Martini Momma

Love the bum your in.

 
Wow.  I too am starting out a NEW week with a heart full of love.  The weekend was a Friday of dancing, good wine, old students, new friends and WENDY.  It was a 'Let your hair down" and "Shake it like a Polaroid Picture" night.  I tried a new Canadian wine label which was surprising delightful.  As it turns out, the family that makes these two new superb wines are not new to wine.  Henry of Pelham Family Estate also makes a crisp, lightly sweet riesling.  Try all of them.  I am thinking Christmas gifts...

Saturday was FULL of hanging, cleaning, trimming, baking, cooking and prepping.  Every ounce of effort was well worth a combined 500 plus years of collective friendships.  Our annual Party was a PERFECT gathering of BEAUTIFUL people.  It was a "Hey - how have you been?"  "Wow - it's great to see you?"  Oh, look new faces!" and comfort in seeing "Com'on in, it's you again."  Brent and I have friends that we have known our entire lives.  WE are SO blessed and although I try often, I am not sure I can properly articulate the gratitude that we feel.  This party is a REMINDER of who we are and where we've come from.

This weekend was also, the final class of swimming with two passes!, a new tradition with the Peace on Earth Party at The Gompfs (it was crazy good for the soul) and messages from Santa.  THANK YOU Kirb, Kath, Harris & Evy for facilitating love and generosity.

Today is refocusing on a bit of health.  I need to get this butt on the treadmill.  I need to eat less and drink more water.  I need to catch up on some REST and oh yeah drink a few glasses of the new wines that have made it under my tree.  Am I that obvious?

I am also FOCUSing my little sis.  Crys is spearheading a cool night at Lucky Brand Jeans in Polo Park.  I will be there with vitamin water.  30% off EVERYTHING in the store, one night only with a chance to win a new pair of jeans.  Come and see us.

 

I got my wings.

 

Last night there must have been a flutter of wings flapping all throughout downtown Winnipeg for the lovely and powerful Kal who hosted an art show like no other.

Kath and I - whom I have miss, miss, missed - had dinner here with our husbands.  It was non-stop chatter, as always about business, life and perspective.  Kirb and Kath are so much fresh air in our life.  They exude real and I we love every minute with them.

From pasta (pronounced paw-sta) to malbec we had a truly fab dinner.  And then... it was off for us four to find our wings.  For me, I love and appreciated Kal until last night.  For yesterday was my first show of the infamous Kal Barteski and it was an honor to witness the gamut of her talent - live.  In a room that was eerie with all of her birds, speaking to me.

Truth be told, I fell a little in love with an old, manly pelican whom I wished to take home.  Art is so very personal and so it is hard to make a purchase as a couple because Brent and I heard different birds speaking in our ears.  We haven't yet bought anything but are talking herons and pelicans. 

One things can be said for soulful nights with good wine and great friends and fabulous art - is that it really does give you wings.  Last night was a quiet reflection of just how grateful I am for my million dollar friend and they way this life is panning out.  Today, I shall fly.

Salut!

Foggy head, I am rolling into Friday with a weekend FULL of fun.

Last night I sat at The Keg and drank a new fantastic Californian Zinfandel.  I was with such a fabulous group of women with whom I refer as The Winos The Hoseheads.  5 girls with whom I share my most intimate secrets, despite the fact that most of these women barely read my blog.  Fooey! 

It was a night where by world problems were solved.  We decided the best choice for our children was pre-arranged marriages.  We opted for spoiling daughter-in-laws rather than trying to earn their love.  We concluded that owning a cabin meant a place where children always migrated home.  And most relevant is that we all agree our children walk on water.

When the 'light' conversation subsided, we jumped head first into miscarriages, sex and love.  We agreed that pain was part of the journey and that along the way, our girlfriends were our cheerleaders.  If life were easy, we wouldn't need deep rooted friendships to raise us up.  

Last night was a night I had been craving all week.  It was a night that was intermingled with wine and raw emotion.  It was a night far beyond purpose.

Also on the agenda this weekend is The Santa Claus Parade (check out their build a Santa page for kiddies) and a Birthday Bash at our house for Miss Gracie Girl.  There is sure tobe candles, cocktails and cake.  I have been shopping for the little misses bday for 2 months. 

