Turning 30

September 18th, I turned 30, for the first time. Yeesh! Surprisingly enough, I actually didn't really care? I thought I'd be that person who was all crazy and at oddsover it, but I wasn't. Instead I went for a Zoo Brunch with my little family and checked out the zoo. Then laughed when I recalled pervious years that entailed shopping for an outfit and going out to party, not up early for Zoo Brunch? Oh how a child changes your life.

For my birthday, my little family of three went to Canmore for the week, to relax, take walks and just enjoy the outdoors. It was the perfect way to ring in my new year. The weather was unseasonably warm and we visited a lot of the same places in which we visited for our wedding. The Lil' Cupcake, I think, enjoyed the time to run in the mountain air and explore the changing leaves and foliage that surrounded her. The only thing missing was wildlife. The entire time we only saw three mountain goats. Three. Usually we see a bit more, but alas we only saw three.

We also checked out Lake Minniwanka in Lake Louise. It was the first for us and it was beautiful. It is a really interesting lake for Alberta and so clearly turquoise blue. The Lil' Cupcake thought it would be fun to run into the water and got her feet wet, then decided the fresh mountain water was too cold. Poor girl. But she was fine picking up rocks and running around.

So here's to my next 30 years. Cheers

August 15

I think I should start calling this Project August, project Lil' Cupcake, but how can I not take photos of my cupcake. She is just so friggin' cute.

Enjoying her first tastes of sushi, well the rice anyways. She was really enjoying the rice and the vegetables.

August 14

Smelling the flowers!

August 13

A nice night in the backyard. We finally put our new screened tent to good use. We had a fabulous night of warm weather, few bugs, and margarita's.

August 12

Diner cute. I love how cute she looks in her sunglasses, however she hardly wears them so when she has them on for any amount of time, I have to pull out the camera.

August 11

I love Starbucks. I'm surprised it has taken me this long to post a photo of my Chai Latte. Every couple of days my co-workers and I take a field trip/coffee break to our nearest Starbucks at the Matrix Hotel.

August 10

Views on my lunch time run. I run and participate in a bootcamp during the week at lunch time, it seems to be the only time I have the time.

Building on the Legislature grounds, sitting all pretty in its stone glory.

August 9 - Dickie Dee

Summer conjures memories of the ringing bells and chasing down the ice cream man. Well, the Lil' cupcake is still too small the chase the ice cream man, but when she heard that song playing, she started to dance.

She wasn't too sure about the popsicle, she is not really a fan of things too sweet, but she thought it was fun to push the popsicle up and out of the package.

August 8

Back to work. We're having a serious case of the Monday's in our house. Defiant dog and garage door opener makes for one late mama to catch her LRT. Oh well, that is how some Monday's are.

The Lil' Cupcakes didn't have the greatest sleep, up coughing quiet a bit, poor girl, but she woke up pretty happy any ways. Please don't mind the messy hair, she has this thing now where she doesn't want to wear barretts anymore.

Lunch is pack and ready to go to school. AKA Daycare

August 7

The day of rest, Sunday, but not for me. So much to do. Drop off cupcakes, the cake form to eat, not the dear daughter. Clean the house, grocery shop, visit parents and friends and play with family.

Today was a busy day, like any day in our house, so here's a quick photo. A product shot from Toot Sweet Cupcakes.

(From Left to right): Traditional Chocolate cupake with Vanilla Buttercream, Snowball II - Chocolate cake with coconut topping, Chocolate tequila cupcake with strawberry lime margarita frosting, and Chocolate cupcake with whipped cream cheese icing.

Saturday, August 6

Day off, Woo hoo. Today I made some deliveries for Toot Sweet Cupcakes and hung out with the family. We didn't have much planned for the day, but we went and checked out the Habitat for Humanity Restore to see what was there. We found a potential front door.

After that, we thought we'd take the Lil' Cupcake to an indoor playground. Fail! Londondarry doesn't have one. Boo! So instead we just walked around and found the kids mall rides. So the Lil' Cupcake had her first spin. She didn't mind it at all, especially the bus.

On the marry-go around
In the drivers seat on the bus.

August 5

Thought I'd post a picture of the scene I see five days out of the week. The Legislature and all the debris, dust and construction. The City of Edmonton is currently revitalizing 108 St. to make a promenade area/ pedestrian friendly roadway and update the Legislature grounds. Apparently this will be completed in 2013.
For more information on the revitialization, check out the City of Edmonton.

August 4

This year I was so excited to plant a garden in our yard. I wanted two, one for flowers and one for vegetables. I am so proud, my gardens are doing so well.

Calla Lily blooming so beautifully.

August 3

This day/post has been a long time coming, three years in the making to be exact. Over three years ago, I met a wonderful group of women, we were all planning our weddings. Yeah Weddings.

Three years later, we are all starting families and best of friends as ever. For one of our friends, starting a family has been a challenge, they have had a few losses and finally 12 days ago, our newest WBbaby was born. A beautiful little girl who we were all waiting impatiently for.

Since the births of the first three babies, we have been diligent in taking photos of all the kidlets together. This photo has been a long time waiting and I know I speak for all my friends when I say, this couldn't be a sweeter photo and I know for years to come, it will only get sweeter.

The WB Babies: Ms. A (12 days), Cupcake (13 months), Mister H (14 months), Mr. C (1 year) and Muppet (5 months)

August 2

Just a snap shot of the day in my life. Waiting for the LRT to arrive to take me home from work. And on this particular day, we had the friendly LRT driver. Anyone who rides LRT knows him. He is the one that gets on the intercom and sounds very much like a WestJet Pilot. Weather and thanks you for riding ETS. Brings a smile to the end of your day. Taken with iPhone 4 and adapted with Instagram

Project August

So I thought I'd post a pic a day, maybe then I can become more diligent to this whole blogging thing.

August 1:

My little cupcake having her first popsicle. I blended blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, and bananas with greek yougurt and froze it. Ta-Da fruit popsicle.

The many hats

Funny thing this working mom status has on me - it is the realization that life is SUPER busy. Between, work, mom, wife, friend, blogger, cake baker, daughter, I am stretched to the max.

I know that I am not alone in this feeling. Billions of moms out there feel the same. So how does one make time for me. How do you go out and read a book, drink a coffee, pee alone. When do you get time to do those things?

I've started reading Mom Inc. and they are all about scheduling time. We all know I live by my daytimer. I love it, it keeps me organized. Since returning to work, work won't buy me a new dayplanner until September. I understand, kind of pointless to purchase a planner for 2 months, just to purchase another one. Makes sense to me. But right now, I am feeling chaotic. I can't plan my life to the minute. I am trying to use the iPhone, scheduler, outlook, everything - nothing is working. I need my paper dayplanner. I'll have to continue to use my at home one.

However, I am happy to note that I have found time to run. I am running at lunch again. It is nice to have that one hour designated to free time for me. I take it as that. I was spending a lot of money going out for lunch when I first returned and I found going for a run, limits spending on going out for food, which we all know is calorie laden, and getting in some much needed exercise. Win-win situation for this mama.

Well better get going, I am sure I am late for something.

Feeling this...Up All Night

Over the years I have acquired a variety of tastes in music. However, ever changing, one band has remained my love. Blink 182. They have remained a constant love. Instantly their music puts a smile on my face.

I remember the first song I heard from them. It was M+M in 1995, I was in grade 9. A friend of mine made me a mixed tape, remember those? Well on it was M+M, and I instantly fell in love, I needed to hear more from this band, I went out looked for their album, alas couldn't find it. However in 1997, they came out with Dude Ranch, I was in line to buy it.

