Sunday 30 September 2012

He's Doing It!

Just thought I'd do a little Anders update. As I've mentioned we've been working on a new schedule with Anders to 1) get him to eat more solids and 2) sleep through the night. Well, I don't want to spoil his streak, but Anders is on the right track this week and Derek and I could not be more grateful. It's been a good 3 months since he has slept through the night. We wake up in the morning and it's the first question we ask each other "Did you get up?" "No, you?" "No"... little celebration.

A couple of days ago Anders and I went to the park with some friends. Anders is still a little young to fully experience this park but we did have fun watching the older kiddies jump and splash in the water and sand. It was great to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather... who knows how many more days like this we have left!






Saturday 29 September 2012

Thrifted Fashion: Mint

It is so beautiful outside, it feels like summer. Welcome back friend! I felt like a nice breezy skirt was in order.



Shirt: Thirfted
Maxi: Forever XXI







Thursday 27 September 2012

Sometimes You Just Gotta Have Pancakes

Anders woke up really early this morning and Derek got home late last night so I felt a little meh this morning. Pancakes were calling my name.



Once I got down to the kitchen I saw this beauty.



And she made me smile.


Little Things


As Canadian Thanksgiving is quickly approaching I am trying to pay attention to the small things in life that I am grateful for. I feel that it is the little things that bring true happiness. 
Today I am grateful for:

Going for a morning Rollerblade
Anders starting to pick up Cheerios all by himself
Watching Glee
Geese calling
That first breath of fresh air on a fall day
Holding hands
Sweet messages
Anders grabbing my neck and giving me a hug
Going into my bed after a long day
Good friends
Feist and how she always relaxes me
A nice hot cup of  bengal herbal tea
Sunshine
Freshly cleaned laundry warm out of the dryer







Wednesday 26 September 2012

Thrifted Fashion: Chapeau

                                                             I never wear hats...


But this chapeau was just too irresistible.

Hat: Thrifted
Shirt: Forever XXI


Tuesday 25 September 2012

Thrifted Fashion: Simple

I love when I can keep it simple: a breezy blouse, a fitted pant, popping shoes, and supportive jewelry. This white blouse has little details like tulip sides and a back seam that add some punch.





































White blouse: Thrifted
Pants: Thrifted
Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory
Silver Collar: Burlington Coat Factory
Bracelet: Burlington Coat Factory

Monday 24 September 2012

Our Weekend


Well it was another busy weekend full of family time and some work time. Here's some of what happened in our little home:

  • Derek got Friday off as he started working 10 hour days! It was a full week of later nights and early mornings, but I think it paid off to have Friday home with the fam. Derek kept saying "I can't believe how quiet it is here during the weekday!"
  • We started Anders on a new feeding schedule to incorporate more solids. He has always been a little cautious with feeding, but these last 3 weeks he's become a bit more adventurous with new food (finally!) and is scarfing it down. After a routine checkup, the dr. advised that 1) I am nursing him too much and 2) he should be sleeping through the night (he's currently waking up 2 times). So we put a new plan in place that feels like we are back to feeding him every 2 hours (3 solid meals and 3 snacks) but it seems to be working. He's starting to sleep through the night again!
  • We tried to feed the geese without much success, but it was fun and we laughed a lot.
  • We went to buy Anders a new car seat. From the checkup we found out that Anders is in the 12 month weight category and 18 month height category. Needless to say he is a big boy (he's 9 months old). We decided to get a 3 in one that will hopefully last his car seat/booster seat days.
  • Derek and I were able to snuggle and watch a movie. It felt like ages since we have done that.
  • On Saturday I had to help facilitate a Career Workshop for my church. It was a great day and I got to meet some interesting people.
  • I came home exhausted and my lovely husband had the house cleaned top to bottom and even had a candle burning. Oh I love that man!
  • Derek fixed our vacuum cleaner and installed the car seat, Anders helping of course. 
  • We ate homemade pizza. My favorite!
  • Anders started to go to bed earlier (my, this has been a weekend full of Anders changes!). I'm talking 7:30 pm as opposed to his 8:30 pm since birth.
  • We had a lazy Sunday morning. Thank you Anders for deciding to sleep in!
  • Derek made "long john" crepes... they were filled with whipped cream, blueberries, butter, and syrup. Oh so good, but oh so bad for the waistline. 
  • We went for a lovely Sunday walk; the sun was finally out! It was a bit cool, but nothing a sweater couldn't fix.
  • The house smelled of warm pulled pork cooking in the crock pot. Perfect for our after-walk supper.
  • Anders "read" his books and was mesmerized by the washing machine.

