you see everything perfectly well but then you go and get your vision checked and realize you need new glasses and when you get those new glasses then you truly see the world clearly. I thought that was a really good analogy and it really got me thinking about what I’m missing in the world that I could help with. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the end of the day I was sad that it was over but grateful to have gotten the experience. I decided I would download the app “We Day 365” so that I could make a difference. It is an app that gives you little challenges that can help make a difference in the world. You get to choose what causes you want to support and from there they give you tasks that can help with that issue. They aren’t big tasks but they can be little things that help. For example, if you follow the cause of bullying, then maybe it’ll tell you to give random people compliments or something like that. I think the app is a great idea and I think that the tasks no matter small do make a difference in the world whether it’s helping just one person or many. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily with Down With Webster. Pretty epic. </td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We Day was an incredible experience that I will never forget and I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful to have gotten the experience to go and it definitely had an impact on me. Since We Day I have been looking for more things I can do to help with anything and everything! If you ever get the chance to go to We Day I suggest you take it because you won’t regret it and you will leave with the experience of a lifetime and the want to go and change the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If I look through my “We Day glasses” I can see acts of kindness everywhere just like the act of kindness Amy showed by inviting a stranger –me-- to experience the life changing event filled with the energy of many great people all joined together to celebrate the changes that WE can make in the world. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, I fan-girled a little meeting Kardinal Offishall. </td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thank you soooooooo much once again for the opportunity Amy! I can’t thank you enough times for the experience it truly was amazing and I will never forget it!</span></span></div>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-53327480227455134412013-10-22T20:23:00.000-06:002013-10-22T20:23:55.919-06:00Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes & Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins<center>
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It's fall, which means it's that time of year to PUMPKIN ALL THE THINGS!!!!!</center>
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I have to admit I'm a late convert to the pumpkin craze. I actually don't like pumpkin pie (gasp!!) so I was pretty reluctant to think I would enjoy pumpkiny goodness in every single incarnation. Turns out it's actually really yummy! </center>
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If you know me at all, you know I am pretty addicted to Starbucks; I love their Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I have tried for a few years now to recreate a similar coffee at home, and have tried everything from syrup to creamer recipes. None have ever really made the cut. Most of the time they are either really sweet, or they have a pretty gritty texture which I'm not a fan of. But I have finally found it! This latte tastes pumpkin-y and spicy and coffee-y...just right. </center>
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And because you can't have a cup of coffee without a treat, I also whipped up some pumpkin zucchini muffins to go with them. I don't like zucchini at all, actually, but for some reason it tastes delicious in baked goods. So it seemed natural to toss some pumpkin in there too and make a fall pumpkin explosion. They are super moist and tender, and since they have 2 types of veggies in them, I feel like they are basically a health food. It would be easy to "healthify" this recipe a bit by subbing some whole wheat flour for the white, and reducing the sugar a bit, but I like em just like this. </center>
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Enjoy!</center>
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<u><b>Homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes</b></u></center>
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Place 2 1/4 cups of milk in a saucepan. Whisk in 3 Tbsps of pumpkin puree, 3 Tbsps of white sugar, 1 Tbsp of vanilla and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a simmer. Add in 2 shots of espresso (I use my Tassimo for that) or 1/2 cup of strong coffee (to your taste). Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. </center>
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I didn't find the texture too gritty, but run it through a fine sieve or some cheesecloth first if desired. </center>
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If you have a bit leftover, but it's not enough for a full cup, it's also delicious if you add a little bit to your regular latte or coffee. Yum yum!</center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from Food Network Magazine</span></center>
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<u><b>Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins</b></u></center>
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2 cups of flour</center>
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2 tsps baking soda</center>
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1 tsp baking powder</center>
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3/4 tsp salt</center>
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2 tsps cinnamon</center>
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1 1/2 tsps ground nutmeg</center>
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1/2 cup butter, room temperature</center>
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1 cup zucchini, grated</center>
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3/4 cup white sugar</center>
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3/4 cup brown sugar</center>
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2 eggs</center>
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1 cup pumpkin puree</center>
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1 tsp vanilla</center>
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1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)</center>
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Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in bowl. Set aside. Cream butter and sugars for about 5 minutes until creamy and well incorporated. Add in eggs and combine well. Add vanilla, ginger and pumpkin and combine. Add zucchini and stir until mixed. Slowly add flour mix and stir until combined. </center>
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Scoop batter into muffin pan (I use a silicone one so they just pop right out...they are amazing!) until almost full. Top with some cinnamon sugar if desired. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 20-25 mins until toothpick comes out clean. </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-86926881107308891332013-08-13T12:44:00.000-06:002013-08-13T12:44:03.780-06:00Kidoodle TV<center>
Peanut has now discovered the magic of TV...it was inevitable I suppose. We don't watch too much of it, but he certainly is captivated by it! </center>
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I just wanted to share something cool with you that I am looking forward to trying out. It's called <a href="http://kidoodle.tv/" target="_blank">Kidoodle TV</a>. They are currently looking for testers to try their beta version for free to give them some honest feedback and test it out before they launch! You can head over to <a href="http://kidoodle.tv/">http://kidoodle.tv</a> to check it out. </center>
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I am looking forward to trying it out! I think it would be ideal for tablet users, which unfortunately we don't own...gasp! I know...how can I be tablet-less in this world?! I don't know myself. But it looks like it is a secure program; once you are in you are in, so the kiddos can't escape and refill your Starbucks card with $100 (this actually almost happened on my phone...even Peanut knows my Starbucks love, I guess!). Plus you have total control over the content (so the last episode of Orange is the New Black we just watched isn't going to be accidentally played. Yikes!) and can even set time limits. </center>
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Anyway, you know I love a good deal, and free is a good deal. Had to pass it on! :)</center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Please note, this isn't a sponsored post. I have not received any compensation for this post in any form, and all opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks! </span></center>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-23044351088146447142013-07-30T15:06:00.002-06:002013-08-13T12:44:39.166-06:00I'm Struggling<center>
I'm not sure where I want to go with this post, I only know that I am just going to sort of vomit it out through my fingers on the keyboard. It's probably not going to be pretty, or all that funny. What I do hope is that it is honest, and not too self-indulgent. So bear with me. </center>
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I am struggling a lot lately. As you have probably noticed, I haven't been writing much. This is because, for the most part, I am a lazy blogger. I am attempting to juggle quite a few balls, and it turns out I'm not the best at juggling. Blogging is the ball that seems to drop first. </center>
