Martini Momma

Pop, pop luck.

Last night Brent and I sat together drinking hot toddies...

• 1 cup of decaf tea
• 1 ounce spiced rum
• fresh squeezed lemon
• 1 dollop of honey

and while we sat, I chowed down 3/4 of a bag of Rocky Pop Carmel Corn.  It was so delicious.  Many times, I thought to myself: "Stop you little piggy."  But my inner demon said, "Shut it and eat."  These days I would have to run to Brandon and back daily to work off my Christmas calories.

Sadly I am not working out near enough to counter act the amount I have been eating and drinking.  Each morning when my alarm goes off, all I can do is reach over and hit SNOOZE,  But I am OK with that.  Yesterday I had a series of good things come my way...

To start, Gramps and I ventured out in the cold for a cup of joe at Timmies.  He treated and and in exchange I became his chauffeur.  Despite the chillies temps, it's always warm when I am with Gramps.  Also in my day of goodness, I received an Olympic Torch tshirt made from recycled plastic PET bottles - how cool is that?  Then, I was shopping at a local health food store and while catching up an old teacher on my life in vitamin water, I opened sold the manager on vw and opened the account.  Again, tres cool.

Finally, once the babes were in bed, I logged on and started reading blogs...only to discover I had won an online contest.  My first ever.  And at one of my fav spots, Tiber River Naturals.  Who couldn't use a little extra pampering this time of year.

I am thinking maybe my dear friend The Coach needs a little TLC this week... tomorrow she, Crys and I are off to get our cards read.  Maybe Ten Spa is in her future...

Are diamonds considered stocking stuffers?

 

"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."

I like that quote.  My mom sent it to me.  In the subject line she wrote, "A good quote for you and you have done more than your fair share of good deeds.   Wow.  Thanks mom.  Your compliment totally made my day. 

It was timely too considering I threw the towel in on dinner last night.  HEAR me world, I officially surrender to the "I can't make a roast if my life depended on it" Club.  Seriously.  I attempted a bison roast in my crock pot with seasoned potatoes, celery, carrots and a boat load of garlic.  Everything, except the roast was perfect.  The roast however tasted like dog food.  There you have it.  I can cook a lot of things, very well if I may say so, but when it comes to roasts, I am on the losing end.  Of course if you have any tips, send them my way.  I will not however admit at this time that I will re-group.

Shortly after my disastrous meal, I flew out the door.  Seeing as I was planning on getting a henna, drinking vitamin water & eating holiday chocolatesworking with my baby sis at Lucky Brand Jeans, I decided to pick us up Starbucks holiday drinks (in place of wine or martinis).  My choice was a good one, especially for all the those crazynon-drinking preggos out there.  Today, try a Vanilla Roobios Misto with Eggnog.  Yum.  How's that for clean eating?

While at Lucky, I reconnected with a few associates I haven't seen in awhile.  It was fun.  I also met Greg, who owns Lux for Sprouts.  Greg was a super nice guy and their store is gorgeous.  If you happen to drop in there, say hi to him from the Martini Mommas.

Today my hubby is hosting a holiday get together for some of his clients at the Fairmont.  It will be a swanky affair.  I on the other hand will be at home in my comfys, hosting dinner with the Johnsons.  It is sure to be a 'fun' night.  Of course, I will post on any crazy happenings.

Before I sign off, I want to know...what do you want in your stocking?  I'd ask for a Candy Cane Martini but fear it'd leak out.

Move over Betty Crocker

I am sorry that I have to do this to do Joelle, but I cannot hold back.  As you blog friends out there know, last weekend Brent & I had the Adams & the Everetts for dinner.  Those two ladies are truly remarkable.  They are poised and graceful and so put together every time I see them.  What the hell do they see in me? 

I would say that all three of us can hold our own in the kitchen.  However, Joellekicks my ass for sure when it comes to all things sweet.   On Friday, she did dessert in honor of Michelle's 29th birthday.  This is what she whipped up...

Sweet thing.  She also left me with a silvery/red tin full of GF butter tarts.  These tarts could possibly be ruining my life.  Each time I am at home writing, cleaning, blogging, breathing, I swear I hear wee whispers coming from my fridge..."eat me."

Since Friday I have gained 5 lbs.  Each bite is nutty, buttery bits of heaven.  I have tried hiding them, burying them and freezing them, guess what they are equally delicious FROZEN!  Honestly, I can barely sleep at night, thinking about my next bite.

Anyone got a cure for friends who master any sweet GF treat they try to make Christmas baking addictions?

PS - Yes this strawberry cream cheese flan, tort, cake! was also GF and also AMAZING.  Definitely some people got more talent in the baking department than others....

