Friday Fab 5 - Mom Life

Hello lovelies, I've been missing these Friday Link Ups - so glad to be back!  Let's play a little catch up with 5 things happening lately in my so called #momlife.

 

1. Mommy & Daughter time.  Normally I'm the one behind the lens capturing the precious moments, but Nicholas got this one of Sophie's first shoulder ride.  Clearly she was loving it, (and my hair).  This my friends, is why moms wear top knots on the regular.

 

2. Daddy Daughter Time.  I'm back behind the lens, and here I'm capturing swim lessons from daddy (she's yet to realize daddy can't swim).  Look at our little sea otter go :)

 

3. Supporting Local.  I was in Vancouver on Tuesday, so I stopped by one of my favorite Vancity companies - Earnest Ice Cream.  This place makes the most amazing vegan, gluten free ice cream in the city.  I had a scoop of Strawberry Basil - and a pint of London Fog to go (that Nicholas attacked at home).  So good!



 

3. Im a Sexy Mom?!  I happen to me in a moms group on facebook - and I recently got contacted and asked if I'd like to represent the hottest new moms that live in the neighboring cities of Vancouver.  This was pretty exciting, that people actually thought of me like that - and wanted me to represent on behalf of our city.  So I took a few swimsuit selfies, and then I was like - I have a new mom bod :(  I work out 5 days a week, with high intensity workouts - yet sometimes it seems like the results just aren't there.  Especially knowing I'm going to Maui in 2 months - and my body is far from beach ready in my eyes.  Why does cellulite have to be so stubborn!! However, I did just give birth a few months ago, and I'm so determined for results - I just can't lose focus.  In the meantime, despite those moments where I may question my beach bod - it's great to know that others think I'm one of the sexiest new mommas in the city.  Here I brave my current beach body (don't mind the horrible tan lines - apparently my sun block had expired and let me burn).

4. Sophie's first tooth is coming in!!! You may not be able to see much of it - but if you look closely, you can see her bottom tooth popping up.  Soon I will no longer have those precious toothless smile pictures.

5. Because Mommy Drinks.  And since Sophie has her first tooth coming it, she's a little fussier than usual.  Luckilly, she still sleeps through the night completely fine - but sometimes during the day/evening she's a little extra fussy.  So mommy found herself a new wine, that makes those fussy moments a little easier to deal with :)

 

Friday Fab 5 - June

1. Fave Purchase This Week - My Balcony Has Furniture!!!

We have lived in our condo for 9 months, however - we have had NO furniture what so ever on our patio.  What did we have - a fancy tropical tree from IKEA that seemed to die more and more each day.  A stack of studded winter Honda tires (no idea why as Vancouver gets like no snow).  An untouched charcoal BBQ (Nick and I cant BBQ), cases of water from Costco and Christmas lights running wild around my rail.  My balcony was in need of a serious makeover.  It seems like everyone and anyone had been working on their patio recently, and I was determined to start styling mine - especially with summer practically here.  So long dead IKEA tree, and hello new patio furniture!  Its starting to feel a lot more like summer on our balcony.  Ill definitely be spending many mornings sipping on coffee there with Sophie, or summer evenings with Nicholas with a tall glass of cold beer or wine.

2. Fave Local Beers.  Ones Dark, Ones Light - Both are strong.  Just the way I like them :)

3. Fave Story to Share - Sophies 3rd Diaper Explosion. **Warning - This Involves a Poo Story**

Sophie is just shy of 6 months now, and luckily to date, we have only had her diaper explode 3 times.  The first was at Christmas - at my aunts - where we learned the importance of packing extra clothes.  The second, I honestly don't remember.  This week, the third happened - and this one was epic.  It was just another regular morning - Sophie was in her Jolly Jumper, and momma was having her coffee and doing some school work.  Then, I started to hear the poo face groans.  Normally, she goes off and on for the course of a few mins before she's done - so I figured Id wait a few mins before getting up to change her diaper.  Fast forward 3 mins later.