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It's not that I am having a lot of difficulties. I'm just struggling with the every day life that all of us lead. I have 2 boys taking up most of my energy, and so I sort of feel like my energy reserves have been depleted, and I just don't have the motivation or the desire to expend it on anything else. My house is usually a disaster, and I feel like I am not even doing that wonderful a job at parenting. Peanut is so independent that a lot of the time I am checking Facebook or making dinner or a myriad of other things that make me feel a bit like an absent parent. I am there but not THERE, you know? </center>
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This is not meant to be a pity post about how I am not the Pinterest mom with the organized house, adorable outfits and perfect kiddos. We all know that is all just for show and people don't actually live like that...or if they do then they must be some sort of superhuman and/or bionic robot. I just mean to say that I am pretty sure that I am not doing my best. I think I am doing a decent job, but I know I could be doing better. </center>
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So I am struggling to parent in the present moment. </center>
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I am also struggling with my self-image. I treat my body pretty badly. I eat terribly, and very rarely am active at all. Then I feel pretty horrible when I still look pregnant with my mommy pooch. Logically I know that none of my self-worth is tied up in my appearance, and that I am most likely my harshest critic. The feminist in me rebels against wanting to look cute in this season's fashions and putting so much emphasis on my physical appearance...but this isn't logical at all. It's a purely emotional and irrational desire, and I'm struggling. I'm struggling to get the motivation to go to a yoga class. A class I know will make me feel 10000 times better, but then I would have to get dressed, and organized and head out. It's easier, so much easier, to stay home in my yoga pants and lounge on the couch eating DinoSours (not that I'm doing that RIGHT NOW or anything...noooooo....). </center>
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So I am struggling to accept my body as it is. </center>
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I'm struggling to keep my anxiety at bay. I haven't really shared much, but I struggle a bit with anxiety and depression in my life. I am on top of it for the most part, but some days are harder than others. I have yet to leave the house with both kids to go to the grocery store. It's been 5 months. I get my husband to get the groceries or go later when he's home. I am positive that if I go both kids will have a huge meltdown and all those shoppers will turn and look at me, and give me the evil eye and judge me to be a horrible mom. A horrible mom with annoying kids who just won't shut up. In my head I know this is not likely, and if it is, then screw 'em. But it's not a logical thing, anxiety. It's a crazy thing. A hard-to-control thing that sometimes gets the best of you. </center>
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So I am struggling to stop worrying about the past and the future and just live in the moment. </center>
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I am struggling with finances. Money is tight. I also realize this is not something many people talk about, and that I am probably breaking a million and one societal rules of etiquette by saying it. But it's true, and it's on my mind, and this post is about me writing what I am thinking without editing myself. So there it is: money is tight. It's a constant struggle, and I hate that so much of our happiness and stress levels rely on our bank account. I know that money doesn't buy happiness, but goodness is it ever hard to be happy without it. I would love to have many awesome things and go many awesome places like so many others, but we can't. I am not bitter about that, as it's our choice. I know how lucky we are to have what we do, and to have the lifestyle we have. But I just wish we were better at managing our finances so that it wasn't an issue. Because that is what it boils down to: we aren't good with money management at the moment. I am hoping we change this soon. </center>
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So I am struggling to be more financially responsible. </center>
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And I am struggling with this blog. Inspiration is hard to find lately, I won't lie. And even when I do have an idea, I usually choose watching TV over putting the work in here. </center>
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So there it is. Reading back over this post, I realize that most of my struggles are emerging from not living in the now. I don't expect to solve all of this. Parenting, marriage, life itself...it's hard work. And sometimes when you live in Internet-land so much you get bombarded with posts and pictures and you start to think "Am I the only one who sucks at all this?". You aren't. And maybe you don't think that, but I do every now and then. So this post is what came from all of those thoughts bouncing around in my head. It doesn't really have much of a point I guess, but I felt like maybe being honest with the random void of the internet would maybe help in some way. </center>
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So there you go, Random Internet Vortex. I give to you: my thoughts. Do with it what you will. </center>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-72288126262079841262013-06-17T20:06:00.001-06:002013-06-17T20:06:20.883-06:00My Favourite Nursing Must-Haves<center>
I thought I would share with you my favourite nursing products. If you are a nursing mama, you know you spend quite a bit of time in the act of nursing your little(s). And there are a few products out there that make that job a little easier for me. </center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">By the way, this isn't a sponsored post, it's all products I purchase myself, I just thought I would share the awesomeness!</span></center>
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<a href="http://www.buybamboobies.com/" target="_blank">one</a>. <a href="http://www.undercovermama.com/" target="_blank">two</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Infinitymom" target="_blank">three</a>. <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/" target="_blank">four</a>. </div>
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<i>1. Bamboobies Nursing Pads</i></center>
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Luckily, I haven't been as leaky this time around, but it's so unpredictable that I always wear them. Because the one time I don't wear them, I leak all over and have to pop into a store in the mall to purchase a scarf which I creatively drape to hide the giant wet spot on my shirt. Not that that has happened or anything. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Please note: this actually happened. </span></center>
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So my favourite pads are <a href="http://www.buybamboobies.com/" target="_blank">Bamboobies</a>. They are amazing. They are supersoft, which is a plus (I hate the scratchy disposable ones!), as well as incredibly thin. The thinness is the absolute best feature, along with their unique heart shape. Those 2 things combined mean you don't get that super-obvious nursing pad ridge that shouts "HEY! I'M WEARING NURSING PADS!!". Very attractive...ugh. And they have never leaked on me, despite how thin they are. They have a milk-proof backing on them. Love them!</center>
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Ummm...you don't get a pic of me wearing them. Sorry. I am sure you are super upset...ahem. But you can trust they are being well-used in each of these photos. </center>
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<i>2. Undercover Mama</i></center>
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I wish I would have got this nursing tank the first time around. Instead I purchased a bunch of cheap shirts that I could easily nurse in, but didn't necessarily look that great. This time I grabbed one of these <a href="http://www.undercovermama.com/" target="_blank">Undercover Mamas</a>, and my life was changed. It's basically just a strapless tank top that you can attach to any of your nursing bras. So, you throw this puppy on underneath any shirt and it's instantly a nursing shirt; you can pull up your top shirt without exposing your tummy. And that is my biggest uncomfortableness about nursing...I don't really care if I flash a little boob by accident, but tummy? Horrors! The other thing I love about it is it's just tight enough to add a little bit of slimming action. So I can wear all my regular shirts without having to worry about easy nursing access. Life-changer. I wish I could grab them in every colour. </center>
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<i>3. InfinityMOM</i></center>
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I prefer to cover when I'm nursing in public for my own comfort level. Last time I used a nursing cover, but I have to say it's kind of annoying fighting with it all the time. So when I heard about this next product, I rushed out to the store to buy it. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Infinitymom" target="_blank">InfinityMOM</a> is an infinity scarf, but nice and wide so you can use it as a nursing cover when you need it. I bought one in teal chevron. Sooo cute! I love it. It's awesome because it's a great accessory, but also functional. And there is a lot less fabric so you don't have to fight with it. Plus it's made out of cotton (feels like a t-shirt) so it's breathable and I don't end up with a super sweaty babe and heat stroke from being under it. Ugh. </center>
