Monday, October 17, 2011

Pureed Caramelized Onion Soup

Part of a mom's day is trying to plan, execute and deliver a meal that your family will enjoy. This time of year I love to make soups! Something about the fall makes me crave delicious soups that were made in my own kitchen!



Recently I took a stab at onion soup. I turned to the internet of recipes that would make my mouth water! I found more recipes then you can count of course but non were exactly what I wanted. The solution was to mix a few different recipes together to get the soup I really wanted!

If you would like to try this great fall soup here is what you will need;

4 large onions
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves of garlic
1 box of chicken stock
1 med white potato
1 heaping tbsp sour cream
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1 tsp dry parsley
salt and pepper to taste

2 slices of stale bread
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dry basil
2 tbsp non melting cheese such as parmesan
salt and pepper to taste

Start by putting your olive oil in the pan to warm up. Then add your sliced onions and allow to caramelize for approx 1/2 hour. Next add your chopped garlic cloves and allow to cook until you can smell the garlic... do not allow garlic to brown. Next add 1/3 cup of your stock to the mix to deglaze your pan. Once that warms through you may add the rest of your stock. Next add your diced potato and herbs into your soup and allow to simmer until potato is softened. Once cooked remove your soup from the hear and puree. Then add your soup back to the heat and add your sour cream. Warm through but do not allow soup to boil. Add salt and pepper to taste and you are ready!

For your croutons dice your bread and put on a pan. Ahead of time I added my basil to my olive oil to allow the flavours to mix together. I then add this mix to my bread and mix. Then add your salt and pepper as well as your non melting cheese. Put in the oven at 350 degrees F tossing often until your croutons are well toasted.

Serve your croutons over your soup for a yummy fall dinner!!


Monday, June 27, 2011

This Is What No Sleep Looks Like... Teething Trials Are Here!

My little boy has suffered for 3 days to earn his first tooth and finally it has broken through! Unfortunately all the discomfort has meant no sleep for 2 members of this household!

My little man has had every symptom possible from pain, to fever and rashes. The worst has come at night and I am so relieved that he my get some relief now that this little tooth has finally arrived!

So here is what 3 sleepless nights looks like for this momma!





Hoping that there is some sleep in my future because I think it is finally catching up with me!

Did your littles ones suffer badly when teething??



Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, June 10, 2011

4 Hours of Sleep and a Pot of Coffee




Had one of those nights last night where both kiddies rotated during the night with various issues. I finally got to bed around 3 and baby was up bright eyed and bushy tailed... (Where does that saying come from anyway??)... at 6:30 am! I have had a pot of coffee already and have dropped, at least once, everything I have tried to pick up this morning... breakfast prep was very amusing and messy!

I am already looking forward to bed time, but I wouldn't trade my boys for all the sleep in the world!!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Want to Feel Fabulous After Baby?!




I will have to admit after this second baby I feel pretty frumpy! Going into summer I just wanted to feel sexy again but I didn't know how to do it!

First thing I did was get a new hairstyle! It's fresh and sassy for summer. The next thing I did was self tan. It gives you life and makes you appear slimmer... I even did my mommy tummy even though no one will see it I know it looks smaller under my clothes lol!

When shopping for summer if you still don't feel you sexiest shop for things where size doesn't matter! Sexy shoes, amazing accessories and a great over sized purse (for when your spouse takes you and and you are diaper bag free) are great ways to feel fashionable and sexy without focusing on the things you don't like about yourself quite yet!

Remember as a great friend once told me it took 9 months for your body to change so doesn't it just makes sense it would take at least that long for it to go back to some kind of normal?! After all we don't have the trainers etc the celebs have to get back into pre baby shape in 2 months!!






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Friday, May 27, 2011

4 Month Old Being Raised Genderless




While reading yesterday I came across an article about 4 month old Storm in Toronto who is being raised genderless by it's parents. They say it is to allow their child to become whoever they want to be without societies expectations etc.

I am not sure I really see the point in this experiment and I really feel that this will only cause issues for this poor child later on. I allow my children to be who they want to be. My son has longish hair for a boy, plays whatever he wishes and I truly believe he is not stifled by societies expectations for what a boy means!

