PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

I always have the worst luck with finding a good product that works for my skin.  I though back a couple years to when my skin was the best and realized I was using the Vichy Normaderm line.  I started using it about a month and a half ago and I'm officially able to run around foundation free!

For any of you suffering from breakouts, the Vichy Normaderm line is for you!  I discovered that it was lotions that were making me break out.  Vichy makes the Triple Action Anti-Acne Hydrating lotion.  This hands down is the best product I've ever used!  I put it on and then a few mins later after its had a chance to penetrate my skin, I massage it again and all of the dead skin that has been lurking on the surface comes right off.  I know it sounds kind of scary, but its the greatest thing ever!  My skin has never looked so vibrant and glowy!

The other product I can't live without is the 3-in-1 Unclogging Purifying Toner.  It just makes your skin feel so fresh and clean!  If I'm in a hurry and don't have a chance to wash my entire face, I just swipe this over it to get the grime of the day off, and off I go.

If you do any reading, this line says its for oily skin.  I was a little worried because my skin is more on the dryer side.  I haven't noticed any over-drying effects on my skin.  So if you've heard about this line or seen the commercials for it, I'm telling you, the hype is all its cracked up to be!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

Today would have been Hudson's 2nd Birthday.  I've been dreading writing a post today because I don't know if words can convey exactly how I feel.  How terrible is it that a parent dreads the day their child was born?  Its supposed to be a happy time.  A time of celebration.  I feel non of these things.  All I feel is complete and utter emptiness. 

Today is a day I should be watching my little boy smear cake across his face.  Watch him tear the pretty paper off of the gifts that I so thoughtfully purchased and wrapped for him.  Instead all I do is cry.  I cry tears of pure sadness and heartbreak because I never got to hear him laugh or cry.  I never got to experience the pure joy of seeing his first steps or hearing his first words.  I cry because I will never get to wave to him as he gets on the school bus for his first day of school.  I am sad because will never get to teach him how to drive, see him graduate, or watch him grow into the man that he is supposed to be.  I weep because I feel broken.

I've spoke about my little angel before, and I can tell you that even though I feel immense sadness, I am also starting to feel peace.  Something like a calm after the storm.  As much as I wish that I could see him smile today, I know he is smiling down on me.  He is smiling because he can feel the love I have for him, because he knows that I live my life to make him proud, and because he knows that one day we will meet again.

 "Ever whisper of the breeze, every butterfly wing that touches my cheek, every kiss of the sun on my face, reminds me that your not gone... your just waiting..."

Happy Birthday Honey!  Mommy Loves you!

OUI OUI I AM NOW FRENCH

So yesterday I figured I'd be all smart and make some fresh bread.  I searched high and low on the Internet for a bread recipe and I stumbled across a recipe for French Bread.  Now I'm in love with Garlic Toast, so I figured that this would be fantastic!  Hands down, this is the best recipe I've ever made, and the best part is... it's simple.


Dough after 15 min rise.  I added Italian Spices & Sea Salt, then kneaded until it was well blended.



Rolled out the dough so I could roll it into the baguette form



After Rising, with an egg wash freshly applied



Final product, with some mini sandwich sub buns.

I figured I'd share this recipe with you all, because I love getting new ones!  I mixed my dough up in my Kitchen Aid Mixer, you can also do it in your bread machine, or by hand.

1 Cup Warm Water
1 Tbsp. White Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Yeast (I used quick rise yeast, if you are mixing your dough in a bread machine use bread machine yeast)
2 1/2 Cups Bread Flour (I used all-purpose and it worked just fine)
1 tsp. Salt
1 Egg (optional)

Combine water, yeast and sugar, let proof.  Add flour gradually and knead 5-7 mins.  Remove dough hook from mixer.  Cover dough and let sit 15 mins.  Sprinkle Salt over top (and any other seasonings desired) and knead until salt is incorporated well.  Set aside and let double (approx 30 mins)

Punch down dough on a lightly floured surface.  Roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle.  Cut dough in half creating two 8x12 inch rectangles.  Roll up each half of dough tightly beginning along the 12 inch side, squishing out any air bubbles as you roll.  Roll gently back and forth to taper ends.  Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet.  Make diagonal slashes every 2" or 1 long slash lengthwise along the top of the loaf.  Cover and let rise 30-40 mins in a warm place until double.