When they "broke up" in 2005, I was sadden. I had never seen them in concert. I guess I would have to wait for the reunion tour. But in the meantime I always had +44 and Angels And Airwaves. It was only fitting when I married my husband and I would chose Angels and Airwaves, Breathe as our first dance. When my friends turned to me afterwards and said they weren't surprised. The day after our wedding we flew to Vegas to see Angels and Airwaves. What can I say, I love Tom and Blink. I grew up listening to these guys. They helped shape who I am, they taught me to laugh at life and always find the funny in all things. Thanks Blink 182, I never realized the impact you had on me. And just a note, my daughter, who is one, enjoys Blink 182 as well.

But then, in 2008, Travis Barker nearly survived a plane crash, prompting the band to connect again. For the first time in my life, in 2009, I watched the Grammy's, Blink 182 appeared on stage, I stopped - excited knowing something was going to happen, they announced their tour. I was so excited I immediately grabbed the laptop to find the dates they would be in Edmonton. Later 2009 I would finally see Blink 182. In all its glory. In all its hyped up, Generation Y sarcasm and eccentric antics. I loved every minute of it. It was and has been one of my favorite concerts. Later that year, I would again see Angels and Airwaves, this time pregnant with the cupcake, who thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

Not, two years later, Blink 182 has announced another album, and another tour. And guess who has tickets...that's right ME!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so frickin excited. I can't wait. I can't wait to see what antics the boys get up to, I can't wait to see Travis's spinning drum solo, I can't wait for the energy. I can't wait to see Captain Fucking Awesome Pants (Tom).

Until then I leave you with the new release...UP ALL NIGHT

Maya's story

Today is a good day, the sun is shining, the cupcake is teething, the Royal Newly weds are some where in the province and some where out in the world, someone is looking for strength to go on.

I try my hardest to always look at the positive, to relish in each moment, good or bad. I try to remain positive for friends when they are going through hard time. I started my at home business, Toot Sweet Cupcakes, so that I could be there to share in people occasions of celebration.

When the little cupcake was 3 months old, I joined a network of moms that has really helped me to be the best mom I can, momstown. During that time, I was looking for a way out of my postpartum depression. I admit, I was afflicted with PPD. While it is difficult for me to say that, I was. This group of moms are diverse in their skills, backgrounds and personalities, but we all have a common goal, be the best mom.

We've all endured different heartaches, troubles and saddness, but one story, Maya's story, helped to shape one of my friends so deeply, that I had to share her story. Krisitin, thank you for sharing Maya's story, and leading by example.

Back to work

One week down, the rest of my life left. Bahhhh.

I'm officially back to work, as in back to office 8 - 4:30 work. Cupcake is in daycare and, maybe loving it? Who knows. She's 1. She cries when we drop her off, when we go to get her, she is playing/ destroying place. Our little Destructori.

While I enjoy being back to work, I am exhausted. I did not think I would be this tired. No one told me I'd be utterly exhausted. I'm so tired it actually hurts to keep my eyes open. I find it very difficult to focus today.

Over the weekend I realized that since getting pregnant and having Victoria, I haven't relaxed. Every day has been jam packed. No wonder Cupcake came early. I would really enjoy a day to sit in the sun, beach or no beach, with a drink and just relax and at this point, SLEEP.

Oh how I would love to sleep today.

But alas, once work is done, I go home and work some more, taking care of the baby, cooking dinner, cleaning up the house, laundry, then bed.

Wedding of the century

Are you going to be watching the Royal Wedding on April 29th, at 3 am? I am thinking of PVR'ing the extravagent event. I also think I'll dress up my daughter for the viewing. hahaha. Now that would be awesome, maybe make some cupcakes, ahaha. I know that someone out there, a few someone's out there will be dressing up and watching it, and making a whole event out of it. It is THE WEDDING OF THE CENTURY. All I have to say, Good luck and best wishes, Prince William and Soon-to-be Princess Katherine.

Epicurious

I wanted to share a product line that encompasses my pantry and spice cupboard. Epicure! My good friend started selling Epicure in January and I can tell you, I have most of the products. I use the products EVERYDAY. The dips are not only used for dips, I use them as seasonings, the seasoning, I use on meat, popcorn, and veg. So yummy.

