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.
Categories
Design Challenge: Guest Bedroom #3
Pre-pandemic I loved entertaining and having people stay over at our house; it is important that I create a cozy and comfortable space to make my guests feel at home. When we moved into our forever home the decor in our guestrooms stayed pretty much the same as it had under the previous owners (in-laws). I can’t wait till the restrictions are lifted and I can have friends and family over to enjoy the new space I have created for them.
Paint: Coventry Grey (HC-169) for the accent wall (behind ‘headboard’) from Benjamin Moore
Crème Fraiche (2023-70) for the other walls from Benjamin Moore
Bed: BJÖRKSNÄS bed frame with eidfjord mattress base in birch from Ikea
Linens: Puderviva duvet and pillow cases in light yellow from Ikea
Decor: Calypso Vase set in teal from Zgallerie
Art: Dandelion & Quote wall sticker from Urban Artwork
Mirror: Ikornnes standing mirror in ash from Ikea
Bedside Table: Nesna nightstand from Ikea
Lamp: Holmö floor lamp from Ikea
Categories
Migraine Hell
This blog post was originally supposed to be about something fun and lighthearted but just before I sat down to write, I started getting the warning signs of a migraine. I know that of all the medical afflictions out there, migraines are modicum in comparison. I have been suffering from migraines since age eleven; in fact I still vividly remember my first one. It was excruciating and they continue to be to this day. I know there is some debate over whether or not migraines are hereditary…in my case I honestly believe it to be true; both my mother and father suffered from them. In addition, I fully acknowledge that there are lifestyle and other factors that come into play like food, alcohol, sleep patterns, stress, hormones, environment, etc.
For anyone who has not experienced a migraine, I envy you. And, in case you are unfamiliar, migraines are as complex as they are painful; they have four stages which include: prodrome, aura, headache and postdrome.
Prodrome — For me my warning signs of impending migraine are mood swings (I go from weepy to happy with little rhyme or reason), food cravings (for fast food in particular a greasy cheeseburger from McDonald’s), neck stiffness, thirst and increased urination.
Aura — Perhaps the oddest feeling and hardest to explain to other people. For me I lump this in as part of the prodrome since it starts before the headache; before the pain. My auras are flashes of light; I liken it to driving during an intense snowfall at night.
Headache — Migraines can last from anywhere from four to 72 hours. For some people they can be rare occurrences but for me at my worst point they occurred several times a month. With my migraines I have experienced pain on only one side of my head as well as on both sides of my head. The pain is throbbing, even pulsating. During this stage I am super sensitive to light, sounds and occasionally smells. I suffer from bad nausea during the headache; and of course the vomiting makes the headache even more painful. The aura will sometimes subside but usually when it does, it is replaced with blurry vision.
Postdrome — This is the light at the end of the tunnel portion of the whole ordeal. At this point in time I am utterly drained, sometimes confused and still fairly sensitive to light and sound. I’m back to feeling like myself the next day.
I know it probably seems silly to blog about a “headache,” but they majorly affect my life. After being hospitalized numerous times for migraines during my mid twenties; I knew I had to try and get a handle on this condition and trust me, it took a long time. Maybe in sharing, I can help bring some relief to other sufferers; keeping in mind that I am NOT a doctor, so please consult yours! Some of the things I have found successful include…
1. Maxalt (aka Rizatriptan)
This is the prescription medication I have been using for years. However, it is only effective when I take it as soon as the headache begins. According to my physician, this triptan works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain. It reduces not only the pain but also the nausea.
2. Lifestyle Adjustment/Avoiding Triggers
I spent many years figuring out what my triggers were and the thresholds; tomatoes, processed meats, red wines (even the smell) and chocolate especially get me; although there are others. Drinking more water has helped. A student of mine a few years ago who suffered greatly from migraines told me about Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s book Eat Right For Your Blood Type.
This book helped me make different dietary choices and I found that a lot of the food that was labelled as ‘AVOID’ for my blood type; were actually on my triggers list. Despite cutting out those foods and making better/different lifestyle choices, my migraines do still persist however, but it has allowed me to reduce their frequency and intensity and take back some control over my life.
3. Listening To My Body
When I get busy or stressed I forget to stop and check in with myself; I forget to listen to my body. Unfortunately, there have been times when I have run out of my prescription as well. Making sure I am cognizant of the warning signs from my prodrome and then taking immediately actions can make the difference between a shorter less intense migraine or a debilitating one. I have over the years had to keep migraine journals to help me track and pay attention to my body.
4. Acupuncture & Chiropractics
I did a lot of research about alternative ways to treat my migraines because I was afraid that the more I relied on my Maxalt the less effective it might become and then where would I be? I found several scientific articles that highlighted the benefits of chiropractic care in reducing the body’s reaction to stress and since stress can be a cause of migraines it was worth a shot.
