My long, narrow driveway is covered in a thick blanket of gorgeous fallen maple leaves. I adore the sound, lush scent and sensation of walking through them. The days are getting colder and rather wet. I am afraid there will be a fine line between when I rake them up and say goodbye to the pleasure they have given me, and when I have to start shovelling snow.
A gambler I am not but I am going to 'stay' as long as I can this round.
Although sadly the calendar page is flipped past October now there is lots of autumn-ess left to enjoy.
Fall into my Pinterest Autumn Love page and help me hold onto all that goodness and keep wishing winter away.
It is also soup season once again. My Souper Suppers board is loaded with inspired recipes to warm you up as winter comes upon us.
The big move is next week and I have to admit I don't enjoy the relocation process one bit!
In between packing and organizing I am still trying to balance some playtime with the kids and of course, some work. Besides teaching SUP with SUPendipity, I am still doing social media and photography work. Here are a few images from some shoots this summer.
A little shoot for a social media client that Tom was rather interested in. BackCountry Blooms in Lumby grow the most beautiful assortment of flowers. Molly and Amie, the gardening divas behind the operation do bouquets, weddings and also cut flowers by the bucket so you can create however you like. The flowers are unique and last extremely well.
Recently I had a Gypsy inspired longtable dinner and here are some quick Instagram images of what I got from BackCountry Blooms and how I used them...
I am far from a floral designer but the flowers were so stunning it was easy to combine them in fun ways in mason jars and assorted vases. At the end of the night I sent all the girls home with some as a take away gift.
FarmBound is another dual client. Social media and photography, I love how they work together. FarmBound also happens to be another Lumby business run by two hard working female entrepreneurs committed to supporting farmers and bringing amazing locally grown goodies right to you. They are now even servicing beyond the North Okanagan and doing Northern BC as well as the UCBO Campus. I adore helping with them with social media and getting a food box at my door step so creating some images of my weekly delivery was a joy.
Working with people is fantastic but sometimes having food to shoot still life style is so calming. After I captured the images I needed of the basic FarmBound box I couldn't resist spending a long while more just taking images of the produce.
Vegetables are fascinating to look at closely.
Then I had a delicious idea. I took some of the fresh herbs from my FarmBound box...
And some of these lovely organic raspberries...
And added them to a pitcher of alkalized water with sliced organic lemon from my FarmBound produce box for a fresh infused raspberry, mint water to fight the summer heat....
One last bit of veggie porn. This purple kohlrabi is absolutely gorgeous, I had to give it a bit of velvety love in photoshop...
Ah, I am so grateful to be able to work in a way I can be a present Mom and also work with dynamic and inspiring local businesses. Today I shared the offerings of two awesome local clients and soon I will share some images of the wonderful families I had the honour of documenting.
Last night I woke up partway through the night with a really upset tummy and this morning Ry was throwing up. We have no time to be ill so today has been about kicking this bug and getting back to life.
I love ginger, the little plop at sushi is such a treat or ginger cookies or ginger ale. I keep good Pukka ginger tea at home for any ole time, but when I feel queasy I crave fresh ginger tea.
Today was a ginger tea and toast day with sour dough bread from the Okanagan Bakehouse. Ginger tea is easy to make and effective so sharing my fave fresh version quickly...
It is in one of my go to cook books Mad Hungry but I found the version online so this sicky can pick up the kiddo from hockey camp, cut and paste it to you and get back to sipping.
oxo
Fresh Ginger Tea
Use this to soothe anyone suffering from the flu or a cold, or an upset stomach. It's also delicious with an Asian meal, hot or poured over ice. From the book "Mad Hungry," by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Artisan Books). Read the Mad Hungry review from Snicks here, it's an awesome collection of recipes.
YIELD: MAKES 4 CUPS
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup grated fresh ginger
4 cups boiling water
4 teaspoons honey
DIRECTIONS
Put the grated ginger into a teapot and pour in the boiling water. Allow the mixture to steep for 4 minutes. Strain and serve the tea with a teaspoon of honey in each cup. Stir and serve.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there and especially my Daddy Boy Joe Kasprzak.