My favorites so far, Herb and Garlic Dip mix, Three Onion dip mix and Cajun spice. Yum. I am so excited, I purchased Pizza seasoning a couple of weeks ago and made pizza with it. So yummy. I put it into the bread and the sauce, I am so excited to get my bolognese sauce to make my at home Boston Pizza, pizza bread and meat sauce. Yum.

I highly recommend Epicure, it is affordable and top notch quality. It is also a Canadian female run company - Girl Power. Go ahead give it a try. I dare you. And while your at it, give Steph a call and book a party.

Lent

Happy Ash Wednesday - Lent, it's that time of year again. We have shoved our faces full of pancakes and now we have to give up something for 40 days. But what? What to give up this year?

I thought about Starbucks, but then I thought that is just crazy talk. I do NOT have enough will power to give up my Chai Latte's. So instead, I will give up, fast food - the greasey induced, get through a drive thru, fast food and Starbuck's Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cafe and Banana Loaf. The three convenience items I order...A LOT!. Too much.

So there you have it. What are you giving up?

The truth of it all

For the past 8 months, I have been talking with other new moms and realized that we all have the same feelings, mixed feelings about returning to work. The pros and cons of returning re perfectly balanced - but in the end the dolla dolla bills win out. Seriously, how can you eat and live with out dolla dolla bills? So many moms return to work. Booo!

But this evening while perusing Mon Petit Amour, she posted a link to this blog article which rings so true to me. The post states the thoughts of a working mom and the thoughts of a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). I really agree with this post and had to share with my husband and now you. I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did. I think I am bookmarking it, so on the bad days at work and at home, I can remember how it all feels.

Longing to redecorate

Bahhhh, thanks to my fabulous friend T, I am longing to redecorate and build. Redecorate my builder beige home and build our basement. Fabulous friend T has been decorating her new fabulous house they bought in Regina. I wish she was closer as her little mister and cupcake are 11 days apart in age. How I miss the mister and fabulous friend.

I really should stop watching decorating shows, they make me have the itch. I really want to redo our basement with a man-cave friendly feel, but not too man-cavish.

My husband loves sports and since we've been together, 5 years, he has acquired a variety of sports photos and since we attended the 2010 Vancouver Olympics last year, I would like to display those photos and momentos.

Well yesterday on Devine Design, Candice Olson decorated a basement for a Steelers Quarterback and a Team Canada Women's Hockey Player. I love the room, the momentos and how they are displayed, yet their is function and comfort.

I guess for now, I will just continue to dream about a basement, but for now I will look at pretty inspirations, and encourage you to go on over and check out fabulous friends blog, its not a blog about redecorating, but she is creating three adorable learning books for her son, niece and nephew. She's doing an amazing job.

Carters and Osh Kosh in Edmonton

Happy dance for Mom's in Edmonton, the children's clothing store, Carter's and Osh Kosh are OPEN.

Great deals are had by all with $6 onesies, $8 pajama's and $12 outfits. Who could ask for more, oh right, you, a coupon. Sign up at carters.com or oshkosh.com for a $10 off a $50 purchase coupon. Woot woot. Not to mention, once you sign up you will also recieve information about upcoming sales, and coupons for further discounts.

I only wish my little cupcake didn't already own everything in the store from a previous US shopping trip to Carter's and Osh Kosh. Well I guess just one more way to save money this year, but means I get to wait for summer stuff to reach the shelves.

Happy shopping Edmonton Moms.

iPhone

I live by lists, clenders, agendas, etc. I am known for always carrying an agenda. The husband says it because I am super highly crazy organized - I have two agendas, one on my phone and one that sits on my counter. I always know where I am, and where I am going.

When I recieved my iPhone I was so excited. Another way to stay connected and organized. The first app I downloaded, Total Baby, one way to stay on top of little V's diapers, feeding, bath, sleeping and so much more. It is awesome. I love it.

Since then I have downloaded many more apps, mostly cooking apps, but lately spending/budgeting apps. Awesome, one more way to keep ahead of our finances.

What apps have you downloaded?

