summer's here

It's officially summer today and I am so happy to be embarking on a new season with new routines, or lack thereof.
School is almost finished (alleluia) and most of my school responsibilities are as well.

I just co hosted a big fund raiser for the school last night, and although it was fun, it was a lot of work and I'm so glad I can check it off my to do list.
Still have to get teacher's gift on behalf of the class and also host a teacher appreciation lunch on the day after the last day of school.
But after that, I'm so done.
How did volunteering at the school become a part time job?
Not that I'm complaining (I'm so complaining) because it is good to be connected to the school and to help out, but hopefully next year I can reign it in a bit more and do a little less.
And just say no.

Easier said than done.

Speaking of school, we had to make our final decision on weather we would keep Lulu in her current school for next year, or to make the move to private school.
There was one spot left for her at the school we were considering and after touring the school with her, interviewing, having endless conversations and sleepless nights, we have decided to keep her where she is for now.
She is well adjusted and is confident and comfortable there, so why rock that educational boat?
I guess we just want the best for her.
What parent doesn't?
But I'm just so glad we can put it to rest.
At least for another year.
Who knew making school decisions would be so difficult?

So one more week and it's time to just enjoy...because after reading this I realized I only have 10 more summers left....sniff sniff

a thread of creativity

I used to think I was a fairly creative person.
But somewhere along the path of parenthood I feel like I've lost that part of myself.
And I miss it.
For me feeling creative is a huge part of being happy.

There are so many ways to feel inspired and creative, but it all seems to be contingent on time.
Or lack-there-of.
I do however try to find little ways to inject a bit of creativity into day to day life, but as much as I try to make things like cooking and home making "creative," most of the time it just boils down to getting things on the table that are fast, healthy and that everyone will eat without complaint.
So much for making it look photo blog worthy.
Those days seem so far away...sigh..

When I think of all the fun & creative programs that Lulu is involved in,  I can't help but feel a little envious.
I'm thrilled that she gets the opportunity to be a part of so many amazing activities throughout the city, but heck I would love to do some of the same things.
I think it would be awesome if I had the chance to take an art or pottery class or have the time to study a musical instrument or  even take a dance class.
I'd love to learn a new language, take a foreign cooking class (I'm dying to learn how to cook authentic Japanese or Indian food) or maybe even take a creative writing course.
And how great would it be if I knew how to actually sew?
Not to mention if I had the chance to learn more about technology.
I feel like a dinosaur when it comes to computer navigation.
And even though computers (in my humble opinion) can suck a persons creative spirit, they also come in handy when trying to find inspiration.
I just wish I wasn't so intimidated by them.

My creative wish list is long, but it's so difficult to find the time when you have small kids.
Maybe it's a bit of an excuse, but it's true.
There just aren't enough hours in the day.
Or are there?

So I'm thinking that I would like to change things up a bit.
It's time to make the time.
Even if it's just a hour here or there.
Just like exercise, which for me is essential, I need to flex a little creative muscle so that this part of me never dies.
Because like I said, for me feeling creative equals happiness.

So first things first.....

• Spend some time alone. You don't have to be anti-social, but many people find their creativity really starts to open up when they are removed from others and able to have quiet focus for their creative work. Use a little bit of alone-time to brainstorm about your art. Spend the time right before you go to sleep — and right after you wake up — to journal some of your ideas. Many artists find that they are at their creative peaks right after they wake up in the morning.

Could be a challenge this weekend, but I'm going to try.

Wish me luck.

How about you? What do you do to feel creative?

Would love to know.

happy Victoria day

• The important thing is not what they think of me, but what I think of them.

• Please understand that there is no one depressed in this house; we are not interested in the possibilities of defeat; they do not exist.

• I don't dislike babies, though I think very young ones rather disgusting.

• I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.

• Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves.

Queen Victoria 1819-1901

C-food

The last few months I've been trying to be even more diligent about healthy eating.
Trying to cut out processed foods, pretty much anything white- rice, bread, pasta etc.
maybe not wine...but trying to cut back there as well.
(Well as much as humanly possible for a girl of Irish decent...;)
I do my best to eat mostly whole grains, lots of protein and plenty of fresh fruit and veg.
This has pretty much been my food mantra for years, but I'm really doing my best to keep it clean in terms of eating (and drinking) this spring.
One of the foods I'm trying to eat more of is fish.
I enjoy it, as does Big Daddy- unfortunately Lulu, not so much.
I've tried for years, but no dice.
However I made these Mahi Mahi fish tacos the others day and she "kind of" liked them.