So three minutes have passed, and I look up to see poo everywhere.  Down her legs, in between her baby toes, and all over the carpet (with Sophie just jumping all over it and mighty happy to be bouncing n her poo).  I didn't know what to do.  I knew I had to get her out of there asap - and try not to get poo anywhere else in the process.  I threw down a blanket and took off Sophies poo covered onesie and diaper - and carried her into the shower with me to get all that sticky poo off her legs and feet.  Its amazing what can happen in 3 minutes of time.

Once Sophie was cleaned off, and I got the laundry going - I then realized I need to scrub poo out of the carpet.  Scrubbing poo out of the carpet, was never on my #momlife mind.  Luckily, I have a Bissel Little Green Steam Machine - with carpet cleaner that removes pet stains.  Even though we have no pets - I was pretty sure that poo falls in the category of pet stains.  I quickly poured a whole lot of solution on the mess, and let it soak about 30 mins before scrubbing it out with the machine.

I'm glad to say my carpets are good as new, and the laundry came out with no stains.  The joys of momlife :)

4. Fave DIY I completed - Custom IKEA Picture Frames.

I have a whole lot of Ikea picture frames that have been hidden in my closet waiting to be recycled.  I just wasn't feeling the overwhelming amount of sun faded white in them.  However, I had been looking around everywhere for some fun picture frames to put up in Sophies room - filled with inspirational quotes.  I hadn't been able to find any in the color patterns I wanted - and then it hit me - I'll paint my own!  I just started this project yesterday, and I have 3 frames to do.  I cant wait to finish these!  Ill have the completed project up on the blog eventually too :)

5. Fave Moment with Sophie - Sophie's First Meal!

This was actually a toss up.  Sophie has slept 8-9 hours every night for the past week, and as much as I am so glad to have sleep again, feeding Sophie her first baby food was definitely my highlight with her this week.  Nick and I were going back and forth with when we should start feeding her, and since her high chair arrived in the mail this week - we decided why not.  Nicholas & I decided to feed her a mixture of mango and yams (which I pureed and made myself).  We harnessed Sophie in her high chair, and Nick attempted to feed her as I filmed.  She kind of took to it, and took about 3 spoonful's, but she gave us that look like what are you guys doing to me, this isn't milk.  We will gradually start introducing this to her, and try a new food every 5 days.  I'm already thinking avocado and peaches as her next mixture.  I think Ill be making her baby food from scratch, as that way I can ensure Sophie is eating as healthy as possible.

Friday Fab Five - Hello May!

Its Friday link up time!  Linking up with Amanda and Karli.  This Friday Fab 5 post is all about 5 things I'm looking forward to this May.

 

1. CINCO DE MAYO!  We decided to have a few friends over to visit Sophie this Sunday for a pre Cinco De Mayo celebration.  Last year I was pregnant, so I missed out on the boozy and ceviche fun - so this year I'm making up for lost time.  Below are some Pinterest inspired ideas I plan on making - all can be found on my pinterest page incase you want recipes.

 Spanish Sangria/Watermelon & Lime Margarita Popsicles

 

Shrimp Tacos/Ceviche Cups/Mexican Chili Fudge Bites/Cowboy Caviar Cups/Layered Dip Cups

 

2. Family Visits to the States!  We applied for Sophies passport about a month ago, and they called earlier this week to confirm its on its way!  How I've missed visits to the outlets, Trader Joes and Seattle Public Market.  If Sophie is up for it, we will definitely venture over to The Crab Pot Seattle.  I've never been, and have always wanted a mallet/bib and abundance of seafood to smash and eat.