Thank you Canada

One year ago this week, Canada celebrated the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. An experience that will go down in Canadian history as one of the most remarkable sporting events to unite a nation, in heart, speech and mind.

Walking down any street in Vancouver during the Olympics, comradier, pride and red and white maple leafs bleeding out our red mittens. Hearing the national anthem ring out in the streets, on the train, and in pubs. - We have arrived Canada.

The emotion. To explain the spirit of those games, there are no words. One year later, remembering how Canada celebrated, cheered and cried together, touches the heart. Those 16 days, Canada witnessed every emotion, we all sat at the edge of our seats, cheering loudly and proudly for our 206 athletes. Those games changed our country, we were given the opportunity to show our true North Strong and Free pride.

Thank you CANADA, thank you athletes.

Why I Love Starbucks

Let's try this again, last night I had the whole post written and one slight touch of the keyboard and all was lost. So here we go again.

I love Starbucks, ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you that I will choose Starbuck over Second Cup, Good Earth and Tim Horton's. I don't drink coffee, I drink a Grande two-pump sugar free vanilla, non-fat, extra hot, Chai Latte. Yum.

While I was pregnant the unthinkable happened, for the first trimester I couldn't drink a Chai Latte. Gasp, I often thought, what is wrong with this child, but it changed. By the second trimester. I was back at Starbucks, with a baby who kicked and jumped every time I walked into a Starbucks. Now that she is out of the womb, her face lights up when we walk into a Starbucks, haha.

So why do I love Starbucks? Well let me count the ways:

1) Their Chai tastes the best.

2) Shaken Green Tea Lemonade.

3) Consistancy. No matter what Starbuck I go to, my drink ALWAYS tastes the same.

4) No matter where I am in the world, I can find a Starbucks. Whether I am in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Kauai, Rome or Corfu, I can find a Starbucks.

5) Samples. I love how they have samples of their products, but not only product samples. They will also provide you a sample of a drink that they have if you've never had it before. Especially at Christmas.

6) Variety. I love that I can go to Starbucks and have something different, alas, I still get the good ol' standby, but if I wanted I could get something different.

7) Customer Service. The Baristas at Starbucks are always so helpful and happy. They have fantastic memories of the frequent customers. I can't count how many times, I had my drink made before I even paid for it. They knew me and knew my drink.

8) Free stuff, because my co-workers and I were such regulars, they would often provide us a free drink for someone back at the office. Love them. So thoughtful.

9) Never a mistake. And if there is, they fix it for free, no questions asked. You can even drive away and call them and they will provide you a two, if you order two, free drinks at a later time. AWESOME customer service. And last, but not least,

10) Banana Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake and Marshmellow Rice Crispie Squares. Yum

So those are only 10, I am sure I could think of more. But let's leave it at 10.

January is post-partum depression awareness month

Post-partum depression is a common occurance in 10 to 20 per cent of new moms. In recent years, post-partum depression as eased itself out of the shadows, some women are still embarrassed to admit they are dancing with the post-partum devil.

Edmonton declared January post-partum depression month in hopes of shedding light on the truth. For those who may be experiencing it, I urge you to read "It Sucked and then I Cried," by Heather Armstrong. It is a humourous look at a serious issue. It is a great read from a great writer. She is also the author of a great blog, www.dooce.com.

Steal of a deal #1

I heart Bath and Body Works hand soap pumps. Well do I have a deal for you. For a limited time only - Bath and Body Works has all hand soap pumps on for $3. $3 - that is a crazy deal.

So go now, because they have a shopping basket full of deals. Happy Shopping.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy 2011.

This past Christmas our little family was fortunate enough to spend it in Kauai. It was beautiful, if you ever have an opportunity to go the Hawaii I would highly recommend Kauai. The weather, while it could have been a little less rain-y, it was beautiful, warm and humid. Our little girl's hair was curly, curly, curly. So cute.

This year I have taken on a new challenge. To try and spend less. Use coupons and GC as much as possible. It is my way of living best while spending less.

***Edited for spelling errors. sorry, I was really excited.