I found when I was going regularly to the chiropractor I experienced less migraines. It was actually my chiropractor who introduced me to acupuncture; which helped to reduce my migraines even more. Unfortunately, since my move to the country I have had a hard time sticking to my regime of acupuncture and chiropractics and therefore have had more migraines; so I’ll be jumping back on that bandwagon.
5. Mint Oil
My acupuncturist introduced this to me. Whenever I get a migraine I put a little dab wherever the pain is, then where my maxillary and ethmoidal sinuses are. My husband knows I have a migraine when the mint oil comes out; they have become synonymous with each other.
6. Lights Out
If I am at home I usually retreat to the darkness of my bedroom and sometimes I wear my sunglasses in the house if it isn’t dark enough; which I am sure my husband finds ridiculous, funny but ridiculous.
7. Sleep
The best thing for me is to try and sleep through the whole ordeal, if that’s possible, sometimes the pain keeps me awake. When I get a migraine at work; sleeping is impossible of course.
8. Coffee & Tylenol
In a panic, when I am out of my Maxalt or unable to get to it in time a cup of black coffee and two extra strength Tylenol can take the edge off, if it is early enough in the headache. Why does coffee help? Well, it helps to narrow blood vessels. According to the National Headache Foundation, “when caffeine is added to the combination of acetaminophen and aspirin, the pain relieving effect is increased by 40%.”
Categories
So You Wanna Plan A Girl’s Trip???
The ongoing pandemic has us all thinking about “WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO WHEN THINGS GO BACK TO NORMAL?” I think travel is high on the list of so many! Both my best friend and I love to travel, if that wasn’t evident already. We don’t often get the opportunity to travel together, but when we do, we do it up right! Most of our adventures have been in our own backyards; locally, since Alberta or British Columbia and Canada in general have so much to offer for the would-be tourist.
In recent years it has been harder for the two of us to escape for a getaway; whether it was because she was busy finishing her PhD or because once she finished I went back to school to get my Masters; or whether it was because she moved 2 hours away and I got married or because we both were house-poor; leaving little in the piggy bank to spend on a vacation.
Our schedules have become pretty much opposite; as a teacher I don’t have the flexibility to travel throughout the year and when I can it is usually at peak times and VERY expensive. And as an award winning event planner, summer is her crazy busy season.
A couple years ago we decided we were due for an epic adventure and figured I would share our planning process. We both are in our element when we plan.
Step 1: Budget
Both of us can be very frugal in our everyday lives; however there are a few things where we are both willing to break the bank a little on; good food, hobbies and vacations. It is really important that you and your girlfriends agree on budget well in advance and keep in mind that vacations are notorious for added costs such as insurance, rentals, food, last minute excursions, souvenirs, etc.
Step 2: Coordinate Schedules
This sometimes is the longest part of the whole process. For me, I am limited to long weekends, spring break and July and August. My husband works away a week at a time, so it is easier for me to go on trips with my bestie when he is home to look after our menagerie of animals; however that cuts down on our time together. Her schedule varies year to year. She is constantly busy meeting with clients, planning, sourcing decor from vendors, coordinating during the lead up to the weddings themselves. Then of course there is the actual wedding days! Now with the addition of her own puppy, she has to figure out puppy care as well. Sometimes it feels like the ideal time in our schedules comes up once in a Blue Moon; but perhaps I am being dramatic.
Step 3: Type of Vacation
Do you want an all-inclusive experience? What kind of pace are you comfortable with? Are you seeking the adventure of a lifetime? Do you want to do a culinary tour? The possibilities are endless. We aren’t exactly fond of laying on the beach, don’t get us wrong it’s nice every once and a while but we want to get out and discover a new locale. We want to feel like we are getting the best bang for our buck; you can read ‘cheap’ into this if you wish.
Step 4: Pick a Location
In the past we toyed with the idea of: Las Vegas, Seattle, Iceland or San Francisco. Mainly because they were relatively quick jaunts or airlines were actively advertising cost effective packages and all of these locations offer lots for us to do and see. We also try to pick places that neither of us have been to before, or places where neither of us has spent much time.
Step 5: Sourcing
My bestie is definitely the best at sourcing out fantastic places to stay, restaurants to eat at and tracking down the best deals on flights; whether it’s meticulously comparing airfare from the carriers themselves or navigating through the many pages on Trivago, Booking.com, Expedia, etc. She will come up with the best deal for the best money. Travel agents are more expensive of course so doing this legwork yourself can save you quite a bit of money, meaning you can have more fun at your destination.