By the way, thanks mommas for all of the suggestions on catering.  I have made what I believe will be a fabulous choice... The Gates on Roblin is preparing our meal and bringing it to our home to finish off for us.  Yum.  The dinner will include TequilaSeared Scallops, Smoked Salmon Rosettas, Brie baked Black Forest Ham and Cranberry Stuffed Chicken and a Chocolate Lava Cake. 

Speaking of delicious food, here is my coleslaw recipe Shannon.  I did make it up but had help from Mike at Mise Bistro.

• 1 bag of Pre-Sliced/Diced Cabbage
• 1 Grated Gala Apple
• 1/2 Cup of Walnuts
• Honey
• Helman's Mayo (must be Helman's)
• Vinegar
• Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• S & P

I just mixed as I went until I found it pleasing to the taste. 

Today is another interview for my latest article, an afternoon appointment and drinks with The Johnsons.  Happy Weekend.
 

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?
 

Bring it!

 
Well readers, as you know today is the launch date of the 2nd Martini Mommas Wellness Retreat.  For some this will be a weekend of rest, for others it will be a time to push past boundaries and for others yet it will be a weekend of awakening.  It awes and inspires me that some of the women coming have never even met one other person.  That is so admirable. 

My bags are packed.  I am almost ready to go.  This morning as I woke up, the coverage of the Olympic Torch was on Canada AM.  The broadcaster spoke of how this is a time of unity and social gathering.  For this weekend's participants, we will eat unite.  Our Life Coach will be right there pushing us to be better.  We have a rising photographer to capture our moments and as aspiring writer to document.  Bring it.

Today...As I sit drinking the most delicious tea from Cornelia Bean (one of our Retreat Sponsors - blog to follow) Black Irish Tea with milk and honey, I am mentally tackling  my fresh To DO list.  Breakfast for me is going to be loaded with goodness.  I am finishing the last of my Oscar Bag pick ups - THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN!   I am cleaning my van and I am starting pick ups at 5pm.  Bring it!

For those of you who couldn't make it this time, make it a priority for #3.  Come on, you know who you are.  Bring it.

My bags are packed...

I'm ready to roll.  I'm standing here beside the door.  I can't for the martini mommas retreat weekend to GOOOOOO...

Yeah, one mor esleep.  Here is what I'm up to tonight...

First things first, Gnarly Head Zinfandel and GF Sugar Cookies for dinner...

 

And THEN it's off to PREP the OSCAR GOODIE BAGS!

 
 
 
 

 
 

Sometimes it's a song...

I am not sure whether or not it was the sweet red wine, Red Bicyclette Syrah, swirling around in my brain or the camaraderie of women (book club) or perhaps it was the fact that I came straight home last night and doused my room in lavender linen spray from Tiber River, but whatever the reason, I was full of emotion and even nostalgia.  It kinda crept up on me.

Suddenly I was thinking about my dad.   I find so often that I just chug along.  I plough through life, getting where I need to go.  I DO think about my dad, but to be honest mostly as a lost grandparent; however, for some reason tonight I thought about just him and me.

Keith Urban was singing all along Wilkes and I was thinking about how my dad used to play the guitar.  He used to sing songs that people sang along with and it really got me thinking about who he was.  I wished that he would have lived long enough for me to sing with him.

Sadly, my mom has never spoken much about who he was or more importantly why she fell in love with him.  I TOTALLY get that.  But as a parent now and especially after reading Still Alice, I found myself wondering what kind of father mine would have been.  I found myself wondering if he was the kind of dad who rolled on the floor laughing.  I wondered if he would have picked me up from school.  I wondered if he would have cooked breakfast or wore spicy cologne.  I wondered if he was the kind of person who did or accepted or who fought hard for what he believed in.  I don't know.  I can only imagine.

I have  heard that he LOVED ice cream and slow drives on Sundays.  My aunt told me once that he would take me out on a Sunday afternoons, with the windows rolled down, for road trips- just the two of us.  She said that we always stopped for ice cream.  Most importantly she told me that he loved those times.  He loved just hanging out with his little girl. 

Not only did I not get to know him, but he also missed out on knowing me.  Here I am enveloped with a world that almost tips the scale on richness and yet he knows none of it.  I laugh sometimes to myself at how The Coach got so used to my hugs when we would spend our days together.  So much so that she expected me to squeeze her whenever we parted.   I need to see her more so that she preps herself for my squeeze.  I wish my dad knew how much I love to embrace the ones I love.  I wish I could squeeze my dad.

