Month: August 2021

Summer Recap & Reflections

Post author By Lila
Post date August 30, 2021

green tree — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I had been looking forward to the summer for a very long time; basically the second we went back to work in September, I was already counting down the days. I know that sounds bad; but teaching in a pandemic really sucked.

We had gone into closure in March 2020; and stayed closed for the remainder of the semester at this time we were encouraged to work from home and minimize time spent in the school. We adapted very quickly to online teaching. Then we went back to in-person learning in September 2020 with a ton of restrictions and safety protocols. It was necessary but it was hell for us and for the students. We shifted to online learning for four weeks at the end of November; but we were mandated to be in the school building. As numbers continued to climb we were precariously skirting the line of online learning again… and we ended up having to quarantine, ran out of subs and were forced into closure a week before the province implemented a two week closure and shift to online learning once again.

Needless to say everyone was exhausted. As teachers, we were among the last to get vaccinated… which in itself caused a lot of stress.

You can understand why I was looking forward to summer after the topsy-turvy school year.

My summer started off with me catching up on some much needed sleep and chores and looking after the dog, who had surgery to removed a few hygromas on his elbow. I was looking forward to spending lots of time in the garden and breaking in my new greenhouse. And of course, reading! We planned a camping trip so we could do a little fly-fishing and I could “nerd out” at a few historic sites in the area. I managed to catch a fish and almost make it to the historic, Fort MacLeod… but eleven days into my summer; I fell and broke my ankle and required emergency surgery. It ended our camping trip immediately.

So, my summer has consisted of sitting on the couch, watching the Olympics, reading Wilbur Smith novels, prepping materials for the upcoming school year and doctors appointments.

BUT… I have been so incredibly touched by the love and care that my family and friends have given to me. They have looked after me and the dog, got groceries, did the chores I couldn’t do, driven me to appointments and so much more! I am so lucky to have the family and friends that I have. I don’t know how I will ever be able to repay them!

Fashion

The Perfect Jeans

Post author By Lila
Post date August 27, 2021

Finding jeans is super frustrating for me! I am short; 5’2″ and I have wide hips and thighs. I guess you would classify me as “pear shaped.” I was on the hunt for new jeans, so I did quite a but of research online and spent A LOT of time trying on different rises, fits and washes. This is what I discovered…

Rise
A mid or high rise looks the best.
These rises help to smooth out the mid-section and make you look more slender and they tend to work with a variety of top lengths.
Low rise is a NO-GO!

Fit
Bootcut, flared and skinny are the best.
Theses fits are comfortable, create very flattering silhouettes; however, it is really important to make sure you get the proper inseam when selecting a flared fit! Having a variety of fits in your closet allows you flexibility when choosing tops and footwear.
Boyfriend and straight-leg are NO GOs!

Wash
There are no limitations when it comes to wash. I tend to choose dark wash jeans because I like the further slimming effect. And, also darker washes are more professional in the work place, the lighter the wash the more casual they seem.

Ripped jeans… those are a NO GO for me; I can’t get away with wearing them at work and on the weekends I’m rocking yoga pants!

My all time favourite jeans are the…

Democracy “Ab” Solution High Rise Jeggings from Ricki’s

In a close second are the..

Dark Wash Baby Boot Jeans from Warehouse One

Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Post author By Lila
Post date August 25, 2021

I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.

What about you?

Food & Drink

Meals In A Hurry

Post author By Lila
Post date August 23, 2021

flat lay photography of three tray of foods — Photo by Ella Olsson on Pexels.com

September is an extremely busy month for us; I go back to school and the seasonal business that I run with my husband kicks into high gear. There isn’t a lot of down time for us and every spare second we manage to get, all we want to do is REST — the last thing we both want to do is spend that precious time cooking.

I own pretty much every cookbook under the sun that is dedicated to, “meals in hurry” or “dinner in 15.” I used to spend the last week of August making a bunch of freezer meals for us to pull out –but I usually end up forgetting to take them out. We don’t have any fast food restaurants nearby, because we live in the “country,” which is probably a good thing because to be honest, we’d probably just eat McDonald’s everyday otherwise. Unfortunately, we live so far out, that subscription services like Hello Fresh aren’t available.Our pantry/fridge/freezer is usually stocked up with convenience foods like Kraft Dinner or Lean Cuisine. But, those things are not great to eat all the time.

Costco has been a lifesaver because of their ready made meals! These make our lives SOOOOOOOO much easier and our diets much better during the busy season. I grab a ready made entree, a salad or vegetables from the produce section and we are set!

