Singing in the Shower

My husband is amazing...not only because he has been a dream while I have been feeling nauseous, tired and cranky, but because he is just so darn creative and cute!

For the past few months I have felt pretty yuck...beyond tired and not a lot of energy.  Now I hear that this is supposed to pass for most women into their 2nd trimester....I have not yet reached that point....but fingers crossed it is soon.  I have spoken to many mom's and apparently it really is different for everyone.

He has been dragging me out of the house almost daily to go for a long walk, which really does help with the nausea and has been doing his best to help with dinners, and all of the house work...but this morning REALLY took the cake.

He has been sad that I have not been my usual "Heather" self, and one of the things that the usual Heather does, is to sing my heart out in the shower.  Well I just haven't felt up to it lately...and he feels that it is a good idea to sing and dance so the baby feels happy.  He also knows that I don't like singing most songs if I don't know all the words...so I stick to my usual 3-4 ditties.  This morning when I stepped into the shower..to my delight and amusement he had printed off the words to one of my favorite Keith Urban songs "I wanna love somebody".  They were posted on the shower wall, covered with plastic so not to get wet.  HOW CUTE IS THAT!  So today, I belted it out...sang every last word and sang it again...and I am certain the baby was dancing (either that or trying to cover its ears)

All I have to say is that this is one lucky baby to get to have a daddy like my Ivan....we are two extremely lucky people.

Try singing your favorite tune in tomorrow's shower and Enjoy!

Broccoli!

How could I forget to mention that I have also been craving BROCCOLI!!! How odd is that. But I can't seem to get enough of it....just simply steamed with lemon and a dash of sea salt or olive oil and salt...ohhhhhh it just tastes so vital, yummy and perfect. I guess I could be craving worse eh. One night last week when Ivan had soccer, I steamed up a bunch of bok choy, broccoli,and kale then sauteed up some garlic in olive oil..tossed the steamed greens in, topped with sesame seeds and went to town...it was delicious.

Tonight we are going to Bao Bei...haven't been in ages..we are going with new friends, and I am really excited, as I remember their food being just amazing!

That's it for now folks...don't forget to eat your greens and Enjoy!

CRAVINGS

I always found it so interesting to hear about pregnant ladies cravings....whenever someone would say they were preggers, the first question out of my mouth was "do you have any cravings" not sure why...probably my obsession with foods. As many of you know, I am a fairly health conscious person, and I take great care in what goes into my body. It doesn't mean that I deprive myself of the things I love that are maybe not so good for me (aka. pizza) but moderation is key, and whole foods are a must.

Since I have not had the propensity to hit the yoga room, and my only exercise has been walking, I have really been taking care to eat healfully....not to mention I want my baby enjoy the benefits of mama's good nutrition....but that certainly doesn't mean that I haven't had cravings! In the very first 6 weeks or so, I started craving sweets. I don't have a sweet tooth, so this was pretty surprising...and walking past the cupcake shop left me weak in the knees. So I indulged and enjoyed a few of the bright, sinful treats....Ivan of course helped me.

That phase quickly past and I began to crave salt....and I mean CRAVE salt. When mom and dad came to visit, and we told them the good news, Dad bought me a jar of pickles as a joke..but I at the whole jar within a week...normally I would eat about 1 pickle a year. Then I discovered chips....I have always hated chips, and never even thought of eating them....so in an effort to insure at least a bit of good health...I bought Organic tarro root, beat and veggie chips and they were delicious.

The salt craving has calmed down now, and i found these delicious little all natural plantaine chips at a health store and they really help to satisfy that edge. But the biggest craving I think to date has been DIM SUM!!! OMG, I just crave dumplings like crazy. So almost every other weekend Ivan and I have been having dim sum dates and its been wonderful. We have tried 3 different places so far ( I will write up a little comparison blog some time). As long as I crave it, we will continue to go so I can get my fill of dumplings..yum! There is a commercial for pizza on t.v. right now...and now I am craving pizza LOL. Every now and then, it is OKAY to give into your cravings...just be sure to ENJOY!