I have included a link to the article here for all those of you who want to read more.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Would you want to raise a Genderless child? How long can this go on before the child wants to know who they are and what that means?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Are We Raising Lazy Kids?




I just recently found Too Big For Stroller while surfing online. This site shares pics of children who are more then capable of walking being carted around in strollers! Why do we do this? Are our kids lazy... or are we as parents too busy... or lazy to have our children walk beside us once they get to a certain age!

Is it our fault our children aren't active these days and that childhood obesity is on the rise? It really is something to think about!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

What a Crazy Few Weeks!

What a crazy few weeks this has been! My father experienced some medical issues that threw our family into quite a stressful time! I have been in and out of hospitals finding it very hard to get answers or have someone listen to you long enough to really get the full story on what was going on! Luckily my father is home and seems to be finally on the mend!!




This is what has made me smile over these past few weeks!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Great Canadian Coupon Sites!!



As a busy mom I am always looking for great ways to save money without having to spend hours researching. Here is a list of my favourite and easy to use coupon sites that are great for Canadians!

Think Coupons
Brand Saver
Go Coupons
Web Saver
Fabulous Savings
Save.ca
Smart Canucks

If you have some great sites, please leave them below!!

The Dreaded Grocery Shopping List!


This weekend I took on the task of shopping for two weeks groceries on an exact budget. I planned my meals and then shopped the flyers to plan which stores to head out to for the best deals. With the sky rocketing gas prices you can't shop the deals like you used to, but I did plan to visit stores that were close together to maximize my route. I was so excited when I shopped my list and made my budget. 

I am even more excited that for 2 weeks I have my meals planned and I know that everything I need is in my kitchen! No running out last second or stressing about what to make for dinner... I just choose from my list. I am making sure that I make enough for lunches the next day as well!

It was kind of exciting to create a challenge for myself of a budget and shop to stay within it!

Do you have a grocery budget?? What are your tips for making sure you stick to it??

Friday, April 15, 2011

Tommee Tippee... This Momma's Favourite Bottle

When I had my first son and we started giving him bottles we began a never ending process of trying find the right one. It seemed every bottle we tried my son had different issues with. They caused gas, he didn't like the bottle itself etc. When my second son was born I knew I was going to do my research and find the perfect bottle... enter Tommee Tippee!!!




I first heard about this brand online and I was immediately drawn to it. Its claims of being as close to a mothers breast was the same as all the other brands but for some reason I believed it this time! I started by giving my son the Tommee Tippee soother and after turning down several others that were had been given as gifts, this one he took to! Next with a nervous stomach I tried the bottles... he took to them like he didn't notice the difference!! I was excited when there was no signs of gas or any other issues as well.

Tommee Tippee has been the best bottle I have ever tried and I would suggest it to anyone needing a system for their child!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The Baby Bullet

Now unless you have been under a rock for the last few years you have heard of the Magic Bullet... every sleepless mom has seen the infomercials in the middle of the night! I was given one and was really pretty disappointed when compared to it's claims!




Now there is the Baby Bullet for making baby food at home! There are various blades for all stages and comes with all sorts of extras as any informercial product does!

Would you give this product a try???

The Power Struggle

Image from Google Images


My oldest son is 4 1/2 and for the past few months we have entered a power struggle in our home.  If I say do it now he says he will do it in ten minutes. If I say put all of your toys away, he leaves one out just to spite me. If I say the sky is blue, he swears it is green. I knew this stage was coming but with a strong willed little boy is can be a source of constant frustration.

I often think to myself... why can't he just do what I ask when I ask?? Why must everything be a struggle?? But I know this is a stage and I must be vigilant in order to get through it without allowing him to think things will go the ways he wants. We have always taught him compromise is a good thing, but now it's a a way for him to try and hold the power in the home.

Slowly I am seeing an improvement, there are less discussions and it doesn't take as long to get accomplished. It's seems though every time I think I have the problem licked we have another one of those days!! LOL A am happy though that now I see the light at the end of the tunnel and my little man now understands that in the end he will do what he is asked!

I wonder what the next stage will be????

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Baby with the Urge to Scratch

A few weeks back my son started doing what I thought was the cutest thing ever... scratching his little head while having a bottle. My husband and I loved to look at him run his fingers through what little hair he has while falling asleep. Then one day I looked at my sons head and it looked incredibly sore, I didn't know what to think! At his next bottle I realized that his scratching had turned serious and he was now making his head bleed.

Now how to stop it! I know it sounds easy but it has been a struggle, because this scratching has become a soothing mechanism for him. At first I tried to pull his hands away but he he started to cry and wouldn't drink. Hats were the next solution and worked wonderfully until he figured out how to pull them off easily! Mittens were hard because at 18 lbs there aren't a lot to fit him. I discovered socks were the solution to my problem. He could still feel as if he was scratching, but can no longer do the damage!

He still manages to scratch himself now and then when we aren't expecting it but slowly we are getting under control.  Thank goodness!!!!!!



While researching I did come across this product from Australia that seems like a cute solution. They are called Sleepy Wings and while they do not deliver outside of Australia yet they are great option for those of you who can get them!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

My Momma's Sweet and Sour Sauce Recipe

Reference Photo by Chow.com


In a pinch and need a great sweet and sour sauce for your dinner?? Don't go to a bottle when you can make your own almost as quickly!!

What you will need;

1 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup sugar
1 tbs cornstarch

First add water to sauce pan...reserve a couple of tablespoons to dissolve your cornstarch. Add all other ingredients except for reserved water and cornstarch to your sauce pan and begin to heat. Once boiling add your dissolved cornstarch to the mix and stir until thick. 

Remove from the heat and you are ready to pour or dip!!!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Trials and Tribulations of Junior Kindergarden!



My oldest boy is in JK this year and I don't know who finds it harder... me or him!!! The first day he walked away from me and said goodbye like it was no big deal! He had never been to daycare or anything but seemed to just cope amazingly! He came home from school for lunch and within a week he was asking if he could stay! Then it all began to change overnight!

He asked me if he could start coming home again for lunch. Not surprised really because my picky son doesn't do well with sandwiches etc so I said ok. Then it started... not sure if it was the arrival of his brother or what but all of a sudden my boy did not want to go to school! He was ok until I went to walk away... then the tears would start and not a little meltdown either. They were so bad I would leave crying for my little boy who I just wanted to take home with me and say he didn't have to go again!

After a couple of months of discussion he began going to school again without incident. I am glad there is no stress now and in recent weeks he even smiles and tells me to leave quickly so he can go and play with his friends!

Then it was homework! I am finding this a nightly struggle with a boy who can't focus long enough to write his line of letters when all he wants to do is play. I know homework is a struggle at any age but sometimes I look at his work and think how crazy that they are doing this stuff at 4 years old now! My little boy has achieved so much this year and I am proud and amazed at what he has achieved! I still often wonder though it they are prepared for all that is expected of them at such a young age.

Do you have a child who has had a hard time with JK and all that was expected of them??

Curves... Not the Right Fit for this Momma



Just after new years I decided I was going to get fit! It wasn't really a resolution, just a need to feel better after baby #2 meant my body didn't snap back the way it did with the first! After much thought I decided to check into Curves as it only takes 30 minutes and there was a location literally 2 min from my house!

The first 2 weeks went so well... but then it began to become increasingly more difficult! It wasn't my dedication to the gym it was time! My husband began having to work increasingly more hours. With no family around I didn't have someone to watch the kiddies for my workout. My Curves was open until 8:30 during the week, until noon on Saturdays and closed on Sunday's! I realized that these hours did not fit my lifestyle at all! I was wasting money and really having no chance to work out enough for the cost.

I really wish that as a gym for women dedicated to fitting our lifestyle that Curves provided some type of childcare. The membership is not a cheap one and for the hours open and lack of childcare just was not a fit for me!

I am hoping that I will be able to find a gym that fits my schedule and needs a little better, it is so hard when things happen that you cannot control. Until then I will strive to do those pilates workouts when my oldest is in school and baby is napping for now!!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

What's in Your Purse??