  

A little weekend sap

Like Brandi, I have had many questions about the successes (and hiccups) we are having with Miss maggie and her very headstrong little mind.  All reports in...we are making huge progress.  We have been guiding with a firm hand 85 % of the time.  Those other 15% are the times when she senses my need to rush and I literally have no choice but to buy into whatever the behaviour is.  Yes, there is always a choice but my job may not see it that way.  Reports from daycare each day have been VERY successful, a full week of a happy and cooperative little girl.  Thursday was a wash but I'll let it go.  Small steps.  Thanks for the suggestions and concerns.

Maybe because I am done reports and finally have a moment to breathe, I have sat back and watched my babes this week...really watched them.  I will not be a sap.  Ok, maybe I will.  My heart feels full.  I feel blessed beyond words and cannot believe the miracle that children are.  I think it is the season that makes us more aware of what we have and what others don't. There are so many toy drives, jacket drives, hamper drives, (think I, too, may be attending Kath's but will confirm soon Kath!).  We sent off our  Samaritan's Christmas boxes last week that my kids helped me to shop for.  These boxes will make their way to developing countries where they will be opened on Christmas day.  The things that we fill our stockings with here in Canada will be treasured in a whole new way over there. 

 Can you even imagine how excited these kids must be?
   
My children, and I am sure yours, are not only blessed by what material goods we possess but by the love and the time that is invested in them.  Your comments and our posts are always filled with words that relay the priority that is our children.  My son's teacher told us that there are a few letters giving our little guy some troubles and so we have spent every night after the girls go to bed creating fun ways to learn those letters.  His teacher told me this week that he is right on track and that she can see how hard he has been working.  We would all do this for our kids but there are plenty of parents that wouldn't.  As a teacher, I see kids every day that literally break my heart.  They don't need help with their numbers or their letters,they don't even need discipline, they need someone to love them.  That's all.  Just love.

I will lovingly fill the stockings and buy the gifts (the secret is that I love "Santa" as much as them) but I feel even more proud as a parent that I am able to love them and guide them every day.  Enough mush for the weekend.  Enjoy our last November weekend!   

I will also tell you that I found a bag of what might be the worlds best Christmas chocolate.  I bought them at Target a month ago and thought Chad should put them in my stocking but they will NEVER last until then.  M&M's chocolate peppermints, they are all shimmering green with chocolate and then white peppermint inside......mmmmmm sooo good!

To the brim...

Welcome Monday.  The weekend was full, full, full of...

Oil of Oregano.  The boys are still battling sniffles and sore tummies.  With sleep NOT on my side these past few days, I am dropping Oil of Oregano like water bombs at a kids birthday.

Wine.  Friday night's party was a HOOT.  I finally kicked Reg and Bully out at 2 am and dragged my weary butt to bed.  Brent was up at 6 and off to TO for a mortgage conference.  Did I mention he gets to meet Brett Wilson from the Dragon's Den?  I love Brett Brent.

Shrek.  As I referenced in last Friday's post, Fiona and I are REALLY getting to know one another.

Pizza.  I didn't cook once all weekend.  I did eat loads of chicken/brown rice soup from my MIL and ordered in pizza twice.  Academy Pizza Co which happens to be located on Portage Ave. is making a GF crust which I am falling for.  Last night we had half Super Extreme half Extreme Hawaiian. 

Tea.  Black Irish, Green Yerba Mate, Chocolate Kisses Ginger.  Switch!

Laundry.  I did, in between a trip to the dog park, a ride out to Miss Mollie's and a trip to the pool for swimming lessons manage to do 6 loads of laundry and change everybody's sheets.

Writing.  Not on my book, but I will get to that.  I did some editing, proofreading and polishing for an article due for submission today.

Threats.  Why is that when we are required to be our best, we are sometimes our worst.  I had my laptop at my side many times throughout the weekend.  In the end, I used it to type up a sign, "Free 2 year old to a good home."

Lastly, ORGANIZING.  Christmas shopping list - started.  Scarves, hats, mitts - all together.  Spare room - organized.  Laundry - put away.  Junk drawers - clean.  It is amazing what one can accomplish while watching an a big green Ogre scrub his butt with mud.  "Dat is funny mama."

One more sleep and Brent is home.  I have fallen off the meditation wagon, so I am off to quiet my mind and re-group before the wee ones with HUGE personalities awake, ready to draw swords. 5 minutes alone with myself and hopefully a run on the treadmill to shake up the pizza party.
 

New discoveries....

The past 7 days have held much newness for this momma.  In my quest to heal my insides, I still find myself battling hard against the bloat.  Ironically when we were in Fargo, at our very hotel was The Red River Celiac Conference.  After Brent's insistence, I asked if I would be allowed to poke my nose in (while the boys were occupied)and they happily moved out of my way. 