Whether he did or he didn't count the minutes until Sunday drives and ice cream cones, I opt for my aunt's memories.  I will never know who my dad could have been, where he was going or better yet what he was thinking when he chose to end his life, but I still wonder who he could have been.

Beautiful Life

 

Yesterday just reinforced what a beautiful life I have.  My phone rang about 3:00.  I was just scooting to my last call of the day.  Apparently Doc Walker's Road Crew had arrived and were sitting on their tour bus drinking... yep vitamin water.  With a trunk full, I high tailed it over to the only tour bus in the parking lot and knocked on the door.

"Hey, I'm Brandi - the vitamin water rep and I heard we have some fans on the bus..." 

"Great to meet you Brandi.  I am Kevin - the band's manager - come on in!"

I shit you not.  I spent an hour hanging out and having coffee with the crew.  The entire time, trying hard to just play it cool.  I brought them 3 cases and left with back stage passes, tickets to the show, an autographed CD and a date with Miss Mollie Cats.

Way cool.

Kath - tonight as I sing the lyrics to Beautiful Life, I will be thinking about you my friend.  Happy Running.  Happy marathon.  You inspire all of us to push the limit.  I am sorry that you won't be with us back stage BUT I am so proud to know you never mind have you as my expensive friend.  Travel safe, run safe and come home soon.  XO

Adios bugs!

 
I think only last night did I fully accept that fall was here.  I was curled up under a blanket with a glass of this delicious wine, the furnace was purring beneath the characters from Brothers and Sisters and I was forgiving myself for shouting:

"STOP HANGING FROM THE CHANDELIER OR YOU'LL CHOP YOUR HEAD OFF."  I was certain there was no long term damage, seeing as both H & G burst out laughing.  "Yeah right mom."

Warm and cozy, I surrendered.  Thinking about fall, I am reserved and reluctant to pack away Crocs.  But, I am however excited to wear boots and jeans and sweaters.  This morning we started our day with a homemade smoothie..spinach, whey protein powder, lemon flavored fish oil, frozen blueberries, probiotic powder (to boost our immune systems) and almond milk.  It was delicious and the kids thought so too.

On my mind a lot these days are ways to keep everyone healthy this winter.  A few tricks that I have been using to combat bugs around here are...

• Hot Garlic Toddys (Boil one cup of water with 2 heads of garlic, lemon & honey for 10 minutes) before bed
• Oil of Oregano
• Chewable Vitamin C Tablets
• The Wet Treatment which I first discovered from my nautropath and research more here.

What are you doing to combat colds and flus???

Today...I have a jammed packed day but thankfully left over GF macaroni is waiting to greet us when we return.  Kath and I are starting HOT YOGA this week.  Yahoo.  Happy Mondays Mommas. 

My Weekend in a Crock Pot

 
Cold toes and hot soup.  Hope it travels fast.  I am drag, drag, dragging my heals today.  Brent left this morning to see another NFL game and thankfully, he took his germs with him! I am also a bit slow because this weekend among other things, included a Friday night at Kath where she hosted a fantasbulous Martini/Pamper Chef Party. 

Patricia was the PC expert and there is nothing like a party with her at the helm.  There were so many martinis, so many mommas and so much fun.  The Coach has even purchased Gluten Free beer for moi.  Yum.  In between Chocolate Raspberry Martinis we indulged in wine.

One of the mommas there was Trac.  She arrived in true generous spirit, she brought Kath and I each a Martini Momma Apron.  Thanks Trac!  Here is a peak at the night.

 

 
  
  
I hope Kal gets back from vacationing soon as I get excited like a child to see what she's has hacked into and changed on our blog while we sleep.

Today...is homemade GF Mac and Cheese in my crock pot.  I need to pull out and dust off winter wear.  I have fresh sheets on our beds but am out of Tiber River's Lavender Linen Spray which I cannot live without.  I must add that to my Week's To Do List.

The boys are screaming at me.  Oh wait, Gage just pooped on the carpet.  Great - potty training is just great.  Happy Sunday, Family Day, Comfort Food - this is fall day.