You know you have had one of those days when you take moment to look at yourself in the mirror, and realize that you have spent the entire day with makeup on only one of your eyes. Yes, thats right....great eyebrow shape, a bit of light eyeshadow, and mascara...all on one eye....way to go Heath! Everything is just sooooo busy when you have a toddler and you are 9 months pregnant wondering when the heck baby number two is gonna arrive. I don't know how the eff some of those moms look so pulled together...so with it. A girlfriend of mine just had baby number FOUR....that's right #4!!!! And it seems no matter when I pop by to see her she always looks good...wearing a cute little outfit....a bit of makeup on and ready for the day. I am the one spontaneously popping by to see her....knowing that I am doing just this, you would think that I would be the one to pull myself together ....but for some effing reason, this just never seems to happen. Most of the time I have to shower and wash my hair at night as there is zero time during the day for such luxuries....which leaves my hair a frizzy, shitty mess...so out comes the " I am married and have kids, so I don't care any more" Clip. My hair is now too short to put all of it back in this flippen clip so huge chunks of it fall down, leaving me looking down right slow....my toddler thinks these are reigns to pull on and often yanks pieces of hair out of my head.
I always envisioned myself as one of those really hot pregnant chicks...okay, no I didn't....but I thought I would make more of an effort than this.....I typically wear the same stretch pants everyday....except for when I piss in them (which happens regularly at the moment) and then I wear my other stretch pants. I alternate between two bras, because I am too cheap to buy a new one that feels comfortable, knowing my boobs will change again when the baby comes. One bra makes my tits look great.....awesome cleavage...hikes em up there....but its now so tight around my rib cage you can see the layers of back fat through my shirt...its like I have a tube of boobs on my back. Then there is the other bra....which is a handmedown....yes a borrowed bra (did I mention "too cheap"). She is one of my best friends, so its okay for me to use her maternity bra...so there. This bra is too big....but damn its comfortable...so I wear it most often....this offers very little support, and allows my gigantic prenatal boobs to rest comfortably on my stomach so I basically look like I have no boobs and one giant stomach.....no...who I am kidding....it just makes me look like I have really saggy boobs resting on my stomach. But I have no back fat!!! That's gotta be a plus??
I am grateful for these boobs though....I had no problems breastfeeding my first child and do not anticipate any issues with the next....so Thank You boobs!
Not sure how I got so off topic....not really sure what the topic was now....I would have to re-read from the start and I am tired....just peed my pants again, and I need to go wash this makeup off my one damn eye. Goodnight and Enjoy.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
White Trash for Dinner Please
So as I have mentioned in a previous blog, I have been craving a lot of different things with this pregnancy vs. my first. Perhaps its because with my first I had made a commitment to myself to eat so healthy....and this time it was like...eh anything goes. Luckily I haven't gained 100lbs and have maintained about the same weight gain as my first pregnancy, despite the dilly bars, cake, cookies, pizza and myriad indulgences.
For the past few months my craving has been for cake. Now I have always enjoyed a nice slice of cake, but now I feel like I should have a piece everyday. Lucky for me there have been a few celebrations this year which have enabled me to consume lots of it! Not being the fussy type, white, chocolate, banana, cupcakes....I'll take what I can get, plus the corner you may have left on your own plate!
Many times I don't really think my husband pays attention to these cravings....because, you see, I randomly talk about food all the time. I am just like my dad. While eating dinner, I will already be thinking about what I will make for breakfast the next day, or dinner the following night. My mom gets disgusted with us that we can think of the next meal while we are in the middle of eating the first one....but such is the life of a foodie...always on the brain. So it came as a complete surprise a while back when Ivan returned from a business trip out West. He had just arrived home after five days and after all the hugs and kisses he said he had a surprise for me....immediately I asked if it was cake. "No" he replied, I got you local BC cherries from a fruit stand.........bless my husband for knowing that the best surprise gift I could ever get would be food. Sure I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't cake....but BC cherries were a close second! And just as I was about to take my prize and wash em up for consumption, he pulls out a chocolate cake he had been cleverly concealing....and this wasn't just any chocolate cake....it was a McCain Deep N' Delicious!!!!! I almost bust a gut....I haven't had that cake since I was a teenager. It's about the most white trash cake you can get, but as I mentioned before...not picky....so cake I ate!!! My husband does really pay attention to the little details...I guess he had remembered a family conversation, reminiscing about eating those cakes as they often would come as the dessert to the KFC family bucket we would get on Friday nights. Yes, sometimes this is what we would have for family dinner on Fridays....the coleslaw and mayo salad for the veggies, the addictive gravy and fries with that thickly battered chicken...come on, you know you had it too. I haven't had KFC in years, nor do I ever plan on eating it again...but back in the day we loved it.