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This one isn't technically a nursing product, but man does it make my life a million times easier when nursing! The Ergo baby carrier is our go-to for outings. It's super comfy and easily adjustable so Hubby and I can swap no problem. It's also really easy to get the baby in and out, which is a must when you have a toddler as well. But by far the most convenient aspect of the Ergo for me is that I can nurse in it. I just strap Q in and he's happy and when it's time to nurse I just loosen the strap a little and latch him on. The Ergo has a wind hood you can clip on, so I do that for some privacy and voila! No one can even tell that I'm nursing, and I am free to keep doing whatever I'm doing! It is super handy when we are out and about with Peanut, as I don't have to stop whatever we are doing to nurse. It's also awesome when we are somewhere where there are no convenient spots to nurse. I remember the first time I did this was at a hockey game with Peanut. There is nowhere in the arena to nurse, and I wasn't going to go sit in the bathroom (ick). So it was perfect! Plus, it's always a bit of a super-mom moment when you are doing all the things while nursing your kiddo. Woot! </center>
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So, those are my faves. What are your favourite nursing products? Any awesome ones you can recommend? </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-32150095316638743242013-05-28T13:28:00.000-06:002013-05-28T13:32:26.870-06:00On Being a Super-Mom...or Not.<center>
Being a mom to 2 boys under 2 has been interesting to say the least. It's a crash-course in multi-tasking. If I wasn't a good multi-tasker before, then I have to be one now as my sanity relies on it. But I think I have developed a pretty successful strategy. </center>
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Let's work through an example.</center>
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<b><i>Situation</i></b>: Toddler is crying because he is hungry. Baby is crying because he is hungry. House is a mess. Dinner needs to be made because adults will be hungry. Kitty is running around like a maniac. Mom is losing her sanity. </center>
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<b><u>Step One: Assess the situation</u></b></center>
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You need to prioritize which screaming/crying/tantrum is most urgent, and then attend to that kiddo first. In this situation, I can hope that Toddler is probably open to some sort of reason. I first try and appease him by giving him the apple he is asking for. If I am lucky, that is the end. I'm never lucky. </center>
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<b><u>Step Two: Damage Control</u></b></center>
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Most of the time the simple solution of giving my toddler what he wants just results in me not actually grasping what he really wants. For example, he asks for an apple. I assume this means he would like an apple. I am a fool. What he really wants is an apple, but only after being offered 3 other things, and then he wants it cut in a certain way, in his blue bowl and sitting in a certain section of the kitchen. While I try and discover what the magic routine is this time, I let him have his little meltdown and attend to screaming Baby. </center>
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<b><u>Step 3: Neutralize one of the threats to sanity</u></b></center>
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I feed Baby. This is an easy fix, and I am pretty much guaranteed he will be super happy afterwards for at least 10 whole minutes. </center>
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<b><u>Step 4: Return to the original problem and re-attempt damage control</u></b></center>
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By this time I can usually hug the toddler and help him calm down. We can then reattempt the apple-giving and he will usually concede at least 1 of the requests (perhaps this time I can use the plate instead of the blue bowl) and be content.</center>
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<b><u>Step 5: Accept the things you cannot change</u></b></center>
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I know I cannot make Kitty sane. I also know I cannot keep my house clean. It's best to just abandon all hope that these things will ever be accomplished. </center>
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<b><u>Step 6: Attempt the task you need to get done</u></b></center>
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Yesterday I actually was bouncing a bouncy-chair with my foot while baking muffins and keeping an eye on my toddler. This actually happened. For a second I felt like a pro. I mean, look how amazingly I am multitasking! 3 things at once! And muffins to boot...that's like Martha Stewart stuff right there. Then I remembered I hadn't showered in 2 days and my house looked like a bomb containing toys, food crumbs and random kitchen utensils had exploded. See step 5, and then make dinner.</center>
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<b><u>Step 7: Once the kids are in bed, attend to your sanity</u></b></center>
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Pour yourself a huge glass of wine, or cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Pat yourself on the back and say "Congratulations Mommy. You made it through another day."</center>
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Oh man, are they worth it! xo<!--3--></center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
<!--3-->Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-3846302474738084722013-05-13T23:31:00.000-06:002013-05-13T23:31:21.964-06:00$100 Room Makeover Results!<center>
So last week I posted about the Walmart Frugal Heroes Challenge <a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2013/05/100-room-makeover-wal-mart-frugal.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Basically I decided I was going to redo our office on only $100. It was tough, but it turned out much better than I thought it would! </center>
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Here is our "Before":</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-9vB442Or-HFsl1DzfU96q429vgYyCPWn-IbHwNIqVLPPsmKpydh-e5faZTOn1steG11XhgDAXeAMts0rjgkgQXqQ7zTvPmZVdyQLOwhFqwhLdZ45LGMdnhNHU4Q4E1kthhxMyZUzqY/s1600/OfficeBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-9vB442Or-HFsl1DzfU96q429vgYyCPWn-IbHwNIqVLPPsmKpydh-e5faZTOn1steG11XhgDAXeAMts0rjgkgQXqQ7zTvPmZVdyQLOwhFqwhLdZ45LGMdnhNHU4Q4E1kthhxMyZUzqY/s640/OfficeBefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here is our "After":</center>
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We bought the blue paint for only $15!!</div>
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We haven't transitioned Peanut out of the crib yet, and also haven't found a place to move our massive desk to. So, the desk is currently taking the place of the crib until those 2 things happen, and you will have to use your imagination to picture a dark wood crib in place of the desk. </div>
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I Mod-Podged (is that a verb?!) an old map of Thailand we had while traveling onto some foam board. It makes for a very interesting wall piece, and it only set us back $11! </div>
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Wrinkly bedsheet alert! You all know now I don't iron my bedsheets. Ain't nobody got time for THAT... </div>
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These curtains were the biggest surprise. I thought buying the cheapest curtains they had would turn out horribly for us. I wasn't really digging the sheer thing, and was unsure of the pattern. They were $8/panel. Once I hung them up against the blue I loved them! </div>
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Those frames for the photowall were only $1 each!! We also bought the "Love is all you need" plaque as well. I had to have it. The rest are photos from our travels, an old airplane picture that Hubby had, and a mask we bought in Indonesia. Ta Da! </center>
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There you have it; It CAN be done! We spent exactly $94 to update this room. We used some of our leftover paint (the brown) from when we painted our bedroom, but otherwise everything else was purchased for the challenge from Wal-mart. I must say, I love it! It really refreshes the room and makes it much less junky. Hubby and I just looked at our before photo and remarked how nasty the room used to look. Frugal for the win! </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-3674402365766056712013-05-02T20:52:00.003-06:002013-05-02T20:52:35.702-06:00$100 Room Makeover?! The Wal-Mart Frugal Heroes Challenge<center>
I have accepted a crazy challenge. Wal-mart issued a Frugal Heroes challenge to see how far you could make $100 go. They gave a list of suggestions that included things like "Feed your family of 4 for 4 days" or "Outfit yourself from head-to-toe". You know what I chose? I chose to re-do an entire room. </center>
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That's right. I have had it on our to-do list for a while now; we want to turn our office into a guestroom/nursery for Q for when he moves to the crib (right now he sleeps in a bassinet beside our bed because I am lazy and don't like getting up during the night for feedings. It's how I roll...). </center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a true "Before" pic...I didn't even clean up our giant filing mess from searching for tax documents. Enjoy this slice of realness. Ick. </td></tr>