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Mix egg with a tiny bit of water, beat and then brush on top of the loaf (for a crispier loaf, use egg white only)  Bake for 20-30 mins or until your loaf is the desired color.  If a thermometer is inserted into the loaf it is done when the temperature reaches 190 F-200 F.

*Tips*

• The salt is added after mixing so that it doesn't kill your yeast.  It will help your bread rise more.
• Kneading for the 7 mins is important.  Kneading is what develops the gluten and introduces air to your bread.  That means a lighter fluffier end product.  Under kneading will give you a heavy dense bread (kind of like a brick)
• Store in a paper bag to keep it crispy
• When baking.  Add an oven safe pan with water to the bottom of the oven.  This will also help your loaf become crispier (I splash 1/4 cup of water (every 10 mins) in the bottom of the oven.  The steam does wonders for the outside

Last but not least!  Enjoy!  Get creative!  Let me know how it works for you

REVENGE OF THE WAFFLES

I don't know if it is just me, but some days I have nothing of value to say.  I realize that a bunch of you are sitting there rolling your eyes because you know that I never actually shut up and am never at a loss for words.  But honestly, today is just one of those quiet days.  The worst part is... it makes it kind of hard to blog when you've got nothing.  So I guess I'll share the most exiting part of my day!

I somehow managed to screw up and make the most awful batch of waffles I've ever eaten! (no joke)  I have no idea why but they were so terrible, but they just were.  They weren't light and crispy and fluffy and beautiful like waffles are supposed to be.  They were kind of heavy and mushy with an odd texture... Needless to say, I'm rather disappointed.  I have spent an entire week (since I packed up my waffle maker) looking rather forward to waffles.

MY DAYS OF FREEDOM...

I know I've been absent for the last little bit.  I ran out of scheduled posts early on in my vacation, and then I didn't really have the time to do any future posts up.  Anyways.  I was busy busy busy as I always am, but I did manage to sneak in a few pictures:


My first stop was in Edmonton for a few days where I had the pleasure of hanging out with the ever fabulous Brooklyn!  My old Ambulance partners daughter.  What a chatty Cathy!  I enjoyed every moment with this one!

Next stop was Cranbrook, where I had some serious snuggle time with my furry sister Daisey!



My wonderful dad! 



My lovely mother!

My fabulous Grandmother!



Our mothers day bonfire!  Nothing beats a good hot dog at the campfire!!



The beautiful Lindsey who is expecting in a few more weeks!  Doesn't she look wonderful?!?  I can't wait to see your little munchkin!

Next stop was home... Regina, SK where a giant wind storm knocked over a huge tree in my backyard.  My neighbour proceeded to tell me if I cut a limb off with my chainsaw, while cutting the tree up, I was on my own because he didn't know first aid.  Then he proceeded to hide inside until I was done.



Did some re-arranging so that I could actually watch TV....  The only reason I actually hooked it up was so I could watch the Canucks game... by the way... don't forget to watch it tonight!  GO CANUCKS GO!!



Tree cleaned up, dandelions sprayed, grass cut= happy me!



Next stop was Chetwynd, BC to see my wonderful family.  This was the greeting party who just so happened to make herself right at home in my car.  Isn't she the cutest thing ever?!?!



Best brother in the whole world!  Probably worlds best BBQer as well! 

 

Pretty much a face everyone should love!  I have the cutest niece in the world!  I bet you're all jealous!  I don't blame you, I would be too!

OKAY AUNTIE!!! Enough pictures already!