 

 

3. Mothers Day!  My first mothers day as a mother - so obviously looking forward to this.

 

 

4. I'm Going Back to School!  In Canada we get 1 year paid maternity leave - so I'm taking advantage of my time off and enrolled in a part time course for a diploma in Digital Marketing and Social Media. It will be a great contribution to my already awesome resume :)

 

 

5. My Birthday!  Last year was my 30th birthday, and I arranged a brunch with my closest friends at Yew in Vancouver (my absolute fave resto ever) and booked their amazing private wine room.  I was 12 weeks pregnant then, and at my birthday brunch I announced my pregnancy.  It was truly a wonderful day, and I'm sure this one will be also - with champagne this time :)

 







Friday Fab Five - 5 Loves This Week

FriYay!  For this Friday Fab 5, its all about things I've been loving this week.

 

 

1. Sophie turned 4 months on Tuesday!  We introduced a new toy to her (that she wants to eat of course).  She's also doing her best at attempting to crawl.  She's constantly rolling onto her tummy and her legs are ready to go, just her arms and legs aren't in sync to move yet.  She can't sit on her own yet, but I have a feeling that the day is coming, as she can sit when leaning back on something just fine.  We also finally switched up those small bottles to the big ones.

 

 

2. THERE IS A SRIRACHA BEER!!!!  I am beyond obsessed with sriracha sauce and I cant believe there is a sriracha stout beer out there.  I just found out about it yesterday, so I'm on the hunt for it this weekend.  This is going to be so rewarding after a hard workout.

 

3. This has been my weekly go to meal once a day as its so easy to make, and keeps well enough for leftovers the next day - so I only have to make it every 2 days :)  What's even better is Nicholas cant get enough of it either - and its full on vegan.  I had no idea my husband could love something so much that has no meat.  Its beyond simple to make and full of clean eat goodies.  Fresh figs, roasted yams, roasted leeks, wilted kale and quinoa.  I top mine with hemp hearts, flax & chia seeds and a little bit of lemon juice.

 

4. We've been embracing our weekly homemade mini pizza nights.  This week we made 1 with hoisin sauce, ricotta, sautéed red onion & spinach, turkey breast, figs & cheddar.  We also made a tomato based one with turkey breast, pickled jalapeños & banana peppers, pineapple, sautéed red onions and cheddar.  Of course every hot beer needs a cold craft beer to wash it down.

5. I'm on the hunt for an entryway table.  Sophie and I are going to my favorite home accent store later today in hopes that they will have one.  Here's hoping we find something similar to these ones I found on pinterest.

Happy weekend lovelies!

Five Amazingly Delish & Simple Easter Dinner Sides

So I missed the whole five on Friday link up - again.  But better late than never - so here's five on Saturday!

Easter Dinner is tomorrow, and whether you are hosting a large dinner, having a small one with a loved one, or attending a dinner and needing to bring a side dish - I thought Id share some of my fave dishes I make up for those Easter dinner meals.  All of these dishes are vegetarian, gluten free and most of them have cheese :)

1) Flash Fried Brussels Sprouts with Capers & Parmesan.

 

What You Will Need:
1 lbs Brussels Sprouts
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 1/2 tbsp Capers, drained
1 oz Lemon Juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes
Salt to Taste

Serves 4

Method
Wash sprouts and remove any dead or browning leaves.  Quarter large sprouts and halve smaller sprouts.  Ensure the Brussels Sprouts are completely dry.  Heat up skillet on medium high with olive oil (make sure you add enough so it lightly coats entire bottom of skillet). Cover and turn once after 1 min (should be golden brown).  Cook 1 more min and remove from heat.  Remove the sprouts from the skillet with a tong or spatula that wont carry the excess oil.  Place into a small bowl, adding capers, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, chilli flakes and salt.

2) Jalapeño Glazed Carrots

What You Will Need
½ bunch each Heirloom Carrots (many varieties and colors), peeled & cut in half lengthwise
½ Red Jalapeño, seeded and minced
3 tbsp Jalapeño Syrup (recipe below)
1 tsp chopped dill
1 tsp whole butter
Salt To Taste

Serves 2-3

Method
In a pot, bring cold water, peeled cleaned carrots and a touch of salt to a boil. Once at a boil, lower the heat and cook until the carrots are tender. Next, strain the carrots from the water. Sauté the carrots in a pan with a little olive oil and salt.  Add the jalapeños and cook slightly. Deglaze the carrots with the jalapeno syrup. Reduce slightly then shut off the heat. Add the butter and dill. Serve & enjoy!