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So basically I got it in my head that it would be a cool idea to see if I could re-do the room for this challenge. Which means that now I have committed to try and re-model a room for $100. Frugal? Yes. Stupid? Yes. Impossible? Probably. </center>
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I have been doing some research (which I should have done BEFORE deciding what to do for the challenge...ahem), and this is going to be a lot harder than I anticipated. I have some ideas on how to stretch my buck as far as possible, but we will have to see if I can actually make them work. </center>
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We headed to Wal-mart armed with our $100 giftcard and determination. We left the kiddos with my parents so we could really get down to business (and actually fit things in the cart that aren't children). It took a lot longer than a normal trip as we circled the store about 10 times gathering intelligence, comparing prices and colours, generally engaging in child-free shenanigans like trying on sunglasses and playing hide-and-seek in the aisles...you know, essential shopping strategies. </center>
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I will tell you that despite our best intentions, our planning consisted of me pinning some ideas on my Pinterest board and taking 1 measurement to see if the desk would fit under the window. The problem with this plan is that the things that I pinned are all different, and of course look gorgeous in the giant showroom-y houses of Internetland. What I actually have to work with is a teeny room which needs to work as both a nursery and a place for our guests to stay. There is not a lot to work with, believe me. </div>
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We grabbed a cart full of supplies and are all set to attempt this insanity this weekend. It was amazing how much we could actually purchase for $100 when we really stuck our mind to it. I'm pretty impressed with our haul, and am looking forward to sharing our success (failure?!) when it's complete! </center>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgR3582SmSjCiDtNQ9On0U8dBOhkmnH9-yyVSzGH-ZZIMQ1oGtp7Nq32NMF8sz9sPiZG6ipvMbDNA4qM159B_jjgswcLaIHebP0K1zBlzT_458FsMJG8aOzTLV5lgLhwMPlcSibtOPj4/s1600/$100Challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgR3582SmSjCiDtNQ9On0U8dBOhkmnH9-yyVSzGH-ZZIMQ1oGtp7Nq32NMF8sz9sPiZG6ipvMbDNA4qM159B_jjgswcLaIHebP0K1zBlzT_458FsMJG8aOzTLV5lgLhwMPlcSibtOPj4/s400/$100Challenge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might not look like that much to re-do an entire room, but it's going to be awesome. </td></tr>
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Wish us luck. We will need it. </center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Please note: This is a sponsored post. I was provided with a $100 Wal-mart giftcard to complete the challenge. </span></center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-46803066586545851382013-05-01T22:28:00.000-06:002013-05-01T22:33:48.901-06:00The Circus is Coming to Town! <center>
For my local readers, I have an awesome family event to share with you! <a href="http://www.royalcanadiancircus.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Royal Canadian Circus</a> is coming to Calgary May 10-20, 2013. </center>
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The Zerbini Family Circus is celebrating it's 250th anniversary under the Big Top. It's basically good, old-fashioned family fun with all the classics! They have an Equestrian act, the largest display of tigers in North America, elephants, acrobats and clowns. Basically everything you could ever want from a circus. </center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcouOOUKa7pmmQm90JyQiImPYraGBDRYavQ80e5aNxubRmE3Ius__h3yn6HQImeD396r6WV1a5dqiGS_Er6RdLZyCBDHo7aTOsvmS_2tZd_fAJzTTVDzd95q6942r37OcMkefp0cxD9o/s1600/gal-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcouOOUKa7pmmQm90JyQiImPYraGBDRYavQ80e5aNxubRmE3Ius__h3yn6HQImeD396r6WV1a5dqiGS_Er6RdLZyCBDHo7aTOsvmS_2tZd_fAJzTTVDzd95q6942r37OcMkefp0cxD9o/s320/gal-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am really excited to take Peanut. He loves elephants and will be so excited to see them! Plus clowns, face-painting and acrobats? I know he will love it. I have fond memories of going to the circus when I was little (oddly enough, I remember the cotton candy the most vividly...). He is just getting to that age where everything is THE AWESOMEST EVER! and the circus is the perfect place for childhood amazement. Though if he does get his hands on some cotton candy, I can assure you that he will be making an impromptu visit to Grandma and Grandpa's to burn off all that excitement. </center>
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If you want to know more about the Circus and to keep up with all the latest news, you can head over to their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalCanadianCircus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and give them a "like" or follow them on <a href="http://twitter.com/royal_circus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. They also are supporting Kids Up Front by providing tickets for children who otherwise might not be able to attend. Love that. </center>
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It's always awesome to have an affordable family event in town, and I know that it can get expensive to attend events with your whole family. So I am happy to share a discount code with you for a 2-for-1 general admission! Just enter the code "FUN" at the checkout. </center>
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You can purchase tickets on the <a href="http://www.royalcanadiancircus.ca/buy-tickets/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Canadian Circus website</a> or through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyalCanadianCircus/app_247084318769354" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Royal Canadian Circus Facebook page</a>. </center>
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See you under the Big Top! </center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**Please note: This is a sponsored post. I have received compensation from the sponsor(s) of this post, but all opinions (as always) are my own. </span></center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-40996910959618844262013-04-29T19:13:00.001-06:002013-04-29T19:13:33.038-06:00Q is 2 Months! <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>At 2 Months Q:</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">~ weighs 14.6 lbs</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><center style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ is 24 inches long</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Is smiling and cooing like crazy</span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Has outgrown a ton of his clothes, and is wearing 3-6 month sleepers (!!!) He's a very chunky monkey!</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Is actually a pretty decent sleeper for now. I am not really anticipating this will last though...</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Took a bottle no problem last week. Fingers crossed this continues! (Might actually get some use out of that pump I bought for Peanut...)</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Loves being held over our shoulder. He holds his head up and just talks and coos away</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Compared to his brother at this age, he is a much more solid little guy. Lots of baby rolls of cuteness! </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Actually enjoys tummy-time a lot. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Has a very strong grip! </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">It's been so much fun to see how different Q is from Peanut. I love watching him smile and tell us the most interesting stories. He loves his big brother, and is constantly trying to watch him when he hears him near. </span></div>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-79124723047326909352013-04-15T12:58:00.000-06:002013-04-15T12:58:36.463-06:00Adjusting to the New Normal<center>
Well, I have had 6 weeks now of being a mom to 2 boys under 2 years old. And no one has gone crazy. For the most part. </center>
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Things were a bit harder with Peanut than I anticipated they would be. I didn't think jealousy would be much of an issue at 19 months, because he didn't really seem to "get it". Boy, was I wrong. But despite occasional bouts of "Baby...all done!" and getting upset when someone he wants to play with is holding the baby, Peanut has now become a tolerant big brother. He brings the baby his soother or blanket and he often tries to share his toys with him. It really helped to have Peanut "help" with the baby and really went a long way in easing that jealousy. </center>
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The lack of sleep has not been that bad. This was one of the pluses of having the boys so close together; we are already used to the sleep deprivation. We had been spoiled for the last few months as Peanut sleeps through the night and well into the morning (he's not much of a morning person...takes after me). But for the most part the baby has been pretty decent at going back to sleep after nursing through the night. Let's hope I don't jinx it! </center>