Saturday 22 September 2012

We Tried...

Every year Derek and I pick a fall day to go feed the Canadian Geese that come up here for the summer. As it is fall they are starting to gather and go for practice flights to get fit for the journey south. Derek and I usually go to the city to do this but since we have a little pond right by our place we decided to go there instead and give the big birds a little treat. And we thought Anders would love it too.

Well we tried and tried, but our local flock would not give us the time of day. We would walk by throwing bread and they would take off, all three herds of 'em (can you call a flock a herd?). Either the people around here don't like to feed the geese or the geese get enough grain from the farmers fields to fill their little bellies so they don't understand how delicious bread can be. And I saved a loaf all week especially for them too.





Oh well, we loved to watch all the geese fly overhead so close trying to get into their V's even though Derek was a little worried to get pooped on :)






Friday 21 September 2012

Rainy Week







































This pretty much sums up my week... wanting to stay in my comfies which include big socks and sweater with special Anders' cuddles while it storms outside. Can't wait until the warm and sunny autumn comes back. Please??

As a result of the rainy and stormy weather I felt super sluggish. As in all I wanted to do was eat junk and not exercise. Boo! I need some motivation to get back on the healthy-living, feel-good lifestyle.

But I must say how grateful I feel to have a warm and cozy house to live in, with a pumpkin spice candle burning, snuggling in my quilt, and smelling ribs cook in the crock pot. So thank you stormy weather for making me a bit of a hermit this week, it sure was cozy.

Wednesday 19 September 2012

Avocado































I made up a new sandwich and I LOVE it! It is a take on the classic BLT but with avocado. It is currently without name. Here's the recipe!

Per One Sandwich:

  • 2 pieces of Craisin bread (or raisin bread)
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 3 pieces of bacon
  • handful of lettuce
  • 1 tbs. mayo
  1. Toast bread and spread on mayo
  2. Add avocado, then bacon, then lettuce.
  3. Close and cut in a diagonal, 'cause it's just better that way ;)
Enjoy!

Monday 17 September 2012

It's Great to be Home



Even though I had a blast this weekend with my mom and sister it's good to be home. I missed my two loves so much. We had a nice Sunday afternoon laying around catching up and playing with Anders.

It was neat to talk to Derek about his experience of being a stay at home dad for the weekend (first time!). He looked so tired, but did a great job! Derek had the house all cleaned and even bought some roses. It made for a very relaxing home coming.






  1. A note on our white board from Derek (If you're wondering what the writing above is, it's our meal list for the week. What can I say, I'm a planner!)
  2. Beautiful pink roses. They smell so yummy and fresh!
  3. Crepes a la Derek. I get him to make these for me at least once a week. I know, not the greatest for the reduced-sugar-bandwagon, but it's better than chocolate cake (what I crave ALL THE TIME!)
  4. Anders in his hat and mittens for our morning rollerblade (this was more like an afternoon rollerblade).

Oh Grandma

The weather is getting cooler and so come the hearty and comfort foods. One of our favorites is the good old-fashioned banana bread. My grandma used to make us a ton of baking and this was one of my favorite recipes. I usually add chocolate chips, but I am officially on the "reduce-sugar bandwagon" (even though this recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, every little bit helps right?).



Here's this quick recipe:

  • 1 cup mashed bananas
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cup flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cream of tarter
  1. Mash bananas (I usually use a potato masher)
  2. Add ingredients in order given
  3. Stir for 2 min.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min-1 hour
One tip that I've learned was to let the crust get pretty dark... I makes sure that the whole loaf is cooked. To test, use a toothpick and insert it into the center. When it comes out clean you are good to go!

Happy baking!



Sunday 16 September 2012

Mother, Sister, and Me

This weekend we had a mother-daughter trip to the States. We do this every year and I am so grateful that we do. They are some of the best memories I have with them. It's a great time to be silly, laugh, have great conversation, and catch up.

A few best moments of the weekend:

  • Kim screaming "CAR, CAR!"
  • Mom buying the most fabulous purse
  • Going in the hot tub with Kim and talking
  • Falling asleep Saturday night
  • Getting emails from Derek about my beautiful baby
  • Missing my baby every time I saw a little boy
  • Watching my mom find all the fall/Christmas decorations
  • Finally getting a leather jacket after wanting one for a year
  • Watching Kim do her homework (what an amazing university student!)
  • Missing cuddles from Derek
  • Getting all dressed up to go out for dinner
  • Having chocolate cake after wanting a piece for a month and a half (thanks Kim)
  • Having some bubble tea and hot chocolate (not together)
  • Finding some material to make curtains for Anders' room
  • Watching an old show that I used to watch (as in the 90's) and mom and Kim loving it
  • Eating crab and watching how fast Kim could get at the meat
  • Loving my mom
What are some of your favorite family traditions? What are some things to do to help you become a closer family? I love ideas!

