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.