I know we were not the only family who enjoyed their Friday night "bucket"....I have heard from other friends who share the same memories. In fact I was chatting with a girlfriend today about how frustrating it can be to try and cook a meal while your toddler is hanging off your leg and trying to touch the stove top. She has often asked her mom for advice on this issue, to which she replies it was easy and she just did it....my own mom doesn't remember. So my girlfriend made the realization that what we were eating for dinner in the 70s kitchen was a little different than what we cook today. We both fondly remembered our plates laden with a pork chop, side of cream corn and slices of white bread with butter...she said she got steamed broccoli....I only remember my mom steaming veggies in those microwavable pouches full of butter (or what they claimed to be butter). We both agreed with giggles that it would be much easier to prepare such a meal! Instead we make quinoa pilaf, barley casserole, kale chips, baked salmon and roasted root veggies...perhaps we ought to go back to a simpler time and put the damn McCains cake back on the table.
Moms, we are NOT criticizing your cooking skills (but are very thankful that they have become so very enhanced over the years). We are grateful for everything...and now understand why the white bread was always a staple at the table. Now I shall go and eat my last piece of Deep N' Delicious and enjoy!
For the past few months my craving has been for cake. Now I have always enjoyed a nice slice of cake, but now I feel like I should have a piece everyday. Lucky for me there have been a few celebrations this year which have enabled me to consume lots of it! Not being the fussy type, white, chocolate, banana, cupcakes....I'll take what I can get, plus the corner you may have left on your own plate!
Many times I don't really think my husband pays attention to these cravings....because, you see, I randomly talk about food all the time. I am just like my dad. While eating dinner, I will already be thinking about what I will make for breakfast the next day, or dinner the following night. My mom gets disgusted with us that we can think of the next meal while we are in the middle of eating the first one....but such is the life of a foodie...always on the brain. So it came as a complete surprise a while back when Ivan returned from a business trip out West. He had just arrived home after five days and after all the hugs and kisses he said he had a surprise for me....immediately I asked if it was cake. "No" he replied, I got you local BC cherries from a fruit stand.........bless my husband for knowing that the best surprise gift I could ever get would be food. Sure I was slightly disappointed that it wasn't cake....but BC cherries were a close second! And just as I was about to take my prize and wash em up for consumption, he pulls out a chocolate cake he had been cleverly concealing....and this wasn't just any chocolate cake....it was a McCain Deep N' Delicious!!!!! I almost bust a gut....I haven't had that cake since I was a teenager. It's about the most white trash cake you can get, but as I mentioned before...not picky....so cake I ate!!! My husband does really pay attention to the little details...I guess he had remembered a family conversation, reminiscing about eating those cakes as they often would come as the dessert to the KFC family bucket we would get on Friday nights. Yes, sometimes this is what we would have for family dinner on Fridays....the coleslaw and mayo salad for the veggies, the addictive gravy and fries with that thickly battered chicken...come on, you know you had it too. I haven't had KFC in years, nor do I ever plan on eating it again...but back in the day we loved it.
I know we were not the only family who enjoyed their Friday night "bucket"....I have heard from other friends who share the same memories. In fact I was chatting with a girlfriend today about how frustrating it can be to try and cook a meal while your toddler is hanging off your leg and trying to touch the stove top. She has often asked her mom for advice on this issue, to which she replies it was easy and she just did it....my own mom doesn't remember. So my girlfriend made the realization that what we were eating for dinner in the 70s kitchen was a little different than what we cook today. We both fondly remembered our plates laden with a pork chop, side of cream corn and slices of white bread with butter...she said she got steamed broccoli....I only remember my mom steaming veggies in those microwavable pouches full of butter (or what they claimed to be butter). We both agreed with giggles that it would be much easier to prepare such a meal! Instead we make quinoa pilaf, barley casserole, kale chips, baked salmon and roasted root veggies...perhaps we ought to go back to a simpler time and put the damn McCains cake back on the table.