I wasn't able to listen to any speakers but did browse the vendors trade show.  In my travels I accumulated many leaflets that I have been reading since I came home.  Believe it or not, there was a fair bit of information that I hadn't yet discovered.  And better still, I rediscovered some of my favorite products pre-Celiac, which I had been avoiding, are SAFE.

Caesars and Oh Henry Bars are GF!  Yeah.  Last night over roasted chicken and yams, I dotted my palette with a delicious libation and finished my meal with but of course, a Oh yes, Oh Henry!  Hooray.

Also new this week was a trip to Fort Whyte (not new) but watching the evening migration (new) was an hour that delighted my soul. 

 

 

Nothing like a prairie sky to make you grateful to be a girl from Manitoba.

Also in the category of new, Brent and I had ribs, Bush's Bourbon Baked Beans, homemade apple cole slaw, our friends Katie and Tony and a bottle of Cline's Zinfandal.  Yum, yum and extra yum.  K & T were unaware but I have really been dabbling in Californian Zins these days.  I am speaking to the red variety of course.  I loved the full yet smooth fruity tones to this wine.

Quiet mind and ready body, tonight is a girls night out here with The Winos.  Sure to be full of new insights, new laughter and new experiences with OLD friends.  What's new in your life?
 

What's on your mind?

In the spirit of being your best, I am reminded about inspiration from two fab women that Kath interviewed on this blog.

1.  Colleen, aka Mrs. Gorp. 

I am seriously itching to start ordering her POWER bars.  But even more than her magical GORP creations, is the fact that her wisdom is resonating with me.  In this interview, she mentioned getting up 30 minutes before the kids.  Now, that's not always easy, but I AM DOING it.   And, best of all, I am feeling peaceful as I start my day.  I love tippy toeing out of a dark bedroom to go downstairs and start BREWT-ing my tea.  I love that I can organize my day in SILENCE.  It is a feeling of peace.

2.  Speaking of peace, Wendy, who is one of my dear gal pals, is another very inspiring soul.  In her interview here, she mentioned 2 little nuggets of info that have stuck with me...MEDITATE and PUSH Yourself. 

Although I can honestly say that meditation was not a huge priority, it has been seeping into my brainwaves these past few weeks.  I am trying hard to include small windows of time alone with just me and my thoughts.  Unfortunately SLEEPING doesn't count.  

So, I thought to myself, like any good student would, "How can I learn to meditate?"  You Tube.

 

Kath had a good laugh at the fact that I used modern technology, aka the WWW to inspire an age old technique of mind tranquility, but hey whatever gets the job done.  I honestly didn't know the art of mediation.  I knew I always prayed that my thoughts would QUIT talking to me, but I wasn't too sure how to do that, other than with wine of course!  After watching that short video though I realized that meditation should be done consistently, so I am going to focus on that.

As far as PUSH YOURSELF, I loved how Wendy mentioned giving 150% to any little amount of activity.  So these days, i find myself lifting cases of vitamin water in proper form, vacuuming and engaging my abs and even walking with POWER top of mind.

Peace is everywhere inside this Martini Momma these days.  In fact, last night I even sipped a new tea from Cornelia Bean, Chocolate Kisses Ginger and put my feet up BEFORE cleaning up the dinner mess.  OK, so before I sign out, the week is coming to a close - are you doing something for you?  I loved Kath's post on Hump day.  Even if you're getting some, that could be your weekly goal - just do something for YOU! 

With MUCH Gratitude

OK.  I have now mentioned our Oscar Bags probably 10 times.  I know those of you who couldn’t come on the retreat (or didn’t have the wherewithal to know just how AMAZING it would be) missed out, so in the spirit of being the best, I am going to share with you the contents while plugging our amazing supporters.  Here goes, each girl received…

1 FREE meal from Supper Central as well as a reusable shopping bag.  Supper Central is an absolutely gorgeous inside facility where groups/individuals can prep and take home nutritious meals.  BUT they also have a fridge of food that can be picked up and taken home to cook or freeze.  It is very inviting and the girls are so nice.  I am thinking this would be an awesome gift for a friend in need (new mom)...

Tea from Cornelia Bean.  I actually feel like if you haven’t experienced Cornelia Bean than you really aren’t living (in Winnipeg at least).  We have such cold winters and nothing can warm like HOT delicious liquids…TEA.  I have asked Cory (who is a descendant of Cornelia’s) to be a guest on our blog.   She is in her 50’s (hope she doesn’t mind me saying that) and gorgeous.  Her secret (which I am sure we’ll hear from her)... TEA is a huge part of her wellness regime.  These days I start my morning with Black Irish and end my day with Chocolate Kisses Ginger Herbal (decaffeinated) Tea.  I am so excited to interview her.