I'm back BABY!!!!!

WOW....it has been forever since I have written..but with good excuse. I am PREGNANT whoop whoop!!!!! I am 13 weeks right now, and because of the risks of miscarriage in the first trimester, women are advised not to tell anyone until they pass the 12 week mark. Sooo...every time I sat down to write in my blog, that meant that I couldn't share what I was truly doing/feeling/experiencing in my daily life....I felt like a fraud. So NOW that we have let the word out...I am thrilled that I can journal my daily experiences of being a newly pregnant lady. This is our first baby, and I must say the past three months have been ..well....exhausting. I have felt nauseous, and extremely tired. Which I have heard is to be expected during the first trimester. Apparently during the 2nd trimester women start feeling vibrant and wonderful with lots of energy. Well week 13 is here and I can't say that I feel any different. I am still enjoying a much needed daily nap (whenever I possibly can) and although the nausea has gotten better, there are still days that I feel a bit gaggy. I have stopped going to Bikram yoga, due to too many controversial opinions....some say the room temperature is too hot (which I believe) while other moms swear by it. Our choice (and I say "our" because Ivan and I like to make a lot of these important decisions together) was to not even risk it. I don't think I have been too much of a monster...but a little "less Heather" as Ivan would put it. Not quite so spunky...and pretty lazy. In fact I haven't been doing any yoga at all...but my wonderful husband has been walking with me almost daily. I love walking, and the fresh air seems to make me feel a lot better. Too much to write in just one blog...so, expect to read lots more soon and enjoy!

The Quick Cobbler

I just have to give a plug to the Quick Cobbler shoe repair store! They are amazing...been in Vancouver forever and their motto is - if it fits on your foot, they can fix it! I just had the heel of my new black boots start to wear off at the back due to the soggy weather and my rubber car mats....they fixed it up like brand new. Ivan also brought in a pair of his nice black day shoes that were a little worse for wear, and had them re-healed and re-stitched and look brand new as well and he has had them for a few years.

I asked them if they could re-heal a pair of my boots that have a high stiletto on them that I just can't walk in, and they said no probs.

No, they are not cheap....but they do a great job and it is a shit load less expensive to bring your shoes into these doctors for a little TLC than buying a new pair. Yet somehow it still feels like you have a new pair!

So go through your shoe closet and before you throw them away, take your faves into the Quick Cobbler, marvel at your savvy savings and enjoy!

Fish Tacos

Last night I made such a lovely, light and quick easy dinner..you must try! Fish tacos...yum!

I followed a recipe from an old cooking light book and coated two large pieces of Basa fillets (recipe called for catfish, but apparently you can use them interchangeably) with a mixture of flower, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, garlic pdr, salt and pepper and pan fried them for 4 mins per side.

Earlier I had thinly chopped up some red cabbage and tossed with mayo, cider vinegar and a pinch of sugar for a quick and easy slaw.

warmed up some small tortillas (nice soft flowery ones for Ivan and my cardboard gluten free ones for me) and we stuffed them with the slaw and warm, spicy fish chunks and topped with avocado, tomato and cilantro...add a splash of fresh lime juice and delish!!!! I must add this to my weekly meal plan....not that I have one...but if I did..hahah.

Its easy, healthy, delicious and a meal I am sure the whole family would Enjoy!

Lend a Helping Hand

In the past week I have discovered a few opportunities to help another person in need. I have to say, it almost feels selfish helping, because I know I will feel so good after I do it. Sure I help people every day in my job, and in my volunteer position, but it doesn't feel like I am helping people who are REALLY in need.

Last week, as I was approaching Safeway, I noticed a large woman with sunglasses and spiky blond hair standing outside the door. I assumed she was looking for handouts as each person passed her by...but as I got closer, I heard this very small voice ask if I could buy her some jam. JAM?? I exclaimed...you want some Jam? Yes, please she replies...can I come in and pick out the one I like? Yes, of course you can...I would love to buy you some jam. I was almost delighted at the surprise request. And I certainly do not mind buying less fortunate people food...I don't give cash...but I am a sucker for buying food....I love the stuff so much and really feel like it shouldn't be a privilege to eat.

