Nothing but ramblings, take it as you will…

Those who know me well, know I have always struggled to incorporate religion, or even spirituality for that matter into my life. I’ve labelled myself a couple of different things throughout the course of my life, and to this point still feel I have no concrete beliefs, at least in relation to many people in this world. I’m ok with this though, always have been, and I suspect always will be. However, lately I came to a realization… I just define things differently.

There is a song I’m always excited to hear on the radio. It is by Live, and called Heaven. There is a particular line in it that resonates with me: “I don’t need no one to tell me about heaven; I look at my daughter and I believe.” To me this validates my feeling that my heaven is on earth – in her. I honestly believe I have found my true happiness and purpose in my daughter. If there’s nothing else out there, that’s enough for me. It’s incredible, and I love it.

 

Boudoir Photography

About a week ago I had a boudoir photography session with a local photographer. Having boudoir pictures taken has been on my bucket list for quite a while. I am so glad I finally took the leap and got them done. What an incredible experience. It is extremely empowering and a wonderful confidence booster. At first I was worried I would be too shy to get half-naked in front of a stranger. Surprisingly, I wasn’t at all, even though I am definitely an introvert by nature. My photographer made me feel very comfortable and I was completely into the shoot. It is art.

I highly recommend every woman have boudoir photos taken at some point in her life, or at least professional photos when you are all dressed up (and not just your wedding photos). Everyone deserves to feel beautiful. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t lose all the weight I wanted to for my shoot, but the photographer’s camera skills truly make me look like a million bucks in every shot. I am beyond thrilled with my experience. Take the leap yourself! You won’t regret it.

Here’s one of the family friendly photos. I got really bold with some; totally liberating, and like I said before, empowering.

 

Paul Brandt

I’ve loved Paul Brandt since his very first song hit the radio. I think he’s an amazing artist and an incredibly charitable man. It was a thrill to finally meet him today. He’s so sweet. When my babe lost her boot he put it on for her. Swoon!

 

Delicious Banana Muffins

The best banana muffin recipe ever. Delicious, easy and FAST!

1/2 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

1 cup mashed ripe bananas

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp boiling water

1 tsp vanilla

 

Combine butter and sugar. Add eggs and bananas. Add flour and nutmet. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water and add to mixture. Add vanilla. Sppon into lined muffin pan (1/2 full). Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

 

Delicious Chicken Recipe

I had to share this. I’ve been visiting cookwithcampbells.ca a lot to get new recipe ideas. My husband is a fussy eater, so many of things I want to try he’s not interested in. I did, however, find this one for Honey Dijon Chicken that he wanted to try. I made it tonight and it was incredibly delicious. It was super easy too! You must try it.

http://www.cookwithcampbells.ca/en-ca/Recipes/2stephoneydijonchicken.aspx

 

A fun contest for Lethbridge (and area) Mommies!

I just want to spread the word to all my Lethbridge mommy friends! Here is a great contest where the lucky winner will get her hair and makeup done, and then will get her very own photo shoot. I hope I win, but I hope you do too. We could all use a little pampering. Check it out, and good luck!

http://www.mandybakerblog.com/?p=716

 

Christmas is Approaching

How’s your shopping going? I’m getting very close to being done mine! I’m so happy! Last year we barely celebrated Christmas because we were getting settled in as our new, little family. This year I’ve enjoyed spoiling my family with gifts. I can’t wait to give them to them – my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, and my daugther and husband of course!  I love giving gifts. I love giving them more than receiving them.

My family isn’t big on Christmas traditions, but we do enjoy the quality time together. I’m really looking forward to it this year. We’ll be heading home to our family farms for the majority of the holidays. It will nice to see everyone. My daughter will be one, and she’ll have fun helping open gifts (she’ll love all the paper)!

What are you doing for Christmas? Are you getting excited?

 

Getting Fit with wii Active

I’m one of those people who doesn’t like working out. I love the rewards, and generally feel better after a workout, but I just don’t enjoy it when I’m in the moment. Maybe I’m doing the wrong thing… I don’t know. I do know that I used to be more athletic. I used to love playing baseball and curling in particular. Maybe I just need to join team sports again, but it’s not realistic at this point in my life.

Anyways, after spraining my ankle in the summer I had to stop my “learn to run” program. I was so disappointed. I haven’t taken it up again yet. I want to, but again, I’m having trouble squeezing it in, especially with winter on our doorstep.

So, I dusted off my wii active game and have been doing the 30 day challenge. As a person of low to moderate physical finesses it provides a great workout. Some days are really hard actually! I’ve been doing the workouts on high intensity. Some days the lunges and squats are a killer! Wii Active is effective and efficient. The only equipment you need is the exercise band and the leg strap (and a wii of course). The only thing I find annoying is that the controllers sometimes get in the way. I really enjoy the boxing drills. Once I’m done the 30 day challenge I think I’ll do quite a few of the boxing workouts (there are dozens of custom workouts in the game). I’m only a few days into the workout, but I do notice a difference in the muscle tone of my arms and legs (my problem area). I’m going to keep at it, and hopefully I’ll have great results to report soon.

 

So, where am I?

I sincerely apologize for my lack of blog posts. I have over-extended myself with writing and editing projects and have found no time for “leisure” writing. I am happy to report however, that I am enjoying my work from home career. I’m blessed to be so busy right off the bat.

I do hope to do some blogging soon. I’d like to tell you all about my new workout routine (wii active), and share exciting plans for my daughter’s 1st birthday.

Stay tuned.

 

Yummy: Boneless Buffalo Wings!

 Ready in: 30-60 minutes

Serves/Makes:   4

Ingredients:
1 pound Skinless Chicken Breast (1″ cut 1 1/4″x 1 1/4″ squares)
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil (peanut oil is great for frying)
*** Hot Sauce:***
3/4 cup Frank’s Hot Sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

Place sauce ingredients in small pan and simmer 4 – 5 minutes until blended well. Remove sauce from heat, set aside to cool. Mix flour, salt, and pepper in bowl. Place buttermilk in separate bowl. Prepare chicken breast pieces 1″ thick, 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″square. Heat oil for frying, about 360F. Dust chicken pieces in flour then dip them into the buttermilk and back into the flour, gently shaking excess flour off pieces and carefully place pieces into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove chicken pieces and drain. When all chicken breasts have been fried and drained, place them a bowl and cover with sauce that has been prepared. Place a lid on bowl and gently shake or stir until all nuggets have been coated. Place boneless buffalo wings on non stick baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 20 minutes. Serve with blue cheese and celery.

This recipe is from CDKitchen