Moms, we are NOT criticizing your cooking skills (but are very thankful that they have become so very enhanced over the years). We are grateful for everything...and now understand why the white bread was always a staple at the table. Now I shall go and eat my last piece of Deep N' Delicious and enjoy!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Ranche-A Hidden Calgary Gem
Since moving to Calgary we have had limited opportunity to explore the food scene. But I have certainly found one place worth writing about. In my opinion it would be considered a "hidden" gem. I use the term "hidden" simply because if you didn't know it existed, the chances of you stumbling upon it are pretty much nill. I have friends who have lived here all their lives and never heard of this amazing place. Its called The Ranche and its located in the ever so scenic Fish Creek Park. We live right on the ridge of Fish Creek and were told of this place when we moved here.
When you walk up to the charming old house, you are immediately transported to another time.....like you are on a stunning plantation in the deep south. The grounds are kept immaculate and there are beautiful flowers dotting the property in all the right places...it just makes you smile.
A small group of us went for Ivan's 40th birthday and had a lovely time. We went for a late dinner on a Monday night, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. This is not the place to go if you are looking to see and be seen...its all about the food and the experience. If you are looking for a bit more of a lively, chattery room...I may suggest going on a weekend. The service was perfect and the food even better. This is also the place to be a bit more adventurous with your palate, as they offer a variety of wild, local game. It was a chilly night, and the dining room was so grand and welcoming, I was in the mood for a cozy, comforting dish. I opted for the slow roasted wild boar shoulder and basically couldn't speak through the entirety of my meal....each bite was perfect and so delicious, I didn't want it to end....thankfully they offer substantial portion sizes, but we were still happy we ordered a side of the king oyster mushrooms as they were to die for.
Ivan was feeling very adventurous and tried the wild northern caribou and was pleasantly surprised. He had never tried caribou before and also enjoyed his meal immensely. Our dining companions also seemed to really enjoy their dishes, and we even saved enough room for dessert. The desserts we ordered were a bit on the small size for sharing...but still a fantastic end to an amazing meal.
I was then recently invited back to the Ranche with a girlfriend of mine who suggested we go for lunch. I didn't realize they did lunch and I am so thrilled we went. We sat outside on the patio that surrounds the house and I seriously felt like I should be sitting on a porch swing sipping lemonade and fanning myself...its completely that charming. Once again, everything on the menu sounded amazing...but both myself and my dining companion opted for the heritage chicken confit sandwich....which seriously was the best sandwich I have ever eaten and I want to go back today to have another. This is a rich dish...but I love that its open faced so you can feel a little more refined eating with cutlery vs. trying to fit all the right bites into your mouth with your paws. The combination of the chicken, bacon and applewood smoked cheddar was simply to die for...I went for a side salad vs. the fries and am glad I did...I think the fries would have put me over the edge, and this way I didn't feel guilty enough not to have dessert! I tried their semifredo (keeping in mind their menu changes frequently) and it was overthetop amazing. I don't think you can go wrong with ANYTHING you order at the Ranche.
This is the perfect place to lunch (and I have also heard their weekend brunch is fantastic as well) or enjoy a romantic dinner. Gather a group together to share the experience, or not, but you will be impressed so please do Enjoy!
When you walk up to the charming old house, you are immediately transported to another time.....like you are on a stunning plantation in the deep south. The grounds are kept immaculate and there are beautiful flowers dotting the property in all the right places...it just makes you smile.
A small group of us went for Ivan's 40th birthday and had a lovely time. We went for a late dinner on a Monday night, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves. This is not the place to go if you are looking to see and be seen...its all about the food and the experience. If you are looking for a bit more of a lively, chattery room...I may suggest going on a weekend. The service was perfect and the food even better. This is also the place to be a bit more adventurous with your palate, as they offer a variety of wild, local game. It was a chilly night, and the dining room was so grand and welcoming, I was in the mood for a cozy, comforting dish. I opted for the slow roasted wild boar shoulder and basically couldn't speak through the entirety of my meal....each bite was perfect and so delicious, I didn't want it to end....thankfully they offer substantial portion sizes, but we were still happy we ordered a side of the king oyster mushrooms as they were to die for.