Music is so important to me and I wanted to share a song with my Dad which was a grand challenge as we have VERY different musical tastes. After a couple days of searching I found this one for him and it reminded me of spending time with him by his beloved juke box and listening to him tell me about his fave songs. I loved the red plastic buttons you had to push and seeing the records move around inside the big silver box. He spent years building our house in the country brick by brick and hours and hours finishing the last room in the lowest level which was his place. He built a bar, tiled the floor for dancing and parties, a framed his movie poster collection and showcased his beloved old juke box full of singles. Then my parents hosted many a get togethers down there and it was wonderful to see them enjoying the home they spent so many years creating together, I was so proud and happy for them.
I recall giggling and rolling my eyes as a teenager seeing them all dance around to songs like Gloria and Islands in the Stream but also learned to love the Beatles and the Beach Boys from the old juke box. This song is for my Dad and one I could picture him having in the juke box if he still owned it.
This was my pick, from a film I adore, but I am almost certain my Dad will think it is strange.
Off for now to help my boys finish up things to bring their Dad today. They are lucky to have a good one. He didn't do anything for Mother's Day and that was hard as boys learn by example but luckily they made simple stuff at school. Even separated it is important to me to model well for the boys as he still is their Dad forever and without him I wouldn't have them. Teaching them how to make Man Bars...a simple, easy but delish square to share with their Dad and hopefully they can teach their kiddos to make them one day or treat a girlfriend or wife.
You can find the recipe and lots of other decadent treat ideas for Father's Day on my YUM love Pinterest board.
Ry recently turned 7 and was over the moon excited to have a birthday party. He wanted a Lego themed party which seems to be so popular lately but it was his day so I was onboard.
As it was fairly last minute right after spring break it had to be done fairly simple and I did't have a huge budget. We used some generic invites I got from Indigo on 80% off clearance by Pistachio...a seriously eco friendly printing company. They were my fave green and cheery and simple enough for a kids party and $2 for 10! Invites out on Wednesday party for Sunday...yikes.
Before the kiddos came I set the table...I LOVE setting tables. I had a little cloth I bought from a friend that sorta worked and just simple paper plates I added Lego faces too. Paper cups and old fashioned paper straws as they are a cuteness weakness of mine. Could have done so much more but really once eleven seven year old sit down the table is destined to be trashed.
In the middle I set up a little game to keep them busy while waiting for cake. They liked it. Little pieces of paper and felts were left for them to use to write their names and guess and they took turns sharing.
The main event ws the cake which I definitely am not capable of making like this. I hired an local gal Amy Gervais who is so talented to tackle that. I love making deserts but I didn't want to be stressing off a Pinterest fail on Ry's day. Amy rocked it. If you are in the Okanagan I recommend her for cakes and cupcakes for special events...it was lovely and yummy.
Once the kids arrived we headed downstairs for a major Lego play...I layed out quilts and sat them in a circle and dumped all the baskets of Lego in the middle and they went at it. They liked it so much many chose not to do the craft I planned and kept building. They were all together though and it was fun...they munched Ry's fave snack foods while they worked.
I used up all the leftover science fair poster board pieces my other boys to cut out Lego man parts so the kids could assemble their own and decorate it with sharpies and dot stickers. Ry made the sample man shown and it was easy but complicated enough to satisfy 7 year old crafty kids...they made some cute creations.
After a good play we took them upstairs again for cake, ice cream and and presents.
Sparklers made the cake very exciting for them, it was sweet.
And look at all those smiley, giggly kiddos...so adorable. Ry was a very happy fellow and loving all the festivities.
The gifts party at kiddo parties is always mayhem, as much as you try to keep it humble and calm...they can't control themselves. You just gotta go with it and make sure no one gets trampled.