Anyway, we entered the store, and I offered to buy her some fresh fruits and veggies as well...she politely declined and walked straight to the jam isle and picked out her favorite kind...Smuckers, Strawberry jam. She said it would be enough to get her through the week eating pancakes...she hates em plain and needs her strawberry jam....I couldn't hide my smile...I was so happy to help complete her meal (although I was disappointed she didn't take me up on some veggies). I paid and then bought her a coffee because she looked cold...she was so thankful, and my heart grew two sizes.

Then today I was again walking to buy some groceries at the little market and I passed this big ol black man...the same one who stands outside in front of Shoppers Drug Mart every day, trying to sell calenders and magazines and such. He had asked a couple of girls if they could watch his wears briefly because he had to go to the washroom...they quickly said no and walked away...so I stopped in my tracks, walked back and said I would watch his stuff. He was so grateful....said nature was a callin and he had to go to the little boys room. I proudly watched over the box he sat on, and his 6 calenders and magazines. He came back promptly and was so happy that I could help him out...he offered me either a free magazine or his orange juice....I wanted to cry....I said no thank you and I didn't need anything...but he popped a magazine in my bag and sent me on my way....my heart grew again.

It is amazing how many opportunities are around us to help out our fellow brothers and sisters every day. You must be alert to them, and open to making a small difference. Holding a door open...saying hello to a stranger...or simply a smile. I wish I could help the whole world with all of its problems...but instead, I do my best, in little ways...one jar of strawberry jam at a time.

Life is good...enjoy!

Continental Seafood Restaurant

Yet another absolutely wonderful weekend...still just enjoying a lazy Sunday morning in my jammies. Letting our delicious pancake breakie settle before we venture out on a long walk. We slept in a bit this morning and I was craving pancakes...so I pulled out my gluten/wheat free bob's Redmill pancake mix and went to work. This is a really great option for those who have this type of sensitivity, but I have often found the batter to be a little thin and too whispy...so I doctored it up a bit today. I used vanilla rice milk because I also am lactose intolerant, and the vanilla adds a really nice flavour.

I also added cinnamon, a hint of grated lemon zest and a splash more pure vanilla extract to the batter before wizzing it up. I then mashed up a whole banana and folded it into the batter...and the results were awesome. Ivan and I loved them...and they tasted no different than the fluffy buttermilk/floury ones you would get in a diner. The mashed banana made them thicker and fluffy, moist and full of flavour. You must try this little trick out!

Yesterday was also a perfectly wonderful day. We got up fairly early...had a quick breakfast and then went for a walk down by the kits seawall. Came back home, showered up and had a list of errands to accomplish which included clothing alterations, dry cleaners and the cobblers to fix up our shoes. We then popped in to visit a friend who has just moved into Vancouver to say hello and then off to do a little car shopping!!!!!

Don't get your hopes up DAD....we are just doing a little prelim research. We had a game plan to be open to all options, as last time we went we ended up arguing in the lot and then leaving. So this time we went with no expectations and open minds. We first looked in Vancouver and I test drove a Chevy mid-size SUV. I have never driven anything so big before, so the idea was to see if I could. It wasn't my favorite looking auto...but it drove very easily and I didn't feel like it was too big....the sales gal was a master...she had us on the lot for hours, testing cars and making appointments for next week.....we could only finally escape because I was getting so hungry I thought I would eat both her and Ivan for lunch.

