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?