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The thing that has really suffered is cleanliness. In many ways. The house is pretty much a disaster. It seems like I can accomplish one task a day, but what's the point in having a clean floor amidst a disaster area?! It's hard to notice! And showers? Yeahhhhh....rrrriiiiiiighhhhht. Let me enlighten you with a scene from a recent (typical!) day. </center>
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<u>Here's the scene: </u></center>
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<i>Hubby enters from a long day at work. Zoom in on a disaster: toys strewn everywhere, an explosion of crumbs and remnants of a toddler's uneaten lunch littering the floor (and perhaps even the walls). The toddler in question is wearing one sock and pyjama bottoms. His top does not match (the evidence of a third dumping of milk all.over.everything). He is either crying/angry/screeching in delight/terrorizing the cat...basically anything but sitting quietly reading a book. The baby is in the midst of getting changed, having pooped all.over.everything. The husband looks at his wife. </i></center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: (<i>cautiously</i>) Hi hon. How was your day?</center>
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<b>Me</b>: OK I guess. Yours? </center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: OK. </center>
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<i>The husband begins to get his hopes up. He can smell that there is obviously something being made for dinner. That's something! </i></center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: What's for dinner?</center>
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<b>Me</b>: Freezer mystery. </center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: ...</center>
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<b>Me</b>: We are short on supplies and I haven't had time to make anything. So I went to the freezer and found a tupperware container of something. I am not sure what it is. Is it spaghetti sauce? Chili? Stew? The only thing I can say for sure is that it has been there a long time, and it's freezer-burnt. It's thawing now, and we'll know more in a few minutes. </center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: ...</center>
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I love you. </center>
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<b>Me</b>: Listen. I know that this looks bad. Like I didn't do anything all day. Like I probably just sat around letting Peanut wreak havoc on the house while I napped. But I actually did a ton today! (<i>Proudly</i>) I SHOWERED! </center>
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(<i>I proudly smile and wait for him to acknowledge that this is, indeed, a tremendous feat. That he knows that in order for me to accomplish this task, I had to orchestrate a grand series of events all culminating in the miraculous and elusive Tandem Nap. I then had to manage to get into the shower without the baby's radar detecting that personal hygeine was about to be performed, thereby resulting in an epic screaming session the moment my foot hits the water. This is epic!</i>)</center>
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<b>Hubby</b>: ...</center>
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I love you. </center>
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<b>Me</b>: Oh look honey! Freezer Mystery has thawed enough that I can conclusively deduce that it is, in fact, chili. So we're having chili for dinner. </center>
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<b><i>End scene. </i></b></center>
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Yes...this is the new normal. And we seem to be making our way through it just fine (for the most part). </center>
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As an aside, I just want to thank the amazing women who have been dropping off meals for me and saving my husband from having to endure too many Freezer Mystery nights. You are angels, and have made my life so much easier. THANK YOU! </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-71579996578330742142013-04-08T08:00:00.000-06:002013-04-09T09:28:38.583-06:00Sobeys West Tastes of the World Contest: Street Meat Anyone?!<center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to win a trip to a foodie destination? Me too! Sobeys is currently running the Tastes of the World contest and you could win one of 6 all-inclusive foodie vacations to: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Paris, France</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Hong Kong</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Cancun, Mexico</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Bangkok, Thailand</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have been to 3 of these destinations (Frankfurt, Cancun and Bangkok) and can attest to their deliciousness. But the one place that holds a special place in my heart is Bangkok. As you may know, I lived for a few years in Thailand, and grew to love the craziness of Bangkok; it's crowded streets, muggy weather, but most of all it's food. If you've never been to Thailand, you might have images of fancy Thai restaurants, but let me assure you the best food can be found on the streets. Yes, you heard me right: that guy with a cart, a banged up cooler and an old wok selling Pad Thai on the corner for $1?? Best. Food. Ever. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Thai street vendor. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Photo by my lovely husband, Adam Corkett. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of my favourite things to eat is chicken satay. Skewers of deliciously marinated chicken grilled over an open flame. Soooooo good. This amazing street meat was always a treat whenever I was in Bangkok. Even though I once had one of those wooden skewers lodge itself into my foot during Thai New Year (that's a whole other story...ick!) I still never lost the love. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sure, you can spend money in a fancy restaurant and have some impressive meals served up to you, but in my opinion you can't beat the feast you can buy with $5 on the street. I would LOVE to go back. So you obviously know where I would choose to go! What about you? Where's your dream foodie vacation? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to make your dreams come true? There are </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">4 Ways to Win:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">● Collect to Win one of the 6 trips mentioned above</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">● Instant Win Sobeys Club points, free groceries and more</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">● Online Sweepstakes: Enter your pin number online to win great prizes</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">● In-Store Draw at your local Sobeys to win Lagostina cookware!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This contest is ONLY available in Sobeys Stores in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Want to know all the details? For more information or to pick up your passport and game pieces, please visit your local Sobeys Store! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="http://www.sobeystastes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">www.sobeystastes.com</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note: This is a sponsored post, and I have received compensation from the company(s) mentioned. However, all opinions are my own, as usual. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-90334815347041758292013-04-06T11:32:00.006-06:002013-04-06T11:32:57.225-06:00Our Birth Story: Round 2! <center>
Well, he has arrived! If you are a fan on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/upmommycreek" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or follow on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/upmommycreek" target="_blank">Twitter</a> you will already know this news, but here is the full story. </center>
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Baby Quentin arrived at 11:48am on February 27th, 2013. He weighed a healthy 9 lbs 6 oz. </center>
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We had been waiting to see if he would make an early arrival. If he did decide to come before his due date, we were going to attempt a VBAC. But, as the day drew nearer and nearer, there was no sign that this little guy was on his way. Like his mother, he has a tough time arriving early. I guess we truly do reap what we sow. ;)</center>
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As the day approached, I had resigned myself that surgery was the most likely avenue. I wasn't thrilled about facing surgery again, but on the other hand I knew what to expect. There is something to be said for having the knowledge of where and when your baby is arriving, and of knowing how the surgery will progress. We got the call a few days before that we were scheduled for the first surgery slot, so we had to head to the hospital bright and early for 6am. </center>
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The night before was a roller coaster of emotions. We were excited to meet the little guy, nervous to have a newborn again, and I was sad to say goodbye to our little family of 3. That sounds a bit silly, but I was having a lot of guilt over the fact that my son would no longer have our undivided attention. Pregnancy hormones had one last huzzah and broke me down into tears when we put Peanut to bed. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much and when 6am came, it wasn't hard to get my nervous butt out of bed and get ready. </center>