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Thrifting Small Town Style

I went out to our local thrift store this afternoon...




Included in this haul was:

  • A bag that I plan to use for yoga
  • Two vests
  • One striped tee
  • One casual button down
  • One sheer blouse
  • One pair of black jeans
  • One pair of faded blue jeans
  • One belt
  • Three necklaces
All for a grand total of $3.00


Whole Lotta Hearts

I've been finding a lot of hearts around the house lately. This morning there was one on the stove and on the weekend there was a love note on the whiteboard. It's so nice to be surprised by these love offerings, especially since Derek is on call and working evenings. He got home at 11:00 pm last night which is quite the change from his usual 5:00. And he brought pie! How does he know exactly what I'm thinking? Gotta love that guy.

Saturday 8 September 2012

The Unexpected Saturday

I thought I had it all planned out. Yes Derek was on call, but he probably wouldn't get a phone call right? Right?? The plan was to have our Friday Pizza and maybe a movie followed with a lazy Saturday morning laying in bed with the fam, taking a walk, and then heading into the city for some eats. We really wanted to try the Yellow Dog Tavern with desert at the Banana Boat (which will probably be closing for the season shortly).

Here's what happened instead:

  • Derek got home late from work only to get a call that he had to go back into work. The result was that Alexis and Anders watched a movie with a bowl of popcorn for company.
  • The family did get their lazy morning with a walk.
  • Just as the family was heading home, the work phone rang again and back into work Derek went.
  • Anders had a nap, Alexis cleaned. 
  • Alexis and Derek decided to nix the city trip as the phone was not being a very nice house guest.
  • Instead it was borscht for lunch and leftovers for dinner...sorry, not much enthusiasm over here.
  • Entertainment: movies and a family cuddle, roasting marshmallows on the BBQ, and another walk where we watched the geese gather at the pond for the night. Oh, and good conversation which is always a plus.
All in all, the weekend so far was not what was expected, but Derek worked very had to make it special which is what I love about him. He even offered to make hot chocolate.Turned out to be a very nice family day!

My two loves.



Thursday 6 September 2012

A Day With Baby Boy


Stayed in our comfies 
Learned how to play with the tap
Had a crawl-scuffle
Put on a shirt for the first time and realized that it would also be the last time
Tried a little salsa and loved it more than plain-jane puree!
Went for a walk on the first fall like day of the year and had to wear sweaters
It rained pillows




Monday 3 September 2012

Good-morning Muffin!



It's a holiday so Derek is at home today. Yay! To celebrate Anders and I got up to make Derek some muffins for a mid morning snack (I thought Derek would sleep longer so he had breakfast while the muffins were baking). I've been loving multiple fruit muffins lately and these are a banana-blueberry-craisin combo. So good!

I got the recipe from the Looneyspoons collection cookbook, but instead of putting in all blueberry I went half and half with blueberry and craisin. I'm sure you could put in whatever fruit you wanted. It took about 10 minutes to whip up the batter and about 20 minutes to bake.

Muffins
1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup each white flour and whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flaxseed
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup mashed bananas
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
1 cup berries (frozen or fresh)

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  • Combine first 7 ingredients
  • Mash bananas and add remainder of ingredients except berries. Stir well.
  • Gently fold in berries
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the baking muffin.


Nothing says good morning like a muffin!

Sunday 2 September 2012

A Weekend of Campfires

This weekend was full of family and campfires. On Saturday we had a lazy day and then went to Alexis' parents to make bannock hotdogs which were yummy.

On Sunday we went out to Derek's grandparent's cabin for the day.  Derek and Clyde got out for some Kayaking and Anders stole his first kiss from baby Ella.












Here's my top 5 moments:

  1. Eating together as a family and trying some of Clyde's chili with cinnamon. Who ever thought of adding cinnamon to chili is a genius! Seriously.
  2. The ride home with Derek
  3. Completing a Garfield puzzle with the fam in 10 minutes. Loved to see the hands buzzing around in a frenzy. 
  4. Ella and Anders talking and cooing at each other
  5. Roasting the perfect marshmallow for our s'mores

Saturday 1 September 2012

In a Field

We went out early this morning to a nearby field to welcome the beginning of fall. Anders did well and enjoyed the different textures of the leaves. Now it's time for some eats!