Jalapeño Simple Syrup
5 Jalapeños
4 cups Sugar
5 cups Water
Puree jalapeños with 1 cup of water in a small blender. Strain into a pot. Add sugar and the remainder of the water. Bring to a boil then simmer. Simmer the liquid until it reduces by 1/4 then let cool.

3) Roasted Yam and Leek Salad with Feta & Green Onions

What You Will Need
4 Yams, peeled, cut into 1 inch dices
2 Large Leeks, cleaned cut into 1 inch dices
1/6 cup Olive Oil
6 Fresh Sage Leaves, washed and chopped finely
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Green Onions chopped finely
1/2 cup crumbled Feta

Serves 4

Method
Preheat Oven to 400.  Combine yams, leeks, sage, olive oil & seasoning in a large bowl, until evenly mixed.  Spread out mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet, and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the leeks are caramelized and the yams are cooked through. Stir every 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, and transfer to a large bowl.  Add Feta and Green Onions.

4) Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sriracha & Blue Cheese

What You Will Need
3 Large Sweet Potatoes
1/2 Cup Buttermilk
4 Tbsp butter
1/6 cup Blue Cheese
1/6 cup Sriracha Sauce
Fresh Parsley/Basil or Chives to garnish (any will work)

Serves 4

 

Method

Peel potatoes and rinse under cold water. Cut each potato into quarters and place in a large saucepan. Add water and bring to boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium low.  Cook until potatoes are tender and easily pierced with fork, about 15-17 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat buttermilk and butter together in small saucepan over medium heat until butter has melted and mixture is hot but not boiling.

Drain potatoes once cooked, and stir in buttermilk and butter mixture and mash with potato masher.  Stir in 1/2 of the crumbled blue cheese and all of the sriracha sauce.  Transfer to a bowl and garnish with left over blue cheese and fresh herbs.

5) Watermelon & Feta Salad

What You Will Need
1 Mini Seedless Watermelon
1 Cup Fresh Mint Leaves Cut Finely
2 Cups Crumbled Feta
1 1/2 Cups Honey
2/3 Cups Lime Juice
2 Teaspoons Salt

Method
Cut watermelon away from rind and into 1 inch cubes.  Remove any seeds, and place cubes in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and salt.  Pour honey mixture over watermelon cubes.  Add mint leaves and crumbled feta and lightly toss together.

Friday Fab 5 - 6 Months Married and My Husband Eats Weird

Its Friday!!!! My bracket is doing alright, its the first day of spring, the 20th anniversary of Friday, and most of all Nicholas and I have been married for 6 months today!  Yay for being half way through our first amazing year!  For this 5 on Friday post, I thought I'd share some things about my wonderful husband - his weird eating habits.  I've grown to love them but still make fun of him in that loving wife kind of way.  Thought I'd share incase any of you can relate to them.  And happy 6 months Nicholas.  I love you xoxo.

1.  Breakfast.
For breakfast, it must always involve eggs.  Seriously.  He buys Starbucks sandwiches every day during the week before heading to work - and on the weekends we have eggs/avocado/salmon scrambles.  But here is the weird part.  If its a Starbucks breakfast - he will drink the entire coffee before even touching the sandwich.  If its breakfast at home, he wont even touch the sandwich until the coffee is ready.  Both must be served together.  And if we are out and about having brunch - he will load up his egg sandwich to also include peanut butter and jelly.  And if what he orders isn't an actual sandwich (omelette/frittata/scramble) he will ask for 8 pieces of toast to make sandwiches.  Yes he consumes 4 breakfast sandwiches.  Above is his breakfast from the day after our wedding.  A wonderful seafood/caviar frittata that he gladly made into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