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We made it to the hospital and got all checked in and ready. We had a wonderful nurse prep us for the surgery and we were on time for 8am waiting outside of the operating room. We met the team who would be in the room with us, and the nurses said we just had to wait for the doctor who would actually perform the surgery. She finally showed up a little late, and we began the preparation for the spinal anaesthetic. After they had injected the local freezing, there seemed to be a bit of a commotion and the doctor was called out. The nurses then kept chatting with me, and eventually told me to lay down, as it was going to be a while. We chatted about a bunch of things, and then they turned on some music. They brought my husband in the room and we all just waited. It was fairly obvious that something else was going on and that we were likely going to be here a while. After a quick bathroom break I suggested we sit in the comfy chairs in the hallway rather than go back in the freezing cold OR. </center>
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Just as we sat down we heard a lot of screaming and a woman was wheeled by with blood everywhere. They called a code over the intercom and people were rushing and arguing about whether or not they could use our OR as it wasn't sterile anymore. However it was clear there was an emergency, and we were totally forgotten. It was like a real-life Grey's Anatomy episode. Hubby and I just sat there trying to be out of the way. They called the code saying the baby wasn't breathing and I got a little upset. Finally our prep nurse rushed down the hall and swept us back into the ward. She did a great job of debriefing us (and we know the mom and babe were ok as we saw them later in the post-partum ward...thank God!). But at that point we knew there wasn't going to be a surgery any time soon. We went back to our prep room and just hung out and waited for another couple of hours until we were called back. </center>
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When we got back to the OR everyone was laughing and joking and they tried hard to put us at ease. Of course it's all in a days work for the staff, and they were totally unfazed by all the craziness. They promised we would actually get to meet our baby this time, and they set to work. </center>
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The first time around during Peanut's birth I was so exhausted that they surgery was a bit of a blur. It was also very quick, as it was a bit of an emergency situation as he was in distress. This time it was completely different. I was totally aware of everything that was going on, and it seemed to take much longer. Besides feeling very nauseous from the anaesthetic, I was feeling alright, and so it was a bit bizarre to just sit there with Hubby holding my hand while they worked. The OB was training a resident so she was sort of describing the surgery to him as they went, which was a bit surreal for me. It's strange to hear all the crazy things they are doing to your body while you just lay there all numb behind a curtain! And it's impossible not to listen! For the most part Hubby and I were totally ignored and it seemed to take forever before they were ready to birth the baby. Finally they told me to get ready for the pressure, and out he came. They quickly showed him to me before they had the team check him over. Because the hospital was so insanely busy that day, they had to take him up to the ward to get him weighed and measured, etc., so Hubby and Q left after a quick visit with me. Then I was all alone while they finished the surgery. It honestly was pretty crappy to be left alone for so long in recovery. I just wanted to see my new baby and spend time with my husband. But they eventually came back down and Q took to nursing like a champ. </center>
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I have to say that after seeing the craziness in the OR when complications arose for the other patient, I feel we made the right decision to go with the repeat surgery. </center>
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When we brought Q home, Peanut was a bit flabbergasted I think. He was pretty cautious about the whole baby thing, and began saying "Baby" and making the sign for "all done". Poor little guy! He also happened to get the stomach flu very badly for our first 3 days home. So the poor little dude was feeling super awful. We basically just laid in bed and watched movies on the laptop while he slept. Once he recovered though, we had a few days of pretty bad jealousy. We got him to help bring blankets for the baby, etc. and that seemed to help ease it some. We also made sure to spend some one-on-one time and give lots of cuddles and reassurance. Now he still has his moments where he wants the baby to go away, but he also tries to share his cars and toys with him. True brothers. </center>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-4829990072916295362013-04-03T10:31:00.000-06:002013-04-03T10:31:09.457-06:00Carry On, Warrior: A Q&A with Glennon Melton of Momastery.com! <center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I heard the news that Glennon Melton of<a href="http://www.momastery.com/" target="_blank"> Momastery.com</a> had written a book, I was very excited. Her post <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/04/2011-lesson-2-dont-carpe-diem/" target="_blank">Don't Carpe Diem</a> is one of the best posts on parenting I have ever read. It was how I was first introduced to her blog, and since then I have continued to enjoy her perspectives on parenting and life. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received a copy of <a href="http://www.carryonwarrior.com/" target="_blank">Carry On, Warrior </a>and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a collection of short essays, which makes it perfect for a mom like me to read during nap times. Glennon's honesty and way with words shines through, and I love her perspective on life, parenting and faith. I found myself nodding in agreement so many times, and even reading out passages to Hubby that particularly resonated with me (to which he smiled and indulged me...it's not ever the same having someone read it out loud, is it?). I found the book to be so inspirational and in an odd way, motivating. It made me feel like I too could attack life with a passion and a grace that I wish I had. Sometimes I feel like it's a struggle just to make it through the day without going crazy or losing my cool, and this book made me feel like that was A-OK. Everyone has those crazy days, and those crazy days all add up to the awesomeness that is life. That sounds a bit sappy, but what can I say? This book really made me feel sappy. Maybe it's the hormones. ;) </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so excited to have a Q&A with Glennon to share with all of you! If you haven't already, check out Glennon's blog, and for more info on Carry On, Warrior, head over to <a href="http://www.carryonwarrior.com/" target="_blank">www.carryonwarrior.com</a></span></center>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 14px;">Author Photograph by Little Moon Photography</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">How did you come to write <i>Carry On, Warrior</i>?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">My essays from Momastery started going viral and fancy folks from all over the world began to contact me. I just kept doing the only thing I know how to do, which is to just do what seems like The Next Right Thing. Using The Next Right Thing strategy, I found my agents and my editor. These ladies have become some of my closest friends. My writing is about me and my vision of life, but my writing career is about relationships. I just write, do The Next Right Thing, and then treat each person who crosses my path with as much respect and love as I can muster at the moment. This is, officially, the best I can do—and it seems to be working out okay so far.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">What was your original goal for Momastery?</span></b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">I wanted Momastery to be a quiet place in the midst of the chaos of motherhood. I wanted it to be a place to discuss the joys and pain of personhood. I wanted it to be a place to laugh and do the hard work of practicing peace. It takes a warrior to be a peacemaker.</span> The name emerged from the idea that motherhood is like a monastery: it’s a sacred place, apart from the world, where a seeker can figure out what matters and catch glimpses of God. It’s also like being pecked to death by merciless chickens. Often, while I am being mercilessly pecked, I dream of running away and joining an order of monks. Hence, Momastery.<b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">When people call you a “Mommy Blogger,” what do you think? What does that term mean to you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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I get the sense that people use the term "Mommy Blogger" and mean it to be derogatory, as though the women who are mothers and write blogs are somehow unworthy of respect. But in my mind, the identity of "mommy blogger" is one that should be worn with pride. There is no task more challenging or important than parenting, and nothing brings me closer to God, Truth, and others than writing. What could be more of an honor than to be identified as a combination of those two things? I am a writer (who happens to publish her writing instantly on a blog) and a mother. Some of my favorite writers are bloggers and mothers. And we all write about all sorts of topics, in addition to parenting. I wish that when people threw the term "mommy blogger" around that they meant it with all the respect and honor those two words deserve. I see it that way.<b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">Do you think the Internet makes it easier for people to be cruel or to be kind to one another?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">Both. I think the internet encourages fake niceness. Fake niceness happens to me when a friend posts a picture of herself relaxing at the beach and I’m in my kitchen dripping with kids and work and for some reason I feel the need to “like” her status even though I don’t really like it - I’m actually sort of bitter about it. I don’t really understand that phenomena, but it happens to me all the time. Also, obviously the anonymity of the internet can encourage bullies to be bolder than usual. That’s why Momastery is such a miracle – 65 thousand people with anonymity who choose to use such self- control and love with each other. It’s really something. Like everything else on earth, the internet can be used for good or evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">When do you write?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">I am always writing. Even when my kids are talking to me, I’m writing, which is why every time they finish a sentence and wait for an answer I have to ask them to repeat themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="color: #222222;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">What was the hardest thing about writing a book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Staying off Facebook long enough to finish a sentence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And how cool is this? There are book trailers out now! Like movie trailers, but for books! Maybe this is only cool to book nerds like me...?? Anyway, I LOVED this trailer for the book. Check it out! </span><br />
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclosure</i>: I received an advanced copy of Carry On, Warrior for the purposes of this review. </span></o:p></span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-40262144341759084812013-03-05T13:53:00.001-07:002013-06-25T13:35:14.877-06:00Guest Post: How to Make a DIY Month-by-Month Pregnancy Poster<center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Hey guys! While I am chilling at home with the new babe, the blog will be a little quiet. But the lovely (and patient) Annie has a guest post for you to tide you over. :) Love this idea! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Thanks so much for the guest post Annie! </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>How to Make a DIY Month by Month Pregnancy Poster</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are few events in life as exciting, stressful, fun, unknown, and creative (literally) for a woman than being pregnant. It’s a time for looking forward, looking back, and really questioning one’s own self. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I’ve heard it said that time flies when you’re having fun, but I think it’s also true that time flies once you have kids. One minute they’re in your belly and the next they’re graduating high school, then college, and getting married. Soon enough they’ll have kids of their own, and you’ll ask yourself, “Where did my little one go?”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Because time really does fly I’d like to share some inspiration on how to make a memory poster so you can cherish now (and later) the birth of your child. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>What You Need to Complete this DIY</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Before I start any project I like to know what I am up against and what it will require so I know I can complete it. For this DIY you will need:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">An expectant mother or pregnant belly!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A digital camera.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Minimal photography and computer design skills.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Access to a wide format printer or a printing service.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nine months (kidding, but really..)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Taking the Pictures</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pick a location that’s comfortable and offers good natural light, as you’ll be here often. The focus of these pictures will be you, so choose a place that doesn’t have a distracting background. I’d recommend wearing the same clothing in every picture so you can see vividly the changes your body takes as the baby develops. If you’re not too picky you can wear sweats and a t-shirt, if you’d like something a little more eloquent try a loose fitting dress. Here are a few things to remember when taking photos:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Take a picture on the same day once or twice a week for the entirety of your pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Take the pictures at the same time each day (for lighting purposes).</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Try to pose the same way in each picture.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Making the Poster</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Once you have all your photos taken it’s time to piece the poster together. The easiest way to do this is with your computer and a graphics editing program like Adobe Photoshop, or a program like GIMP (available for free at: <a href="http://www.gimp.org/">http://www.gimp.org/</a>). Regardless of which program you use you can accomplish a simple look by placing the photos in order from oldest to newest.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Here is an example of how to lay the photos out for use on a poster:</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWoIRfGrx_1Caa4XbGBNV4nV87MDIzCx7zfv8RSTQCJzZ2hHECT3lBQS1KtdTAPbRNP-1FvE4px9ifB3dJ0iwcb5RRIPGy36a73qibylfNUf-Gjpfc3uYbJuwGWelbOUIew4HR7qjqb8/s1600/Twin-pregnancy-pregnant-twins-fraternal-twins-pregnant-belly-timeline-twin-mom-blog-1006x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWoIRfGrx_1Caa4XbGBNV4nV87MDIzCx7zfv8RSTQCJzZ2hHECT3lBQS1KtdTAPbRNP-1FvE4px9ifB3dJ0iwcb5RRIPGy36a73qibylfNUf-Gjpfc3uYbJuwGWelbOUIew4HR7qjqb8/s640/Twin-pregnancy-pregnant-twins-fraternal-twins-pregnant-belly-timeline-twin-mom-blog-1006x1024.jpg" width="627" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px;">Photo Copyright © <a href="http://ourcelebratedlife.com/2012/09/final-pregnancy-timeline/">Ashley</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Ordering the Poster</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Once you’ve taken your pictures and arranged them on the computer it’s time to order the poster! In the past I’ve used Vistaprint.ca for my printing and have found their services satisfactory, but feel to look around if you’d like. If you have a little extra money to spare you can order a poster for every image in your collage and create a keepsake to show your child when they’re older. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The thing I love about this project is that it allows those of us with minimal artistic skills (like myself) or those with a more perfected touch to be as creative as they’d like to be. I hope you enjoyed this DIY tutorial!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>About the Author:</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Annie Harrington is a small business owner, writer, and amateur photographer. In her free time she enjoys writing about DIY projects and other crafts parents can do with their children.</span></div>
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Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-27272131487237313132013-02-25T14:54:00.005-07:002013-02-25T14:54:45.041-07:00Adventures in Juicing: Week 4<center>
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Beyond Juice</span></u></b></center>
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<a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2013/01/adventures-in-juicing-week-1.html" target="_blank">Week 1</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2013/02/adventures-in-juicing-week-2.html" target="_blank">Week 2</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2013/02/adventures-in-juicing-week-3.html" target="_blank">Week 3</a></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I have so enjoyed this series on juicing from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.spud.ca/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SPUD.ca</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">. In previous posts I have shared how awesome our juicer is, and all the delicious, fresh, organic juice I have been making. But this week I wanted to touch a little bit on how versatile the juicer is. Sure, it makes delicious juice, but it is also a useful kitchen appliance and is much more versatile than you may think. </span></center>
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The juicer I own (Hurom Slow Juicer) works like a mortar and pestle to crush the produce, so it doesn't have blades or generate any heat (which can destroy some nutrients). When you juice, you are left with a nice big pile of pulp from the produce you have squeezed dry. It's perfect for the composter if you have one. But, there are other, useful things you can do with all that fibre! You can run steamed veggies and fruits through the juicer and combine the pulp and juice to make your own baby food or even soup! You can use the pulp to make your own marmalade, or you can add it to baking to boost the recipe's fibre. </center>
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Because my juicer is not a blender, I can juice anything I can chew. You can even use the juicer to make almond or soy milk! And juicing greens is no problem. Since they aren't getting pulverized by blades, there is no gross stringy texture to deal with in the juice either. </center>