Step 6: To Do Lists
Both of us will make lists of what we really have to see and experience at our chosen destination. I am sharing our plans for my all time favourite trip to San Francisco! Since she is not afraid of driving in foreign places; we have no qualms about renting a car and venturing a little further from our accommodations to tackle our lists. Quite often though, we pick the same attractions. Once our must see/experience wishes are taken care of and we’ve got time left, we’ll roll the dice and pick our next stop at random.
| Bestie | Me |
| -Alcatraz -Golden Gate Bridge -Lombard Street -Painted Ladies -Sushi at Ju-Ni | -Fisherman’s Wharf -Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 -San Francisco Museum of Modern Art -Ride a Cable Car -San Francisco Botanic Gardens |
Step 7: Packing
This is another facet of the trip that includes LISTS! I confess I make a clothing schedule; so I don’t over pack and I’m not caught unprepared. The best travel trick I learned/stole from my bestie was to purchase compression bags; simply lay your clothes in, zip and roll; this saves so much space! She prefers to take a minimalist approach to her make-up; she packs enough to achieve a “five minute face” look. Packing less in terms of make-up means less time in security digging out liquids, gels and sprays. In addition, she prefers to wear her bulkiest outfits on the plane and “go carry-on” as much as possible to avoid long waits at the baggage carousel.
Categories
Design Challenge: Guest Bedroom #2
Pre-pandemic I loved entertaining and having people stay over at our house; it is important that I create a cozy and comfortable space to make my guests feel at home. When we moved into our forever home the decor in our guestrooms stayed pretty much the same as it had under the previous owners (in-laws). I can’t wait till the restrictions are lifted and I can have friends and family over to enjoy the new space I have created for them.
Paint: Ivory White (925) from Benjamin Moore
Bed: Hauga bed frame in beige from Ikea
Linens: Strandfrane duvet cover and pillow cases in white & beige from Ikea
Chair: Ingolf chair in white from Ikea
Decor: 2 X Fridfull plant pots (water hyacinth) from Ikea
2 X Fejka artificial potted plants from Ikea
Dresser: Hemnes dressing table with mirror in white from Ikea
Lamp: Not floor uplight/reading light in white from Ikea
Categories
Date Night Outfit
A new outfit is the best way to beat the winter blahs! Feeling cute or sexy while the thermometer reads -30C for days on end is priceless, especially with Valentine’s Day coming up this week.
I picked something comfortable, flirty and feminine for my dinner date with my hubby; which thanks to the pandemic will be at home!
Blouse: Pleat Back Woven Essential Cami from Ricki’s
Blazer: Leopard Print Open Front Jacket from Ricki’s
Jewellery: Beige Multistrand Faux Leather Bracelet from Ricki’s
Bottoms: Black Luxe Ponte Leggings from Ricki’s
*Even though we aren’t leaving the house; I’m still going to rock my new Stacked Block Heel Split Shaft Ankle Boots from Shein
Categories
Party Planning: Valentine’s Day
Although my best friend is an event planner, I love entertaining. What better excuse to have a party than Valentine’s Day; especially since some restrictions are going to be lifted soon. According to Katie Sweeney of MyDomaine fame, all parties have NINE essential elements…
1. An Enticing Invitation
Normally, I just create an event on Facebook and invite all our friends, or shoot them a quick text. But I thought it might be fun to send out formal invites (mailed and/or hand delivered). Vistaprint is a super cheap place to get professionally made stationary quickly. I love sending out handmade invitations as they are a sweet and cute gesture. For this party, I picked a chocolate box themed invitation.
2. An Interesting Group of Guests
Easily accomplished because our friends, family and coworkers are awesome and come from all walks of life. I thought it would be neat to stick to 14 guests; as a tie in to the date.
3. Festive Decor
It can be easy to go overboard. I LOVE Michael’s and Dollarama; they are my first go-to stores when shopping for party decor. Fresh flowers add such a beautiful touch to any party. I selected 2 bouquets of a dozen roses each (mulberry margarita purple) to put in frosted mason jars with the word LOVE printed in gold for the dining room and living room coffee table.
And I also picked up 2 full bouquets of white carnations to put in short square clear glass vases for the side counters and tables. The contrast in type of flower and vessel is pretty. Throughout the kitchen and living room (we have an open plan home) I like to place silver and gold votive holders (Ashland brand from Michael’s) for my flame-less tealights. This creates a soothing and slightly romantic atmosphere.
In addition to the candles ‘strewn’ around the room I also placed bowls of individually wrapped candy (raspberry hearts, chocolate kisses, sweetheart candies and Valentines coloured candy corn). Bulk Barn is an incredible place!
