Martini Momma

Tweet!

Social media posts are all the buzz in the blogosphere (that and Gluten Free).  I would go so far as to say that as parents, being hip to social media is inevitable.  Kath - our resident coach - has been tweeting for a while.  Facebook, Twitter, Typepad - they are all connected.  To go one step further, sooner than later employers are going to be asking social media skill sets in interviews.  Come on, we all know, change is good.  Change in fact often pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me that much better.

So about 2 weeks ago, I opened a Twitter account.  I will admit that I was reluctant to join this world; however now that I am knee deep, I am really enjoying it.  Tweeting I feel is a great way for anyone to express short quick thoughts.  I find sometimes it is an avenue to share gratitude, inspiration or new finds.  I like the fact that I can quickly check in on my peeps and see who's up to what.

Even better is that I can get daily tips and tricks in about 30 seconds from 'experts' out in cyber space.   I do have one thing though that I can't seem to grasp (would love a little insight if you are in the know)... I am always at a loss when someone new starts following me on Twitter.  Most of the time, I have no idea who they are or how they found me.  In fact, it is a mystery to me.  That being said, I should confess that I don't have very many followers, but in the few that I do, there are people I have never connected with before.  How does that happen?

Do you Tweet?  If so, got any hot tips on people that I should keep my eyes on?

Just stuff floating around in my head.

Kath made me a birthday gift which was essentially a list to remind myself of all that I need to do to be happy.  So cool.  Made me weepy.  Is something wrong with me. 

So much for an outdoor party in this rain, on the upside I won't need to water my flowers tonight.

Has this blog seen its day?  My hubby who barely reads it told me NO.  Which surprised me.  But I can't help but wonder if there is in fact a life span of a blog?

Aura got her teeth cleaned yesterday and they pulled out 6.  The bill was $500.  Ouch, but in the scheme of life, who really cares.  She's worth it.

Thank God, Nick - the amazing carpet cleaner - is coming today.  These rugs are full of chocolate milk, dirty paws and plain old fashioned dirt.  Which makes me think about the new play structures that have those little rocks at the base.  Man - do they collect dust.  I hope the rain washes them clean today too.

I bought black eye liner - must call Nik for a quick lesson.

Today is my day with Gramps.  I am coming to his place with new pjay pants that my baby sis bought and my mil hemmed.  I have picked up a prescription - must stop at Timmies.  Word has it that he is laying in bed a lot.  I am going to take him for a boot in his wheelchair.

Gage has been swearing at his trucks a lot lately.  "This semi truck is in my fucking way."  Must work on that.

Ahhhh, Friday.  It feels so good, like a warm, worn out hoodie.  I need to fill my new travel tea mug (that my friend June gave me) and hit the road.  Thank God for travel tea.  Ok, I think I rattled out a bit of dust, now I am free to tackle a HUGE list of birthday chores.  Effin loot bags drive me nuts.  Did I really write that on the blog?

Shout Outs

 
Ok, we all know fabulous people and businesses that make us smile, happy or just make our lives better.  So in today's post, I am giving shout outs to fabulous people/businesses who are really making a difference.

1.  I have ordered my boys' birthday cakes for the past few years from a St. James single mom who is trying to put herself through nursing school.  She is amazing and her talent is crazy.  Here's her flickr site with photos of some of what she has done.  In my opinion, she doesn't charge enough - her cakes are super reasonable.  Check her out.  You can also reach Karen by email at [email protected].

2.  Our good blog friend, Mara and her mom, are working hard to raise money in efforts to help someone they love battle breast cancer.  How?  Mara's momma is crocheting the most adorable hats.  They are $10 each and are available in girls with a flower or in boys in a camo print.  If you'd like to join us mommas and help these fabulous women to raise funds for their friend Filo.  Let us or Mara know.

3.  My last shout out is for a new bakery that has opened on Roblin Blvd. in Charleswood.  It's a sister (brother) store to Oma's bakery from Henderson Hwy.  ONLY this one is 100% GLUTEN FREE!  Imperial cookies, cakes, brownies etc!  GLUTEN FREE.  So many people now adays know someone who is dealing with gluten intolerances of one kind of another, send them to Opa's.

Tuesday.  Horray. 

Little Bee

Last night I finished our upcoming novel for this month's book club, Little Bee.  It a very good book, certainly one worth reading and for me personally I loved the author's unique way with words.  I thought it was very well.  Truthfully, I almost appreciate a novel more so for its written merit even than the tale it tells.

After Googling the author and the history of the book, I was surprised to find out  that it is currently being made into a movie directed by and starring Nicole Kidman.  I will definitely have to add Little Bee to my 'Movies to Watch Alone' list.  Do you have one of those? 

For me, this list is piling up with films that I would rather watch when I have the house to myself, in my jammies with a HUGE bowl of homemade popcorn and a glass of wine.  The movies on this list are ones which I would prefer NOT to bribe Brent into watching with me.  Too often, I have found that even if I were successful in coercing him into watching a film from this list, it is a nightmare.  

Before the movie even starts, he has already made his mind up that it... sucks, BUT does not say that out loud.  Instead, he makes annoying noises, chews loudly, asks, "Is this REALLY what the movie is about?" and basically 'interrupts' my concentration. 

Case in point, Bridget Jones.  Love Affair.  Fried Green Tomatoes.  Pretty Woman.  Life is Beautiful.  The Wizard of Oz.  I'm kidding about The Wiz but seriously, some movies are meant to be watched where one can appropriately ball ones eyes out in private.

I am sure my movie buff momma will watch Little Bee much before I do and give me a full review.

Sugar High?

Today is DAY 4 of my 14 day Hypoallergenic Detox and all I can think about is sugar.  Thoughts of sugar alternating with thoughts of "how sad is is that I can only think of sugar".....I have not cheated, NOT one little bit...no even a bite. Yesterday, I thought I might die from the headache I had and was mortified that it likely came from sugar (the shitty refined white type).  

I have castor oiled my liver and am now addicted to sitting in the sauna at the gym while reading Little Bee (this month's book club book which I LOVE:)) I am cooking lots from scratch and getting creative and I will admit that it is not easy but something that my body was begging me to do.  It was not happy with accepting the downward spiral of garbage that comes with busy.  Tonight, we are having taco salads with Beefalo, homemade guacamole, homemade salsa, and spiced up naturually with jalepenos (the only thing missing is the cheese and sour cream - oh ya, and the TACOS but I will get over it too)!

I am drinking tonnes of green tea and just used up my mystical strawberry green from sister's leap that might be my favorite ever!  I am making a pitcher of honey sweetened iced tea for some shoppping tommorrow (all recycled - so cool) and some yummy, cleanse friendly appy's.

Harris has his two boy buds over from school and I am typing/supervising/eavesdropping.  Their lingo kills me - " I am like totally serious guys"....how many valley type words can a five year old cram into one sentence?  We are off to shoot hoops:) Have a great Thursday!

Bringing Balance Home

Last night kicked off this session with a group of 11 amazing women.  As much as I am leading it, I needed it...you women will inspire me too to grow, push, and get better all around...so great to meet you and I can not wait to see how it unfolds. 

Today, I am starting a spring hypoallergenic cleanse at the recommendation of my nautropath and our meeting Friday.  It is two weeks.  I am ready ( I think).  I am excited (I am rather grossed out by the amount of food I squeezed in at The Lobby and Brunch at the Fort Garry).  I am stocked up.  Here is the nitty gritty:

1.  The diet - no allergens, therefore no gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no caffience, no alcohol, no crappy cuts of meat, shellfish, peanuts....SO yes, you can still eat fruit, veggies, many select grains (brown rice, millet, flax), nuts, organic meats, lentils etc.  It will just require some extra planning and cooking.  I like that so I am looking forward to re-connecting with that.

2.  Dry brushing to stimulate the removal of toxins from the lymphatic system

3.  Cod Liver Oil heat pack/liver soothe - NO I do not have to drink it, just rub in into my liver and soothe

4.  Sauna - 10x in 2 weeks for 30 minutes

5.  Supplements - a few simple supplements to cleanse

It seems not too bad and should have me feeling like I million bucks - check back I will report...

Oh ya, she recommends also detoxing the soul and stuff SO I happened to already have a big swap and shop party with girlfriends planned for Friday so that TOTALLY works (more details on that - would so reccommend it - planning to post photos and tips next week) and for the soul I am going to read this book seems fitting. 

How are you going to kick off this week and Spring?

Hip, Hip, Hooray for...

Friday.  Tonight not only marks the end of a week but it is our 1st book club on a FRIDAY.  I am pumped.  Hopefully Mollie will have read the Cole's Notes version of The Slap.  I only kid when I write that but this book club is taking literature to a whole new level.  Mollie is our gourmet cook so which means we need her.  She is also the hostess tonight which means the food will be divine.  I am drooling juts thinking about the amazing food that she will tempt us with, all the while she sits there looking AMAZING! in her new fit self.

Speaking of books, I am plowing through my first Deepak Chopra book, The Seven Spiritual laws of Success.  It is tough.  Truthfully I find he speaks in a language that for the most part is non-sensical to me.  That being said, in the quest for fulfilling my dreams, I press on.