Our favourite go to meals include…

-Souvlaki Porkchops & Greek Salad (I add a side of Minute Rice)
-Stuffed Salmon (I add sauteed asparagus to the side)
-Shepard’s Pie (I add a salad on the side)
-Donair/Gyro Kit
-Chicken Pot Pie (I add a salad on the side)
-Stuffed Chicken with Asparagus, Spinach & Feta (I add a side of Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes)
-Stuffed Peppers
-Marinated Chicken Drumsticks & Quinoa Salad
-Lobster Alfredo (I add a salad on the side)

The ready made meals are delicious, affordable and fast. I come home from work and put the entree in the oven, do some chores/work, then the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time I prep the side if needed. Then we scarf it down and keep working.

I highly recommend them!!

Fashion

Dress Like…

Post author By Lila
Post date August 20, 2021

Jane Austen!

I realize that this talented English novelist lived during the Regency Period when George IV sat on the English throne in place of his infirm father; however, since she is my all time favourite author I thought I’d do a modern spin on what she would have worn.

Dress: Ditsy Floral Ruffle Trim Belted A-Line in navy blue from Shein
Shoes: Vera Dress Sandal in “barely creme leather” from Nautralizer
Purse: Faux Pearl Decor Tweed Satchel Bag from Shein
Jewellery: Jane Austen Replica Turqouise Ring and
Jane Austen Turquoise Pendant Necklace and
Jane Austen Turqouise Studs from the Jane Austen Center Gift Shop

Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Post author By Lila
Post date August 18, 2021

What about you?

Food & Drink

Best Boxed… Instant Sides

Post author By Lila
Post date August 16, 2021

I spent the morning putting in a grocery order for my husband to pick up for me since I am still laid up from my accident and surgery. As I perused the aisles via my keyboard, I noticed I was adding a lot of “boxed” items to my cart and from that mundane experience comes this post… the second in my series of: the best boxed items.

Best Boxed Instant Sides

First Place
Kraft Dinner Extra Creamy

Second Place
Rice-A-Roni Spanish Rice Mix

Third Place
Knorr Creamy Parmesan Pasta Sidekick

Fourth Place
Betty Crocker Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Fifth Place
Idahoan Butter and Herb Mashed Potatoes

*Based on flavour, texture, ease of preparation, success & cost
*Consult labels for nutrition information and dietary concerns

Fashion

5 Best Signet Rings

Post author By Lila
Post date August 13, 2021

Lately, I have fallen down the Instagram rabbit hole viewing and following jewellery designers, such as Bryan Anthony’s, Awe Inspired and Mejuri. A trend I am so loving right now is the signet ring. Although these rings historically were used to mark and seal documents by pressing the face which were marked with a unique family crest, into hot wax they have become all the rage now. They add sophistication to your outfit.

These are my top five favourites…

I Am Enough Signet Ring from Bryan Anthony’s
Never Lost Signet Ring from Bryan Anthony’s
Athena Signet Ring from Awe Inspired
Cleopatra Signet Ring from Awe Inspired
Slim Signet Ring from Mejuri

Writing Prompt Wednesdays

Writing Prompt Wednesday

Post author By Lila
Post date August 11, 2021

What about you?

Food & Drink

Summertime Berry Crumble Bar Recipe

Post author By Lila
Post date August 9, 2021

We harvested some berries from our orchard over the weekend; so I whipped up some muffins, a few loaves and my most favourite berry crumble.

Ingredients…

For the base & topping
1 cup Sugar
1 tsp Baking Powder
3 cups AP Flour
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Margarine or Butter (unsalted)
1 Egg
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the filling
1 cup Saskatoon Berries
1 cup Raspberries
1 cup Blueberries
1 cup Strawberries
1/2 cup Rhubarb
1/2 cup Sugar
4 tsp Cornstarch
1 & 1/2 tbsp Lemon Juice
1 & 1/2 tbsp Lime Juice

Directions…

For the base & topping
1. Mix sugar, baking powder, flour and salt together in a large bowl
2. Add margarine, egg and vanilla to the dry ingredients; mix until it has the consistency of a crumbly dough
3. Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan
4. Take HALF of the dough and add to the baking pan (press evenly)

For the filling
1. Mix the berries, sugar, cornstarch and juices together
2. Spread the filling over the crust in the baking pan
3. Use the remaining dough to crumble it over the filling

Bake for 40 minutes at 375F until the topping is golden brown.
*Wait until cooled before cutting
*Perhaps most importantly: SERVE WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM