will you accept this rose?

Well I wouldn't be a good wife if I didn't give Big Daddy a big shout out for his appearance on last night's episode of The Bachelor.
He shot the episode back in September and I've been dying of suspense to see him in action with all the ladies (and I use that term loosely) on the show.
I have to admit, last season was the first time I ever watched it (purely for research ;)  but I'm officially hooked.
How can you not watch? so juicy, so funny, so over the top dramatic....
Apparently I'm not alone, over 15 million other people are tuning in each week to see who will accept the rose...
As long as Big daddy accepts my rose...I'm good.

A B12 C D

So as per my last post I really want to be healthier this year. Or as healthy as I can be while still having to be exposed to the endless cycle of elementary school germs and viruses.

I eat what I consider to be a pretty well balanced and healthy diet.
I don't really eat much in the way of junk food or processed foods.
Though I'm sure there's always room for improvement.
But for the most part, I think I'm on track when it comes to what and how much I'm eating.

I finally got back to the gym this week and it felt so awesome.
I'm definitely an adrenaline junkie and really enjoy working up a good sweat.
It was also so great to see all the ladies and regulars back in class.
I think I missed the camaraderie more than the actual exercise.
I work out with such a nice group of women.
Who knew that an all women's gym would be so social, motivating and fun?

Speaking of fun, it's a shame that I derailed my health kick by indulging in one too many glasses of wine with a girl friend last night....oops..
But I also kind of needed that after being cooped up all during the holidays.
Though I really wish I could somehow find the will power to always stop after my second glass of vino..
But then again, grapes are an antioxidant after all ;

Anyhow aside from my diet and exercise I really want to do whatever I can to help boost my immune system.
So I take a few vitamins each day.
The question is, what should I really be taking and how much?
Currently I take 1000 iu of Vitamin D.
And Multi vit see above re: emergen-C.
Sometimes I take an Omega fish oil capsule.
Sometimes Calcium and Magnesium with Zinc.
and occasionally I'll take Pro- biotics.
is this too much?
or not enough?

Anyhow I'm just curious what other woman take when it comes to supplements.
Tips? Suggestions?

hello 2013

Well I dare say I am finally on the road to recovery.

Not to be a Debbie downer, but this was the Christmas break that was anything but.

We have barely left the house since school got out on the 21st of December.

Cabin fever is an understatement.

Anyhow it's a new year and must move onwards and hopefully upwards.

Aside from feeling sorry for myself for the past couple of weeks, I did manage to spend a bit of time reflecting on my life and things I aspire to for the new year.

I'm not really a resolution kind of person as I tend to try to do that throughout the year.

But I do hope that I can make a few personal changes that will help me to find the sometimes elusive feeling of contentment and happiness.

The number one thing I would like to change is to stop thinking about everyone else's "greener grass."

I have a tendency to focus on what others have or how great they seem to have it.

Great vacations, bigger houses, more time off, never seem to get sick...grrrrr

I need to remind myself on a daily basis how blessed I am with my life.

Things are good;  really good.

And even though we don't technically have any "green grass",  flagstone and boxwoods are okay too.

Speaking of our abode.

I really hope we can start putting our plans into action when it comes to the renovation.

As much as I resist change, especially when it comes to my home, it's time.

As daunting as it might seem to have to move out and start from scratch, the purge will feel good.

And hopefully the end result will be well worth it and I can stop obsessing about the house.

There are so many more important things in life than a house.

But still....can't wait to get the wrecking ball rolling.

I've set a few goals in the career dept. as well.

Nothing too different from last year.

Working for big daddy twice a week.

Have to make sure I make that more of a priority.

The last few months things kind of slipped through the cracks, so I'm looking forward to making more of a contribution and helping out.

As far as fitness goals I guess just keep doing what I've been doing.

I still love my favourite classes at the gym and my favourite instructor.

I would like to offset it with a bit more stretching- aka Yoga and also more outdoor activities.

Hiking, cycling, walking the dog etc.

But not being able to get to the gym much over the month of December has been tough.

I miss feeling "strong fit & healthy"

inside joke.....

I really want to make more of an effort with this blog.

I'd like to get back to shooting food and feeling inspired about what I feed my family.

It's still one of my passions and even though there are a ton of incredible food blogs out there, I need not be intimidated.

I just need to cook.

Also bring back the restaurant reviews.

Haven't done that in ages.

Mostly because 2012 we ended up going to many of the same old same olds.

But there are a ton of new places in the city that I can't wait to try out and write about.

Listen more. Talk less.

Okay I say this every year, but must watch less T.V and read more.

It's not like I don't have a ton of great books I'm wanting to read...it's just that I get stuck in a rut and end up on the sofa in front of the television watching a whole lotta crap every night.

I mean Breaking Amish, The Bachelor, Top Chef, The Real Housewives of Vancouver, Beverly Hills AND New York....crazy.

I do however draw the line at Jersey.

Even I won't stoop that low.

But I am a confessed reality T.V. junkie and it has to stop.

Or at least be reined in a little.

Boardwalk Empire doesn't count. Currently my favourite show. So great and can't wait for the next season to start.

But there really should be a few nights where the boob tube (literally) stays off and I find other more intellectually challenging things to occupy my evenings.

Speaking of things to occupy my evenings..

I really really want to edit all my digital photos and print a few photo books.

I'd love to maybe send some to the grandparents as a surprise.

Aside from school pictures, they barely have any of Lulu.

It's crazy that after 8-9 years I haven't created a photo album.

Not to mention how much space all the images are taking up on my computer...yikes...

It's definitely on the top of my to-do list for this year.

Avoid school politics.

Have more fun.

Take a family vacation.

Life is short and it flies by so quickly.

Continue to embrace and enjoy having a seven year old.

Every single day is a gift.

Periodically remind myself to stop what I'm doing and colour a picture with Lulu or help do Barbie's ponytail...

The dishes can wait.

It's such a cliche but keep trying to not sweat the small stuff.

Because on the grand scheme of things, so many of the things I tend to worry about really aren't worth the head space.

see above re: school politics..

So last but not least, I want 2013 to be a happy & healthy year.

Especially not just for myself but for my family as well.

And you too (all three of you ; ) thanks for still dropping by and reading this often mundane blog.

I promise to put in a little more effort and try to make things a little more interesting in 2013.

                                                        Happy New Year!