Ivan was feeling very adventurous and tried the wild northern caribou and was pleasantly surprised. He had never tried caribou before and also enjoyed his meal immensely. Our dining companions also seemed to really enjoy their dishes, and we even saved enough room for dessert. The desserts we ordered were a bit on the small size for sharing...but still a fantastic end to an amazing meal.
I was then recently invited back to the Ranche with a girlfriend of mine who suggested we go for lunch. I didn't realize they did lunch and I am so thrilled we went. We sat outside on the patio that surrounds the house and I seriously felt like I should be sitting on a porch swing sipping lemonade and fanning myself...its completely that charming. Once again, everything on the menu sounded amazing...but both myself and my dining companion opted for the heritage chicken confit sandwich....which seriously was the best sandwich I have ever eaten and I want to go back today to have another. This is a rich dish...but I love that its open faced so you can feel a little more refined eating with cutlery vs. trying to fit all the right bites into your mouth with your paws. The combination of the chicken, bacon and applewood smoked cheddar was simply to die for...I went for a side salad vs. the fries and am glad I did...I think the fries would have put me over the edge, and this way I didn't feel guilty enough not to have dessert! I tried their semifredo (keeping in mind their menu changes frequently) and it was overthetop amazing. I don't think you can go wrong with ANYTHING you order at the Ranche.
This is the perfect place to lunch (and I have also heard their weekend brunch is fantastic as well) or enjoy a romantic dinner. Gather a group together to share the experience, or not, but you will be impressed so please do Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
The "Nesting" Phase
Been forever since I have written once again....but what mom has time in the day to sit down and write. Especially with a toddler ripping around and baby # two due in about 2 weeks! YIKES is all I can say. Everyday something happens that I would like to write about...some amazing restaurants I have tried out in Calgary...but my days seem consumed with domestic duties, diapers, walks to the park, doctors apts and when I have a moment to myself, I choose to NAP! I have been very tired throughout this pregnancy, and in the last month and a bit I have succumbed to napping when my son goes down...and I feel like a better mom and wife for it.
I am now in the "nesting" phase of this pregnancy, so have been cooking and baking up a storm so I can stock my freezer full of stuff so I don't have to cook once the new baby arrives. That was the LAST thing I wanted to do when Dutch was born, and I am forever grateful for my mom who spent almost a month with us and cooked and baked and just took care of all of us. Now I have the luxury of living in the same city as this saint....and I know she will help out lots....but I still wanted to get a good head start on stocking my freezer. For anyone else looking forward to having a new baby, I strongly suggest doing this. Freeze soups, stews, casseroles, chicken pot pies (our fave), muffins, breads etc. You will appreciate your efforts when you are delirious with zero sleep and don't know which way is up. And your hubby will be Thankful too....especially if he is not the cook in the family.
But then there are also so many premade things that you can pick up for a quick dinner post baby....cost co does this well with their pre-roasted chickens, fresh pizzas, myriad salads and platters...I know I will be sending Ivan there once my freezer runs out.
I am looking forward to meeting this little one and feasting on my freezer full of treats!
Enjoy
I am now in the "nesting" phase of this pregnancy, so have been cooking and baking up a storm so I can stock my freezer full of stuff so I don't have to cook once the new baby arrives. That was the LAST thing I wanted to do when Dutch was born, and I am forever grateful for my mom who spent almost a month with us and cooked and baked and just took care of all of us. Now I have the luxury of living in the same city as this saint....and I know she will help out lots....but I still wanted to get a good head start on stocking my freezer. For anyone else looking forward to having a new baby, I strongly suggest doing this. Freeze soups, stews, casseroles, chicken pot pies (our fave), muffins, breads etc. You will appreciate your efforts when you are delirious with zero sleep and don't know which way is up. And your hubby will be Thankful too....especially if he is not the cook in the family.
But then there are also so many premade things that you can pick up for a quick dinner post baby....cost co does this well with their pre-roasted chickens, fresh pizzas, myriad salads and platters...I know I will be sending Ivan there once my freezer runs out.
I am looking forward to meeting this little one and feasting on my freezer full of treats!
Enjoy
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