2. Pasta.
I've never in my life met anyone who only eats specific pasta noodles - except for Nicholas.  This guy will eat fettuccini noodles - but not spaghetti noodles.  Like really.  We have a whole bunch of spaghetti packaged noodles that I try to sneak in when I cook pasta at home but it never works.  He's managed to become used to whole wheat or gluten free pasta without complaints - but somehow those long skinny noodles just don't work.  However, there is this one pasta restaurant we used to frequent before Sophie came along for $10 Tuesday pasta nights.  All of their $20 something pastas were only $10, plus they have an awesome patio.  Anyways, Nicholas lost a bet and his punishment was that he had to order Spaghetti and meatballs.  Oh the horror!!!  And let me tell you, if I actually ate meat, I would be ordering this as its made with kobe meat, truffles and herbed ricotta,  Anyways, he ordered it - ad loved it.  I guess there are exceptions to every rule - even if he wont let me cook it at home.  Above is the only spaghetti and meatballs he will eat.

3. Raisin Bread.
This is Nicks answer to everything snacks.  Well it was.  Until he discovered cinnamon raisin bagels with cinnamon cream cheese.  When Nicks hungry in between meals, this is the only answer. No cheese and crackers, no popcorn, no fruit/veggies or chips and salsa.  Can Costco please start selling both of these - as hubby goes through a bag on the regular.

4. Chicken Wings.
Ok well this one isn't so weird - because I fall into the same group of "I prefer one over the other", but just the opposite.  I'm a lover of the wingette, he's a lover of the drumette.  It works perfectly for us as all the wings get eaten.  I'm glad my husband is a drumette guy, as I wouldn't want him stealing all my wingettes!

5. Dessert.
Seriously, who doesn't love dessert!  I mean - there is a dessert for everyone right? Tuxedo cake, key lime pie, cheesecake... Well this guy must have had some pretty nasty desserts in the past to never want them.  Its not like he diets (you read he eats 4 breakfast sandwiches and eats bagels all day right).  Well luckily when he met me, I started showing him how amazing dessert can be.  And now he's starting to come around, and indulge in desserts with me.

I gotta say, I didn't even remind my hubby it was our 6 month mark today, and he came in the door with flowers, wine and chocolate.  He knows me so well.  Happy Friday darlings, hope you have an amazing weekend!

Friday Fab Five - Spring Forward

Hello Darlings!  I literally forgot it was spring forward this weekend until twitter reminded me this morning.  Yay for an extra hour of sun!

1. Morning workouts.  Got me some new gear this week!   I kinda stretched out my other pants while pregnant, and needed some new ones - so purchased these gray ombre performance ones from Calvin. Super comfy!  Also got a new teal Adidas sports bra & mat for all my stretches/crunches/planks.

 

2. Drinking - Citrus Creations.  It may be the fact that springtime is about to commence, but I am obsessed with everything citrus in my liquids right now.  Detox waters throughout the day and of course a flavorful boozy concoction at night.  I discovered this sparkling grapefruit sangria on pinterest the other day and its calling my name.  Ill definitely be making this soon.  Also, lime & mint ice cubes.  Why did I not think of this sooner!  At least I discovered them before patio season :)

3. Eating - everything avocado & zucchini.  Zucchini ribbon salad is one of my go to salads when I'm looking to make something quick and delish.  Grate some zucchini slices, add some avocado and a little goat cheese or feta with some pine nuts, olive oil & seasoning and you're good to go.  I also saw these roasted zucchini parmesan sticks on pinterest that I'm definitely making this weekend.  And the best thing that caught my eye this week on pinterest are these mini key lime pies made with avocado.  Like seriously!!!  Key lime pie has got to be one of my fave desserts, and the fact that there is a healthier version out there made with avocados - sold!