But the buddy hugs and huddles make it all so worth it. Ry is in the middle of this group love session. I think he was pretty darn grateful for his friends, the fun and his gifts.
As the party ended we headed outside for a little spring play in the sun and I gave them their goody bags as they were picked up.
They were used as decorations on the buffet for the party and did double duty. Just coloured paper bags decorated with dot stickers to look like Lego bricks, and tied with bakers twine I had. Inside I placed a Lego minifigure, a lollypop, some Lego candies, a little fingerlight, and a trading card.
I did a few other little decorations as well. Everything was simple and inexpensive and done within a couple fun hours.
Lego head balloons...
On Ry's actual birthday I suprised him at school with a bunch of seven hellium ballons. Being the frugal sneak I am, and yellow lover I intentionally picked simple yellow ones with the idea I would add Lego faces and use them as party decorations a few days later. I just used a Sharpie to draw face ideas I got off Lego minifigures...cleaned up the bottom of the balloon and stick with tape and covered it with a cheery ribbon bow. Then I took small balls of plasticine and stuck them to the bottom of big mason jars to hold the balloon stick securly and filled the jar with lego blocks.
Total cost $14 as I found the balloons already blown up at Dollerama and had the other stuff already.
Lego block banner decoration...
This is a terrible photo as I took it quick late last night. I did this so last minute but it was a fun way to welcome the kids at the front door before they saw the other decorations. Three pieces of bristol board cut into rectangles. The I used a mason jar lid to trace the circles and a hole punch to string them on a long piece of ribbon I had. The colours were bright and cheery despite this wretched photo.
Had I had an hour to spare the Martha Stewart in me would have liked to write LEGO inside each traced circle but I let that go as no seven year old would notice anyways and really the shindig was for them.
So that's it. One little boys Lego party done quickly, inexpensively and stress free. It wasn't easy to resisit the hundreds of amazing ideas calling my name on Pinterst and not become a kid birthday Momzilla but I did it...and I had the happiest little love bug give me the best thank-yous that night as my reward.
Lego is amazing...all my boys love it still and have loved it forever. So grateful for this timeless toy. It's such a staple in this house full of boys I have a Lego Love board on Pinterst we go to often for ideas...if your clan loves Lego too take a look and enjoy.
Tonight I am tying up loose ends and finishing the last bits of packing for a very early start tomorrow. I am taking the two youngest kidlets and heading to Mexico to visit my folks in Nuevo Vallarta for spring break.
This was last years vacation with my Momma and Ry and Liam, my travelling amigos once again. We had honor of staying a couple nights in Punta Mita at the Four Seasons while I did a story for a blog I write for called Have Family Will Travel. Read the Punta Mita feature and see more photos here....
I adore Mexico. The people, the food, the country in general. I am so smitten I have a Mexican themed Pinterest board. Check out my fiesta love board for lots of fun recipes, party ideas and Mexican faves. You don't actually have to be in Mexico to have a Fiesta! Crank up the heat, mix up the margaritas and invite some friends over for a fun themed stay-cation party.
Back to packing and attempting to sleep a bit before the alarm sounds, I will be sure to keep posts and photos coming while we are away here, on facebook and instagram of course.
AND don't forget to keep entering to win the Courtnie LaFontaine hair product or service prize from this week...I will be drawing a lucky winner this weekend.
Liam, my middle kiddo, has played with the Lumby Stars hockey team for several years now. Life at the rink has become an amazing part of our winters. Lumby is just a small town outside Vernon but what it lacks in population it makes up in community spirit in a big way.
The Lumby Minor Hockey Association works hard, enters lots of contests an often wins in more ways than one. It is exciting for our kids and such a blessing for the families involved. A couple years ago we ate Delissio pizzas and cut UPC codes like nobodys business and our efforts won the association $50 000 which was put to good use.
This year a few parents entered to win a Canucks package and we were picked. The prize was a coach bus to Vancouver to see a game and the opportunity for the kids to play a small match of their own between periods. As well as watching a warm up and touring the dressing rooms and such. It was a big thrill for them and for us as parents to see our boys and girls play on the big ice of Rogers Arena.
Here is our BIG bus at one of the houses being loaded....our fantastic Team Manager Sherry is hopping out to make sure she didn't miss any of us.
Our departure was early and it was a quiet bus ride down...lots of excited but mellow chatter, snacking, movies and those darn tablets and such that brainwash our poor children but offer so much freedom for parents at times.
The drive down over the Coquahalla Highway was smooth sailing which was a relief as it had been closed for several days before to clear avalanches. We arrived in amazing time to our hotel which was a treat for all.
The Lumby Stars were very lucky to be guests at Four Seasons Vancouver for our night in the city. Check in was stress-free and we were warmly welcomed after our long drive. Hockey bags were tucked away and off we all went to our suites.
Scrumptious treats awaited each family that were specially picked for the ages of the kids with parents goodies included as well of course. Who doesn't enjoy a spot of tea and a handcrafted chocolate in the afternoon?
Each family got settled and did there own thing for a bit. Some shopped below at The Pacific Center and some hit the pool and some just enjoyed their rooms. The bus left well before game time to take the coaches and players to Rogers Arena for their tour and fun. The other parents and siblings enjoyed dinner at YEW in the hotel.
They have a wonderful area for large groups to tuck in around the most beautiful plank table. Ry and I got settled and waited for whoever joined us.
So fun to have the cocktail list and such on an ipad to view...nice touch. I always try one of the seasonal signiture cocktails as they are always out of this world. In November is was the Moose Nog when we came for Pearl Jam, this time I tried the Bella Dama.
How simple and pretty is that? And it was loaded with flavour and one was enough for this lightweight in drinking.
A beet salad and calamari made for the perfect pre-game snack and Ry enjoyed his kids meal.
Keeping kids happy there is easy when they get a complimentary fruit snack, wikki sticks and colouring stuff to keep them occupied. Kids under 10 years old also eat for free when staying at the hotel and everything on the Childrens menu is delish.
Grabbing a cab and getting to the game was easy and quick from our central location. Finding our sections and seats was a bit of adventure but that's another story! I blame the Bella Dama.
We hoped to meet Fin and Ry and I were lucky to have a private pow wow with the big guy that involved lots of head biting and random orca sounds! So fun but I had to wonder about Fin having lice in his mouth after constantly chomping random heads!
Then of course the reason for the adventure...the NHL game and seeing our kids on the big ice.
So cool for all to see and the people beside me likey thought I was so strange being so excited between periods...probably more excited than when the Canucks and Wilds actually played!
The next day I squeezed in breakfast with city friends at YEW; and then as a team we went to Fly Over Canada which was beyond words amazing. A must see if in Vancouver. So grateful to Grandma Joanne for treating the kids and coaches to this attraction. I honestly liked it much better than the Soaring Over California ride at Disneyland and it was one of the ones I went on several times.
Ry and I lost the group afterwards but enjoyed a play and walk back along the Seawall. See some of our images on my Instagram feed.
Back at the hotel the kids went for a final swim and play in the indoor/outdoor pool and I headed back to YEW once again for one of their perfect lattes and some fresh baked mini donuts with a dear friend I rarely get to chat with in person. It was a quick visit but fantastic before hopping back on the bus for our journey home.
It was a snowy ride back, but Norm the bus driver did amazing. We watched movies and stopped for food in Merritt. I had the most delish Indian food from Queen India Food 2 Go, you must try it if passing through town. We arrived home late but not too late to get up bright and bushy tailed for our playoff game the next morning which we won. Likely as the kids were inspired by the adventure we just had.
A million thanks to the Vancouver Canucks, Four Seasons Vancouver and everyone else who made this NHL experience a reality for our Pee Wee hockey kiddos. Some pretty special memories were created for all.
When we were teens slathering on orange goop called Ban De Soleil and baking in the sun all day we had no idea one day it would catch up with us. All of a sudden the pillow marks don't disappear as quickly in the morning, the wrinkles that used to be cute when you smiled stick, and new freckles and dark spots start surfacing on your face. Where is the rewind button? If only we could go back and tuck under the umbrella and slather on the spf 30+. It seems hopeless but don't give up...you don't have to give up on your youthful skin...it just takes a bit of effort and product magic to fight with you.
Now...I am not a high maintenance type of girl normally. I can't do the five step routine, I do cleanse and moisturize and do sunscreen religiously though. Usually it's a simple cleanser with my beloved Norwex face cloth that I swear just sucks off my eye makeup and washes clean and stays fresh in mysterious ways. I have written about them if you are curious and those who believed me and tried them sent wonderful thank you comments. I never fib ya friends.
Take the Norwex button on the left sidebar to see the whole line.
Moisturizer for a while was just whipped coconut oil with lavender oil added, some eye cream and lip balm....it was working fine and was inexpensive but I gotta say I wasn't looking any younger. Then a friend told me I HAD to try what she had found and told me three other friends who believed in it so deeply they were selling it. Now we all try our hand at multi-level marketing at some point or fall for a home party product but this friend who was sharing her find is a no bullshit kinda lady. She tells it like it is and I can always count on her to be frank and true in her words. The other ladies were also no fuss friends who I really respected and I saw their before & after images, so I gave it a go.
Read on to learn my new little anti-aging secret...
Back to Earth launched a line of teas and I have been sampling and enjoying the custom blends all week.
I was fighting a bit of a sick bug so I sipped the Immune Support and Wellness blends with a nice dollop of local unpasteurized honey and made a batch of Back To Earth Elderberry Syrup to soothe my cough and throat and boost antioxidants. It's yummy and soothing, my kids like it too, so it's good to have a big batch in the fridge this time of year.
I also loved the Peace & Calming blend for the evening and the Liver Cleanse is perfect when you want to restart your system after some fast food or general fatty feasting.
Here is the latest Back To Earth Newsletter that gives a nice explanation of the four new teas and a cool breakfast recipe. If you want to order from Back To Earth take the button on my left sidebar over to their webpage and shop away with ease. Watch their Back To Earth facebook page for the latest news, tips and other wonderfully earthy stuff.
It runs about an hour and a half, so even if you are having a hard time drifting off it will hopefully draw your monkey mind off your worries and help you find rest.
Sleep is one of those things you really don't appreciate till you are deprived of it. It's not something I struggled with till this past year or so, and I didn't like how it affected my mind and my health. It felt like I was loosing it at times, I was on edge and anxious and my skin was a mess. Within my chest my heart raced, the shakes sometimes set in and it was hard to hide it in my hands and voice around others. I turned to yoga and melatonin but it wasn't enough. I had a terrible reaction to prescriptions from the Dr and realized they weren't a good fit for me. Then I sought the help of Dr. Nicole Shortt, my naturopath from Balance Natural Health Clinic. Find them on facebook and learn more...I had the honor of doing their staff photos recently and was happy to see them on their banner.
An assessment with Dr. Shortt consisted of a really comfortable conversation on where I was at , what my stresses were and the main concerns I wanted to address. She also did an overall physical to assess my general health. Then we started a plan that has really helped me find my way back to being me.
Seems my cortisol levels were high and according to Traditional Chinese medicine I had liver imbalance that needed to be addressed. She made sure I was getting enough vitamin D and Omega 3s, flax, and I started a TCM supplement called Free & Easy to help balance my liver and another supplement I am convinced made the big difference called Cortisol Manager by Integretive Thereputics. It's sold at the clinic in two sizes.
If I have a really heavy day I still take a couple melatonin as well as this but I don't do that often. She also gave me recomendations and a plan to regulate my melatonin by changing my routine which worked well. As I am a bit of a life/health hack I also have found success in somethings I found myself from sources I trust, read on for some other things to try...