LITTLE MISS INDEPENDENCE

Urban Dictionary defines and Independent woman as: A woman who pays her own bills, buys her own things, and DOES NOT allow a man to affect her stability or self-confidence. She supports her self on her own entirely and is proud to be able to do so.

I think being independent is a great thing!  I'm also very proud that I am able to take care of myself.  I've had numerous discussions with my single friends and we are all frustrated with one thing. The one thing that unanimously frustrates us is... MEN.  Men are always saying they want to be with an "Independent Woman" but when they actually get one, I don't think they know what to do with themselves.

The one instance that sticks out in my head is an old boyfriend I had, lets call him "George" for the sake of this discussion.  Now George and I got along just fine.  Things were going great even.  The only issue was that we didn't live in the same town.  When I had a few weeks off from my out of town job George drove the few hours down to my place to spend a week, which I thought was fabulous!  He came down knowing I had just started a new job at home. On day numero 2 when I got back from work, George was nowhere to be found.  I called once to see where he was, no answer.  I called a second time later in the evening because I was kind of confused as to what was going on, still nothing.  I have to admit, I'm not much of the stalkerish type (YAY FOR ME!) so I just gave up.  I figured if George wanted to talk to me, he knew my number.  Needless to say, I didn't hear from him for 2 months.  When I did, I asked him, "What did I do that was so wrong?"  His answer was, "You're just too Independent."  Well what the heck does that mean...? 

After years of thinking about this, I think I might have come up with an answer as to why.  I think "George" was intimidated.  I think it bothered him that my being in a relationship with him was an "option" in my life, not a "necessity".  The fact that I was completely self sufficient might have worried him because if he didn't live up to the standards I had for our relationship, I think he knew I wouldn't stay.  Needless to say, "George" is now married with a baby.  I wish him nothing the best of luck in the future! 

In all honesty, I don't want a man that is afraid of my independence.  I want someone that is going to embrace the fact that I can take care of myself and respect me for it.  So... if any of you know a man like that... send him my way! lol

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

First I would like to take a moment today to wish all the Mother's out there a very happy Mother's Day!!  I would like to send out a very special "Thanks" to my own mother.  Thank you for always being there for me.  Thank you for standing by me and supporting me through the thick and thin.  I feel so blessed to have such a strong woman like you in my life.  You are not just my mother, but a best friend, a confidant, a soul mate, and a role model.  I hope today is extra special for you!

Secondly, I would like to share a little poem I found with the mothers who are missing out on celebrating with their children.  I know today is a hard day for many many women, myself included.  So without further adieu...

A Mother’s Day Wish From Heaven

Dear Mr. Hallmark,

I am writing to you from heaven, and though it must appear
A rather strange idea, I see everything from here.
I just popped in to visit, your stores to find a card
A card of love for my mother, as this day for her is hard.

There must be some mistake I thought, every card you could imagine
Except I could not find a card, from a child who lives in heaven.
She is still a mother too, no matter where I reside
I had to leave, she understands, but oh the tears she’s cried.

I thought that if I wrote you, that you would come to know
that though I live in heaven now, I still love my mother so.
She talks with me, and dreams with me; we still share laughter too,
Memories our way of speaking now, would you see what you could do?

My mother carries me in her heart, her tears she hides from sight.
She writes poems to honor me, sometimes far into the night.
She plants flowers in my garden, there my living memory dwells
She writes to other grieving parents, trying to ease their pain as well.

So you see Mr. Hallmark, though I no longer live on earth
I must find a way, to remind her of her wondrous worth.
She needs to be honored, and remembered too
Just as the children of earth will do.

Thank you Mr. Hallmark, I know you’ll do your best
I have done all I can do; to you I’ll leave the rest.
Find a way to tell her, how much she means to me
Until I can do it for myself, when she joins me in eternity.

~ by Jody Seilheimer ~

GUILTY PLEASURES

Do you guys have any guilty pleasures?  Mine just happens to be The "REAL HOUSEWIVES" of any county.  Saturdays are my absolute favorite day of the week for reality TV.  Not to mention Millionaire Matchmaker.  I know everyone laughs at me for watching these shows, but what can I say....?  I'm just glad that the only drama in my life is on TV. 

FRIDAY FAVORITES

As you all know, it is just about BBQ season.  There is nothing I like more than getting together with friends, having some cocktails, and BBQing up some fabulous food.  Today's Friday Favorites is all about Cocktails.  I'm definitely past the point of drinking to excess, as I did when I was younger, but I do enjoy a good cocktail once in awhile.  These are my favorites:

#1-Mojito.  This drink is a new discovery to me.  The thought of having "mint" in anything other than my toothpaste kind of disgusted me.  On my "Single Ladies" vacation to Cuba this past November, I thought I would step outside my comfort zone and try it... Needless to say, I'm forever in search of a good Mojito now when I go out for dinner.  

#2-Chi Chi. This reminds me of sitting on a beach somewhere.  It's basically a Pina Colada with Vodka instead of Rum.  (Rum and I aren't exactly the best of friends, after an over indulgence of it at an early age)  But really... who doesn't love a good coco-nutty drink with a little umbrella?  It practically screams Summer!

#3-Mango Margarita.  I discovered these little beauties on a family vacation to Mexico.  The best part is, I hate Tequila, so technically I like this drink "Virgin".  I also found some great mix at Winners last summer.  I can't wait wait to whip out the blender and make some of these up!

#4-Long Island Iced Tea.  Now I like a good iced tea on a good day, but this one is just that little extra special.  This is always my fall back drink if I can't think of anything else that I want.

Anyone else out there have some favorites?  I always like discovering new great drinks!

Remember, drink responsibly, and for goodness sake, Do NOT, Drink and Drive!  I hope you all have a wonderful Weekend!  Happy BBQing!

ARE YOU HIGH MAINTENANCE?

What is high maintenance?  As you all know, I work in a dominiantly male industry.  I often hear these men complainging about how women are so "High Maintenance".  So what do they mean by it?  If high maintenance is looking after yourself, then YES, I am guilty of it.  I didn't realize wanting to look nice was considered such a bad thing.

The thing is, if you gave these men a choice between and ordinarily looking woman and a "made up" looking woman, which one do you think they'd pick?  I would bet a years salary that 8 out of the 10 men would pick the "higher maintenance" looking woman.  Truth is, men like looking at pretty things.  The like being seen with beautiful women.  So what is all the complaining about? 

Obviously, as all of you women out there know, we don't wake up looking like we just stepped out of a fashion magazine.  I think it is important to look after yourself.  My mother makes fun of me because I spend a ton of money on going to the spa, getting my hair done, buying new clothes, and just all around being "girly".  Is it a bad thing?  I don't think so.  I think its important to take care of yourself.  To make yourself the priority sometimes.

TAKE THE HIGH MAINTENANCE QUIZ...

My results are as following:

LETTING GO

How can we become better if we never change?  Sometimes we hold on so tightly to the way we think things should be, we don't always see or grasp the opportunities that could elevate us into greatness. 

To a certain extent we are all afraid of change.  Familiar things are comforting, they are safe, they are what we know.  How do we go from what we are to what we can be?  I think by letting go of our inhibitions and facing the things we fear the most, we can learn a great deal about life.  We can either be the ships, staying safe in the harbour, or we can adventure out into the vast unknown.  We might be afraid of the storms and the turmoil, but how are we ever going to know what our ship can withstand by never leaving the shore?  By opening our minds, we are freeing ourselves from our preconceived notions and prejudices.  Once we let go and embrace the changes and experiences in our lives, we enable ourselves to thrive and grow as individuals.  When I let go of what I am now, and when I have faith that the future holds greatness for me, the possibilities in life stretch way beyond the horizon.  It is then I become what I might be.