Perhaps some of what Chopra writes about is penetrating for this week has been tremendous for me as a writer.  I have completed 12 really good (in my estimation) chapters for my book.  I believe I have said this in a previous post, but the book is starting to morph into a work of fiction and that is something that at one point I was unclear about.  I didn't know I could travel down this path with this particular story.  My story.  I even wrote a 'sexy' scene within a chapter which in a billion years I had no intention of doing.  I hope my mom skips over that part.

In all of what I am reading these days as it pertains to living out your best life, you need to will yourself your success.  You need to ask for it, believe in it and work hard to get it.  So, although no literary agents are knocking my door down yet, I am chugging through the universe on my journey to becoming published!

OK, back to my physical realm, I am jumping on the treadmill.  This morning I am doing 30 minutes of manual intervals.  A one minute slow walk, followed by a one minute fast walk.  A slow jog, followed by a sprint.  I need to be in top shape for my day.  I have a haircut at lunch with Melinda over at Hair FX - super cool chick and I am on my way to getting Dixie Chicks/Eagles tickets which go on sale officially Monday.

Have a great weekend mommas.

The Twelve Commandments

I am just finishing up The Happiness Project (a must and easy read for everyone) and have decided to share my own commandments. 

Gretchen Rubin (the author) uses her own set of commandments to help with her struggle to keep resolutions and live her best, happiest life. 

Every commandment is personal and must resonate with you.  One might live by saying no, while someone else might live by saying yes.

Here are Mine for 2010:

Slow Down.

Play More. Be Silly.

Be Kathryn.

Fear Less.

Soak up the Outdoors Even if There is No Sun.

Ditch the Obigations.

Let Go.

Be Silly.

Be Anything but 5.

Spread Love.

Enjoy the Ride.

Leave a Legacy.

What are your own commandments?  How can you use them to steer through your life, the up's, down's and coasting?

Ps.  Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister and dearest friend......xoxo

Happy Hump

On my nightstand is The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.  It is a true diary of a woman (Gretchen Rubin) who has an epiphany on a bus one day that time is passing and she is not spending enough time on the things that really matter.  She undergoes a year long adventure to find what really makes her and others truly happy!

The month of Janauary is focused on BOOST ENERGY (Go to sleep earlier, excercise Better, toss, restore, organize, tackle a nagging task and act more energetic)

I am trying these things along with her.  I am more tired than ever going to bed these days but am wide awake by 5am (I am an early bird but that seems a bit weird).  I am excersing better too and tonight have this awesome woman coming to my house to kick my ass!  Spring cleaning is in full swing inside (my body) and out (our home) as the weather warms up and summer starts to tease us. 

I have plans to start a Spring cleanse with my naturpath soon and there is a super cool Spring Cleaning for our readers and beyond going to be announced anyday.

Want to play along?  Read the book too- highly recommended........What makes you happy?

Tea makes me happy too AND boosts energy  - watch for more on that!!!

It's 'bout time for a butt kicking.

Yesterday I kicked life right in the ass.  I made a huge pot of chili which was totally yummy, I halved it and took some to my little friend June for dinner.  She is expecting a babe SOON.  I walked A.  I had our carpets cleaned, so we are officially POOP-free.  Book club was fantastic.  And best of all, I got to meet Nik's new babe Miss Eloise.  She has the BEST name to match her radiating sweetness.

Team Parnell is gearing up for a winter holiday.  I am so ready to jet but before we do, I need to get my little G healthy.  He is battling a bad cold these days so sleep is at a minimum.  Nightly I stuff fresh cloves of garlic into his socks and wake him to a teaspoon of honey (natural cough medicine).  Somewhere around 2 am he usually discovers the stinky cloves and rips them out of his socks, but by then I have already gotten in a few hours of nature's antibiotic.

As per usual, last night at book club (didn't even touch the book), we chatted about many real world issues, in particular Haiti.  Miss Mol Cats is going to blog solely on that topic, today I believe, so stay tuned.  And yes, she looks fabulous with all her missing pounds!

On my radar today is a new bookthat Wendy introduced me to, I want to dive head first into Ina Garten's recipes.  Last weekend Wendy made the Fresh Basil, Potato Fritatta which was heaven on a fork.  Admittedly, I didn't get up in time to work out, so somewhere between work and life, I am going to try and squeeze in Jillian Michaels.  She is hard as hell, but I'm getting the hang of it.  Turns out I am on the Torch circuit as I have now booked two school assemblies which I will speak at briefly and bring in my torch.  Cool.  Time for tea and a route ride with one of my colleagues...