So we said a quick thanks and then headed out towards the Richmond Auto Mall. I had lunch all planned out...I copied down three of the top rated Dim Sum restos in Richmond and so we stopped at one along the way called Continental Seafood Restaurant which is tucked away in a non-descript strip mall, but was deceptively huge inside and they were still pushing around the little carts brimming with bamboo steamers!!!! I could barely contain my excitement. Unfortunately we just caught the end of the service so there wasn't much selection left (its on from 12-2:45) but we still managed to fill up on some delicious dumplings! My least favorite were the pork and peanut, because they left the peanuts whole and it was just too crunchy. But the steamed shrimp and chive were so awesome we got two orders. We also tried their pork ribs, which were a little on the fatty size, but really tasty. Their bbq pork steamed buns were delicate, soft and filled with flavour, and the Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) were a bit hit!

I will definitely go back again for dim sum lunch...but I will make sure I am there early (you may need to make a reso). The atmosphere is typical....pretty gawdy banquet style room with no attention to decor...its all about the food and the fun experience of enjoying dim sum. Always better to grab a few friends so you can try more variety...but two works just fine as well!

We then got our drive on at the Richmont Auto Mall where we spent hours looking at cars, sitting in cars and testing cars. My favorite part was seeing all of the cute little black bunnies hopping around the grounds...there must have been a pre-easter convention on! My fave car was the Escalade...but I felt like I should be black in order to be worthy of driving it..or at least have breast implants and bleach blond hair or listen to RAP or something cool. So instead we test drove the new Jeep Cherokee which was much less cool and easy to drive.

The day was super fun...I really don't like car shopping...but throw in a dum sum lunch and I am happy as a pig in shit.

Now...off for a walk with my baby...happy Sunday and enjoy!

A perfect Saturday

I know the weekend was like forever ago...but as I mentioned I have been hibernating and not much in the mood to write lately so my gaps are a little longer in between...but Saturday is certainly worth writing about!

We had a little sleep in, and then decided to go for a long walk....it started out like a good idea until it began to snow. But we got bundled up anyway and carried on our marry way, stocking up our pockets with gift cards and a little "to do" list. We walked down to the sea wall in Kits then over to the aqua ferry. We often do this on nicer days....it was quite freezing cold....but the little ferry was nice and warm...and we had to make a few transfers which made for a lovely, lazy scenic adventure. It is so darn easy to enjoy a romantic day in Vancouver without even trying!

We arrived at our destination in Yaletown and quickly found some shelter in a nearby starbucks where we sipped warm drinks and read the paper and just relaxed. Then, like clock work my stomach started to growl...and yup it was noon...time for lunch. Our intention was to get to Pacific Center Mall, so we hopped on the very convenient sky train and 3 minutes later we arrived. Sadly we ate at the foodcourt...but found a suitable cafe that sold fresh wraps...so we ate some chow and carried on to look for shoes. The best place for mens and womens shoes in that mall is really Browns (unless you can fork out 1,000 at Holts). Ivan was looking for black suit shoes....and like usual...walked in, found an awesome pair, fit like a glove and walked out. I really hate men sometimes....why do they fit everything. Sometimes they can even buy stuff without trying it on and it bloody well fits. Me...forget it....9 times out of 10 shit don't fit. But it was a triumph for him and he was very pleased with his new purchase....so we carried on to MAC.

I have been saving up empty MAC makeup containers for years...and finally accumulated the coveted 6, so marched them up to the counter to ask for my free lipstick. I was a little worried they may have discontinued the program...but I was thrilled to hear otherwise. So a nice big bajumba of a diva helped me with colors, and we walked out the door with my little prize. Everyone wins. We had been gone for about 5 hrs by this time so made our way back home on the bus.

We quickly changed and primped a little before hopping in the car and heading out to friends home for dinner where we were treated to an absolutely delicious homemade chicken pot pie. This is a dish I never had growing up...and have really only tried a few times, and it is such a homey, comforting meal on a cold and snowy night.

It was an absolutely lovely day, and as we made the long drive home late that evening, I lingered over the acknowledgement that my life is really filled with so much pure joy. The simplicity of spending a day exploring the city hand in hand with my handsome hubby, dining with great friends and soaking up the bliss in every little moment. Next weekend, grab your love, or a buddy, put on your comfy walking shoes and Enjoy!