4. Purchases.  I got a little bit of retail therapy this weekend - and these were my fave finds!  I picked up a few trays for those breakfast in bed (or Netflix snack night) kinda days.  I picked up this new bowl for our kitchen counter top to hold all of my fruit.  I'm absolutely loving the bright yellow and thatched pattern.  Lastly - my fave purchase has got to be this super cute headband for Sophie!  Its a little bit big on her, but I just love the colors.

 

5. Home Projects - Sophia's Room.  The 2 images on the left are currently what we have for wall décor in our little ones room.  There is still 1 empty wall that I've been meaning to decorate, so I've been looking on Etsy for some surf/beach décor to finish the job.  I'm thinking I might just get that cute little surfboard wall shelf/rack and the surf board growth chart decal!  Both are available in custom colors, so we will probably go with our current theme of light blue, white and maybe throw in a splash of a bright yellow or tangerine.

 

Happy Friday everyone!

Friday Fab 5 - Foodporn

Its a Foodie Friday up in here!  I'm seriously becoming one of those housewives that wants to cook up amazing meals all day long thanks to all the foodporn I see on pinterest.  Here's 5 things I plan on cooking up this weekend as I embrace my inner foodie.

1. Mayan Dark Chocolate Pudding with Salted Caramel Pistachios.  I'm actually thinking of making extra salted caramel pistachios and putting them on everything from my morning greek yogurt - to my gelato at night.

 

2. Baked Chipotle Sweet Potato & Zucchini Fritters.  These are super healthy, and I'm all about those clean eats. 

 

3. Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins.  These I'm probably looking forward to making the most as they are super quick and easy and who doesn't love potato skins - especially a loaded healthier version with spice!

 

4. Oven Baked Potato Wedges with Parmesan and Parsley.  I love how ridiculously simple this is.  Although, Ill probably switch it to cilantro instead of parsley since I have so much stacked in my kitchen I got to use up.

 

5. Thai Green Curry Turkey and Zucchini Meatloaf in a Coconut Milk Green Curry Sauce.  I'm sure we will eat the meatloaf on its own - but I'm actually super excited to turn the leftovers into a grilled cheese sandwich.  This one I know Nicholas will love.

 

Happy Friday Darlings!

 

Friday Fab Five - Summer Daze

Ocean breeze, patio drinks, boating, seawall strolls, barbeques... how I miss you!  For this Friday fab 5, I'm dedicating it to my 5 favorite things to do in Vancity, once the weather turns up.

1. Seawall Strolls - The Vancouver seawall is 22km (13.7 miles) of pure ocean bliss.  This is where every outdoorsy Vancouverite usually flocks to on a sunny weekend for a walk/jog/cycle/skate.  I feel like the seawall will always have my heart, as I've spent my whole life absorbing its beauty.  This is the place to catch gorgeous sunsets, stop at random beaches or patios along the way, or watch the city lights and mountain backdrops.  I cant wait to pack up that baby stroller and introduce Sophia to this Vancouver gem soon :)

 

 

2. Vancouver Daycation at Lighthouse Park!  This might be different now that we have Sophie, but Ill just slap that baby Bjorn carrier on daddy, as we spend the day hiking and soaking up the sun.

 

 

3. Barbeques!!!! Whether at a friends house for a pool party, or a bbq at the beach - this is something I miss all year round!

 

 

4. Sunny Patio Drinks.  Nothing beats patio relaxation in the summer - preferably by the water.  This is a must have for me after a day of activities.  Cold beer, white wine or sangria and I'm in heaven.

 

5. Summertime Events - Whether its the watching the sensational fireworks at the Celebration of Light, indulging in fancy grilled cheese sandwiches & mint lemonade at the weekend Food Truck Festival, catching a Caps game, dancing the day away in the beer garden at Caribbean Days or Latin Days, and everything in between - there is always an event happening every weekend.  It's the perfect place to meet up with friends, and soak up what the city has to offer.

 

 

Happy Friday darlings!!