I always see these what's in your purse video's on YouTube and posts on various blogs. I think about how I used to have my purse packed... full of various beauty products that I may need so stay out together all day!



A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to blogger edition of City Line! I was so excited and spent time making sure that I had myself somewhat put together for first real blogger outing since my 5 month old was born. Once I got to the show I looked in my purse to touch up before the show started. I did find the gloss I had placed in the purse before I left but was there powder etc to be found??? NO

In my purse was 3 hot wheels, 2 action figures and 3 hockey cards! I was prepared keeping my 4 year old (who was in school at the time) busy, but not ready at all to be seen on tv! LOL

Just thought I would share my fun experience of not being prepared with you all, even after trying my best to be ready for my day on the town! LOL

Nancy Power Makeup Artist: Personalized Customer Service a Thing of the Past?...

Nancy Power Makeup Artist: Personalized Customer Service a Thing of the Past?...: "Image by coutorture via Flickr As I get older I realize that great customer service is becoming more and more important to me! At one time &..."

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Oh How Times Have Changed!

Rummaging though my shoe collection I just found it funny so I had to share with you. I am a shoealolic but since having my boys the style has changed!


Before Kids.....



After Kids.....



Monday, March 28, 2011

The Decision Not to Work Outside the Home

When my 1st born was almost one I had to start thinking about going back to work! It was a topic I had avoided and dreaded through out my maternity leave and now I could avoid it no longer.

My husband and I were lucky that it was even a discussion as I know many women just don't have the option. For us it was decided that it was better that I stay at home with my boy which made me excited and scared all at the same time. Expenses were always on my mind but as well I was loosing my identity as a working woman.

After a few months I decided to start working on a freelance basis outside of the home, mostly on weekends so my husband could be at home with my son. It allowed me to not only contribute financially to the household again but also to reconnect a little with my former life as a person working outside of the home.

I started my beauty blog so I could continue to share my passion for beauty while at home with my son. This allowed me to have both things I love without feeling torn which has been amazing. It also forced me to stay in touch with what was happening in the industry which was good for me.

Now with two boys working outside the home has again become more difficult, but I am so thankful that I am at home with my children. Blogging as always has allowed me to remain connected with the outside world. I am home doing what I love while still being able to talk to others about my other passions as well!

How did you feel when faced with the decision of returning to work??

Abercrombie & Fitch Shame on You!

Last week it was reported on Fox News.com that Abercrombie Kids had launched padded bikini tops fitting girls from the age of 8 to 14.... that's right I said padded bikini tops for 8 year olds.

Photo credit Fox News.com

Once the article was released I immediately went to the Abercrombie site and saw that the page had been removed. I thought it was great that they had responded so quickly. Then I was told that they did not remove the product but simply placed them on a different page and no longer included padded in the name. So great now unsuspecting parents will order this for their 8 year old and get a padded top for their child??

Photo credit Styleite.com


I have a niece who falls into the target market for this product and I can't imagine her wearing something like this. I think it is terrible that in a society where children are growing up faster and faster that companies such as Abercrombie are sexualizing our children at such a young age! What happened to telling children that they were too young to dress a certain way??

What are your thoughts on this topic??

Saturday, March 26, 2011

From Makeup Bags to Diaper Bags

It doesn't seem long ago that a train case was what I carried most days... these days it's a diaper bag that is my everyday accessory!



If you know me from my other blog you know that I am a makeup artist by trade which is a job I love very much. However 4 1/2 years ago it quickly became second place to the most important job I have ever had and love even more... being a Mommy!

I now have two little boys, one 4 1/2 and the other is 5 months old. They are the hardest job I have ever had but the most rewarding as well. I have learned a lot so far on my journey and I have had a lot of fun along the way.

I am hoping to share with all of you my experiences as a mommy as well as share with you products etc I love. Even if your not a Mommy yet I hope you can still find some of what I have to say interesting and sometimes even amusing!

Being a Mommy has changed my life so much... and I wouldn't change it for a thing!