2 yes I said 2 free passes to Moksha Hot Yoga.  Shauna is the manager at the Donald Street studio.  I have only met her in email but she is another person who I would love to share with our readers.  This past weekend left me feeling very recharged.  I believe that yoga is an integral part of balance for me and so I am making it a priority in my life.   Heck, if I can balance my mind and challenge my body at the same time….well that’s just multi-tasking at its finest.

City Looks.  Where do I begin?  Tracy, my dear friend, is one of the owners.  She wrote (yes!) a personal note to the Martini Mommas and created a gift package.  Every guest received a FREE haircut from Breanna (THANK YOU BREANNA!), hemp oil for the hair, organic Eminence Skin Care Products (celebrities ain't got nothing on the Mommas) and a certificate for 25% off the most incredible facial.

Our ingenuous natural buddies at Tiber River  gave every girl a piece of soap and a certificate redeemable for a reduced price on aesthetics.

Sharon at The Bra Bar, whom I have met in the past donated a very generous gift certificate.  Talk about SUPPORTING our Mommas.

My friend Jeff at Curve 94.3 gave everyone CURVE lanyards, reusable bags and hooked us up with cool music for the weekend.  Thanks Jeff.

Impact Fitness Studio created a custom workout that busted our butts.  It was awesome.  Thank you Sean (and Nat - our Momma - who lead us.  Nat works out there and is RIPPED!).

Naturally vitamin water was a sponsor as was Diageo who graciously donated MARTINI glasses and shakers,as well as shot glasses.  Thank you Neville.

Wine, whine, wine.  Banville & Jones...Thank you Karen.  Banville helped us select awesome wines and nibblies from the gourmet section.

Lastly, The Tallest Poppy made our mouths water and our tummies roar with gratitude from beginning to end.  Talia is amazing and her staff made for us some of the most DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS meals our palettes have known.

 

To everyone that made this RETREAT hugely successful, we Martini Mommas thank you from the tips of our toes.

 

 

Soup on the fly.

Psst.  Are you getting sick of me?  Wink, wink - I feel like the Lone Blogger over here.  Just wrapped up a conference call with my national team and while we chatted I threw all of these ingredients into my slow cooker...

• chopped onion (about 2 large)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 package of FRIGG'S turkey Italian sausage
• coarsely chopped peeled sweet potato
• 6 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 leaves of FRESH prewashed torn kale (check out this post from The Natural health Circus!) 
• 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained

Yum, dinner is a cookin while this momma is a cruisin!  I will NOT however post a picture because my baby sis - Crys, tells me that even though my slow cooker recipes sound D-Lish, the photos look like BARF.  So, there you have it, Multi-Tasking at it's best.

Now, I am off to finish my calls, I have a meeting at the sales center and somewhere in between I need to stop and pick up numerous goodies for our Retreat Oscar Bags.  Yehaw!

Stay tuned, I am coming at you HARD CORE with some healthy living tips and a report from my Naturopath. 

PPS - I have had a few entrepreneurs email me asking about advertising.  THIS blog is starting to advertise - only businesses we LOVE.  You know who you are.  If you'd like ad space, shoot me a comment or email at martinimommas@gmail.com

 

I'll take an extra dose of enegy with that, please.

OK - I have to start by saying, you know I am not throwing in the towel.  I was merely commiserating and sharing my perspective on how much is whirling around in my world of BEING BETTER, BETTER, BEST.  Ironically, my babies played musical beds on the day I post The Impossible Standard.

Fittingly, I woke up sleepy and ragged.  Stumbling out of bed, I stepped on BumbleBee.  Shit!  Ouch. 

"Ouch is a good word mom but shit is not."  Right, I'll take a double shot, venti cup of ambition please.

Needlesstosay, yesterday p-l-a-y-e-d me out.  I guess I have to give my hubby credit here because without him I have NO breaks.  Crys (and other single parents, KUDOS!).  For some reason, the day just dragged and dragged and some how my work load didn't diminish.

What seemed like eventually, me and my boys arrived home with a truck full of groceries and BAM.  Just like that, my fairy godmother intercepted my exhausted and kicked me right in the ass.  SURPRISE!  There is was. 

Yes, a bag full of healthy goodies.  I LOVE IT.   

Colleen, you are so sweet.  And generous.  And sweet.  Me and the Ya-Ya's will DEVOUR them.  Call me cruel, but I have decided to horde mine.  I will however give you my word that I will give my other two Martini Mommas their share.  Ironically I had chosen last night to do an evening flush of my system.  This involved the juice of 7 grapefruits, epsom salts and olive oil. 

It is a bowel and liver purge that lasts only one night.  Supposedly I will have a day full of the craps, but truthfully I DON'T CARE.  I have homemade, KICK ASS, energy bars from The Great GORP Project to reinvent me.

Colleen, hope you don't think this is premature but you have to be part of our 3rd Retreat - in the spring.