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I am really excited to use it for baby food once this new little guy is ready. For now, my favourite thing is to use the pulp in baking. Here is my favourite recipe. Peanut loves it, and I love that it's super simple to make, and pretty healthy to boot. Of course, I like to heat it up and slather it in butter, so there goes the health factor for me! ;) </center>
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whole Wheat Carrot Raisin Bread</span></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Makes 1 loaf</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prep time: approx 5 mins</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bake time: 1 hour</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 medium carrots</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 cup vegetable oil</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup - 1 cup of honey </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(original recipe calls for a whole cup, but that is a lot. It's tasty, but I have made it with 1/2 a cup without sacrificing much taste.)</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup raisins</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp baking soda</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 325F. Run the carrots through the juicer and save the pulp. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Also, if you are like me and very rarely have fresh, juicy raisins on hand, soak your old, wrinkly raisins in some warm water for a bit to re-plump them a bit.)</span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a separate bowl, mix the apple sauce, oil, eggs and honey together. Then stir in the pulp and the raisins. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir until well blended. The batter should be very moist. If you have reduced the honey you may want to add some of the juice from the carrot into the batter if it is too dry. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour batter into a greased loaf pan. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake for approximately 1 hour until it passes the toothpick test. </span></center>
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So there you have it...the juicer is a versatile creature! It has so much more to offer than juice.</center>
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I hope you have enjoyed this series as much as I have. It has been such a great, healthful journey for me and my family. </center>
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If you are interested in getting a juicer for your family, I highly recommend SPUD's <a href="http://www.spud.ca/index.cfm?locationid=CAL&login=0&goto=catalogue/juicing.cfm?JI=0&op=c82&Spif=CAL__home__logged_out__Juicing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">juicing program</a>. Not only do you have the option to purchase the juicer in small, manageable weekly payments, but you also have access to delicious, fresh organic produce for your juicer delivered right to your door. I can honestly not say enough about SPUD. Beyond the service they provide, they also have the best customer service I have encountered in a long time. It means a lot to be treated like a valued customer in this day and age, let me tell you! And the convenience can't be beat. SPUD is my worst-kept secret. ;) </center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;">*Please note that this series is sponsored by <a href="http://www.spud.ca/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #167daa; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">SPUD.ca</a>, as they provided the juicer and the organic juicing produce in order to facilitate this series. But all content and opinions are completely my own (as usual!). </span></center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63073794999719116.post-8905138083942135252013-02-23T17:17:00.000-07:002013-02-23T17:17:25.667-07:00He is coming...one way or another. <center>
<i>For some context to this post, check out my first birth story <a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2011/08/our-birth-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and my previous post about our VBAC dilemma <a href="http://www.upmommycreek.com/2012/11/vbac-c-section-mommys-dilemma.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </i></center>
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As the days leading up to my due date are quickly flying by, it is seeming more and more like surgery is going to be our fate. </center>
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If you read my previous post about our VBAC dilemma, you will know I was conflicted about what to do with this pregnancy and delivery. In the end, after weighing our options and discussing it all with my OB, we decided the best choice for us would be to book a scheduled cesarian section for 40 weeks (my due date), and if I go into labour beforehand naturally, we would attempt a VBAC. My OB thought this plan would give me the best chance of having a "natural" birth (I dislike this term, but will use it for lack of a better one...). It gave me the extra time to go into labour on my own, but since this baby is looking to be pretty large (although not as large as Peanut!), which was a big factor in why my previous birth ended in surgery, if we waited too long we might be setting ourselves up for another failed labour. </center>
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And that is sort of my fear; that if we attempt a labour and delivery again that it will fail, and I will have endured all that pain and effort and feel like it was all for nothing again. In comparison, the scheduled surgery just seemed a lot more calm and at least we know what to expect. </center>
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I have never felt 100% about this decision, or any of the other options. I wish there was a third choice (baby magically transports outside of body?!?). Mostly because I have a big fear of the unknown and of things I have no control over. I like to feel like I am in control, but as we all know these little people have a way of taking that all away from you, even from the very beginning! </center>
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Because my belly is very large again, I have been assuming that I would go into labour before the surgery. I don't know why this would be any different than last time. I was huge last pregnancy and Peanut was stubborn until the very end, staying in as long as he possibly could. I guess I just assumed my water would break, or I would start having regular contractions and I would get that whole experience (we were induced last time, so that never happened for me). There is still time (4 more days), but as the hours fly by I am becoming more accepting of the fact that a surgery is going to be the most likely option at this point. </center>
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I know that it can change at any moment, and the plan is still to attempt labour if it does, but I guess I have just become rather apathetic about the whole thing. Not to say that I am not worried, as I most definitely am. Both options are scary to me, and I am very worried. </center>
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So much so, in fact, that I have given very little thought to actually meeting this new little guy. Last night Hubby was watching the hockey game, and the announcer was interviewing the curler Kevin Martin. My Dad was a competitive curler back in the day, and so when Hubby said "Are you excited to meet him?" I was super confused. Why would I be meeting Kevin Martin? Was my Dad going to some sort of Brier event? And why would I be excited about it? I mean, I am sure he's a super interesting guy, but he is not really on my list of "People I Would Be Excited To Meet". Most people probably don't even know who he is. I just sat in confused silence for a minute or 2 until he rephrased the question to "Aren't you excited to meet our little guy?!" CLICK. Ohhhhhhhh. Yes, I suppose I am. But to be honest I haven't really thought much about it, and that makes me a little sad. I have thought a lot about the birth and that whole experience. And I have thought a lot about the logistics of after his arrival; how things will go, how Peanut will do with a new baby brother, nursing, all that jazz. But I haven't thought much about what he will look like, be like, smell like. I haven't though much about whether he will look like his brother. And it's hard to do that, because I am so preoccupied with the fear of the birth itself. </center>
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One good thing about that though is that I get to be awestruck and surprised about him when he does finally make his arrival, however that happens. We still don't have a name chosen for him. So it's going to be a decision we make once we see his adorable face. And that's the thing I try to keep remembering: the birth experience will be over, and it will soon be a memory. The most important thing is that he is coming. One way or another, he is going to make his grand entrance into this wonderful old world, and we will get to meet him. How he arrives doesn't really matter in the long run, as long as it is safely. </center>
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And so whether he comes on Wednesday when he is scheduled to be born, or before then if he comes on his own time, he is coming. </center>
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Can't wait to meet him! </center>
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<img alt="~Amy" src="http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab31/raisingirl_22/733design/sign.png" /></center>
Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08621050772474706930noreply@blogger.com4