Anyhow they are de-lish, healthy and super easy to make.
I like to use gluten free corn tortillas, but you could use whole wheat as well.
To save time I also buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix.
I grilled the fish on the bbq because A. it's so nice out these days and B. I don't love the smell of cooked fish in the house.
but it's easy to just broil it as well.
Tilapia or any firm fish also works in this recipe
Also if you can find green Tabasco it makes all the difference.
Yum...

"shouldn't a t-shirt cost more than a latte?"

I love this time of year.
Near perfect temperatures, the air is fresh with the fragrance of spring blossoms with minimal humidity, the birds have returned from where ever they hide during the winter months (such smart creatures).
The days are getting longer and all the extra sunlight is just plain uplifting.
There is an energy all around that is palpable.
Everyone just seems happier, more energetic and positive.
No more heavy winter coats and clunky boots...ahhhh....

What I don't love is the whole clothing transition thing.
We have small closets here at casa petitegourmand so I have to do the "big switch" from winter to summer each season which I dread.
And I do love my accoutrement.

So needless to say, I have A lot of stuff to go through each time around.
It's a bit of a weakness for me actually.
Especially when it comes to clothes for Lulu.
I mean I only have one girl, and all the goods are just so cute (and cheap) these days.
And to be fair she is continually growing and her size keeps changing each season.
Plus it's so hard to resist each time I am either at the grocery store (curse you Joe Fresh) or when I just happen to find myself in the girls section of Zara or H&M.
Don't even get me started on all the cute shoes....

Then there's me.
I can't seem to stop myself.
If I find something I like, I'll often get it in 2 or 3 different colours.
Why not? right?
Besides, it usually costs next to nothing and it saves me from having to go shopping again.
Because as much as I love fashion, I don't love shopping.
But it the end I always wear the same few favourite things and the rest just gets shoved to the bottom of the pile in my closet.

So my latest goal is to try to keep things simple.
Especially when it comes to clothing.
To only get a few key pieces each season.
To not be tempted by sales or promotions. (if I get one more email from The Gap or Banana Republic I'm going to scream)
I just want to give my closet a bit more breathing room.
Not to mention making the decision of what to wear each day an uncomplicated one.

I read this this morning and it just reiterated the need to be less of a mass consumer and know when to say when.
Yes...even at Club Monaco....
There are only seven days in a week after all.
And to be honest half the week I'm in my workout gear anyhow, so how many cute tops from Anthropologie do I really need?

How about you, is your closet over flowing with garments made from countries that maybe we should be caring a little more about?

Happy Birthday Sweet Lulu

Really??
Has another year already come and gone?
Lulu is eight years old today....
Wow. So hard to believe.

The weather is much like the day she came into this world.
Rainy, a tad chilly, a full moon and with the hint of spring blossoms in the air.

That night seems so far away, yet still so unforgettable.
April 24th 2005. The day that changed our lives forever.
In ways I could never have imagined.

Every year I learn something new from Lulu.
She is bright, insightful, sensitive, super smart, introspective, intuitive, kind hearted, energetic, logical and absolutely the love of my life.
I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments this year.
Her piano playing is getting better all the time, once again she received straight A's on her report card, she has a very full and fun social circle, she finally lost her first tooth, can ride a bike, is a pretty good skater not to mention dancer.
She is amazing on stage and has more courage than I'll ever have.
I love her great sense of self and confidence, yet she is still humble and grateful.
I am so proud of her artistic and creative nature.
Her creations are endless and so imaginative.

I couldn't have pictured myself with a sweeter more amazing daughter.
We are very lucky indeed.

So that's all the gushing for now.
Just so proud of my little lady.
Happy 8th Birthday Lulu.
I love you....
Mommy xo

homeland

I just spent the last couple of months catching up on the HBO series Homeland.
We were on a mission to get current, so big daddy & I hunkered down each night glued to the set watching Nick Brody in action.
I still can't get over the fact that he is British and not American!
Crazy.
His accent is impeccable.
Also that he is the exact same age as I am...that really freaked me out.
He seems so much more....well...older than me.

Anyhow the show has won 6 Emmy Awards and they are well deserved.
Claire Danes is spectacular as well as Mandy Patinkin.
Love him.
In fact the entire cast is great.
It's an edge-of-your-seat (or in my case, sofa) kind of series.
It is also apparently Obama's favourite show.
And if the president of the United states takes the time to watch a T.V. show it's got to be good. Right?

Anyhow I can't wait until September- Season 3 to begin.
Then again, might hold off and do a viewing marathon like we tend to do with most HBO series.
I hate having to wait each week to see what happens.
I'm not good when it comes to patience and having to wait.

Thinking about starting House of Cards with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright next.
Or Downton Abbey.
Then again, Mad Men and Mr. Selfridge looks pretty promising too.

So much for my New Year's resolution to cut down of my television viewing....

oh and I snapped that image while on the highway in California last fall.
now that's not something you see everyday up here in the great white north.

"spring" break

Just back from spending a week in Florida with Lulu & my parents for March break.
It was really nice to travel with just Lulu.
The last time it was just the two of us she was just a few months old and sat on my lap the whole time.
She's a bit of a seasoned traveller now and is at that age where she can actually help out with luggage, passports etc.
Looking around at all the crying babies on the flight I had a hard time not feeling a bit smug, knowing that those days are far behind me now.
Then again, Lulu never once cried on a flight.
I know, I'm pretty lucky in that department.
She's pretty awesome when it comes to travelling.
Next stop Asia??

Anyhow, it was really nice to get away and soak up a bit of sunshine, blue skies, green trees and perfectly manicured gardens everywhere.
Not to mention enjoy all the spotlessly clean shiny cars and pothole-free freshly paved roads.
Florida is a drivers paradise.

We spent the week at my parents place. Which was.....interesting.

I haven't actually spent that much time with them since I moved out 24 years ago.
I love them and we are close, don't get me wrong, but it was a bit of a flash back from the past and there were several times when I felt 14 again.
Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my mother followed me (and my dad) around reminding me (us) (relentlessly) to apply more sunscreen, wear a hat and watch the sun.
I know, I know, she just cares, but geez...we are in Florida after all.
And a bit if vitamin D isn't going to kill me.
For the record, as soon as I get up I slather on the 65 SPF and for the most part avoid the sun when it's the strongest.
Gone are the days of applying sun-in to my hair, copper tone tanning oil and lying in the middle of the black paved driveway frying like an egg.
We were so idiotic back in the day.
Boy if I knew then what I know now....
Clearly this woman isn't worried about too much exposure and didn't have someone following her around with sun screen.
Nuts.

So that was a tad annoying and I had a really hard time biting my tongue.
There is a fine line between caring and being concerned and nagging.
I think I walk that line every single day actually.
What mother (wife) doesn't?
I find it difficult not to constantly repeat myself and go on about things that I feel are just in someone I love's best interest.
But it was a bit eye opening.

note to self: try not to nag at Lulu (and big daddy) all the time and cut them some slack and try to be be more relaxed about stuff. (especially sun screen)

Speaking of, unfortunately big daddy couldn't join us.
Or at least unfortunately for us..him not so much.
As nice as it would have been to have him there, he would have gone mental spending the week with my folks.
All due respect.

But it did get me wondering if some day Lulu will feel the same.
Will she want to spend lots of time with us, or will I drive her completely crazy.
I'd like to think that we will be close and want to take vacations together even when she's an adult.
But who knows.
Only time will tell.

an oldie but a goodie

I'm not much of a baker.
Love to cook savory, but sweet not so much.
I do love to eat sweet things though.
And there are few scents more heavenly than home baked treats permeating the house.
But recently I came across this recipe and figured, why not?
Simple and who doesn't love a rice krispie square?
O.M.G. such a subtle little change to a classic recipe yet it makes ALL the difference.
Bonus it took about 5 minutes to make.
My kind of baking.

I love reading Smitten Kitchen and have been a follower of her blog for years. (long before the awesome cookbook)
I highly recommend picking up a copy.
I have yet to make one thing that didn't turn out perfectly.
Not necessarily light on calories, but still an excellent cookbook filled with recipes that are not too daunting or complicated.
Her little personal stories about each dish make it even more enjoyable.

oh and as a side note if you do make this recipe I used mauldon sea salt which always bumps things up a notch.

Horse Kottbullar

While reading this morning's news I came across this and was pretty horrified.
How could anyone want to eat horse meat?
I just find it so sad. (and gross)
Nothing against cows or chickens but for some reason that doesn't seem as bad as eating a dog or horse.
Every time I look at my sweet Chelsea I think- "How could they??"

I know, I know, many cultures eat all kinds of things that most North Americans deem unacceptable, but really?
Seabiscuit and Hidalgo?
Not to mention War Horse.
ewww...
Lulu would be even more horrified than even I am.
She has a "Saddle Club" and her and her little friends are currently horse obsessed.

I'm a pretty adventurous eater, but that just makes me sad. It also kind of makes me want to become a vegetarian.
Anyhow, I'm so glad that last week while at Ikea, I decided to skip the hot dog and swedish "meat"balls and stick with the frozen yoghurt cone..