We have a gorgeous handcrafted wood cookie table, so I never like to cover it with a tablecloth so I picked up a lace table runner from Amazon. No party is complete without streamers. I chose pale pink and white. And nothing says ‘Welcome to my Valentine’s Day Party’ like confetti balloons (which I absolutely LOVE).
4. A Lively Playlist
Spotify has become my new new favourite app; I was slow to discover it. I put a mixture of songs/genres that everyone enjoys and stayed away mushy love songs which I thought would put everyone to sleep. The music is more for background noise than actual dancing.
5. Thoughtful Details
Everyone loves a party favour. I ordered some chocolate rose and chocolate lip lollipops from Purdy’s (as an anchor to my invitation); for people to take home with them at the end of the night with a personalized name tag.
6. Delicious Food
Most of our friends have kids, so I figured most would like to enjoy an early dinner by themselves and then stop by for snacks and drinks at our place. I always go overboard on the food…it never fails.
According to whatscookingamerica.com, for 14-16 guests you should serve 5 appetizer. I am currently cooking my way through my newest Pioneer Woman cookbook so this party is the perfect opportunity to try out new appetizers. My menu includes: pimento cheese; served in mini red peppers and for spreading on crackers, watermelon feta bites, tortilla pinwheels, bacon wrapped dates, salad on a stick, barbeque chicken wings and a shrimp ring.
7. Potent Cocktails
We always BYOB to parties; however, I wanted to do a signature cocktail for the ladies and one for the gentlemen. I opted for easy to make recipes because I didn’t want to bartend all night. As always, I want our guests to make themselves at home and help themselves. I also make a point of serving drinks in actual glasses rather than plastic solo cups. A pitcher of watermelon margaritas and a salt rimming station will be set up for the ladies and for the gents: the classic Old Fashioned
8. An Element of Surprise
Even though most of my friends would consider the party favour as a surprise, but I wanted to do something special for this special party. I’m splurging for this! I’m ordering a cake from the Duchess Bake Shop. But I can’t decide… the Fig, Pear & Blackberry Cheesecake is so tempting, but then again so are the Duke Cake and the Duchess Cake.
9. A Group Bonding Activity
Our group loves playing games or watching hockey together and a lot of the time we do both while catching up with each other. So if there happens to be an important game on, I’ll tune into that for our guests (it’s definitely a hit with the husbands). Another much loved activity is Cards Against Humanity (especially later in the evening). Depending on the size of the guest list you can even set up a few ‘games’ stations and people can move between them throughout the night. Even picking up a silly V-Day game from Dollarama can yield lots fun and lots of laughs.
Categories
Favourite Wines
“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
― Paulo Coelho, Brida
And with that, I present to you my list of favourite wines!…
Goddess (St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery)
This is a cool product; it is a wine made by women for women. It is a multi-varietal white blend with exotic floral notes including Turkish delight, lychee, sweet spices, rose oil and a hint of herbs. Best served chilled with a spicy or Asian dish.
Market White (Sperling Vineyard)
Market White is a blend of Bacchus, Pinot Blanc & Riesling. And has been dubbed as the embodiment of “Okanagan sunshine & freshness in a glass.” Which comes from the scent of yummy fruit like peach, apricot and apple. This is a great choice to go along with a spicy entree, or simply for sipping.
Late Harvest Riesling (Sperling Vineyard)
This is a perfect wine to enjoy with dessert; it is a treat in and of itself. It received the InterVin International Wine Awards 2017, Honours Medal
Old Vines Foch (Sperling Vineyard)
Country Babe is NOT a fan of red wines, however this is one of TWO red wines that she loves. It smells and tastes like black cherry, current, roasted nuts and fresh earth. This rustic wine is made for dinners of featuring red meats, desserts featuring chocolate and cheese plates.
Late Harvest Gewurztraminer (Sperling Vineyard)
An iced wine, that has a “spicy, peach and honey nose; full-bodied, rich and sweet, well balanced flavours of tropical fruit, barley sugar and cinnamon.”
Speritz (Sperling Vineyard)
Refreshing. Crisp. With bursts of peach, melon, guava and grapefruit. It’s a really good choice for curling up on the couch with your sweetheart and watching a movie and snacking on popcorn.
Old Vines Gamay Noir (Hillside)
This is the second red wine that won Country Babe over. It is a fruity wine featuring raspberry and cedar notes. It tastes luxurious without being overpowering. Fun factoid: gamay is the principal grape of the Beaujolais region.
Voignier (Hillside)
Made in Naramata Bench, although it is dubbed as a “summer chardonnay” it is perfect anytime of the year. This wine smells as delicious as it tastes. Think, spring blossoms, honeysuckle with a hint of Chai spice.
Pinot Grigio (Barefoot Bubbly)
A light bodied California sparkling wine with a citrus aroma that refreshes the palate. Best served chilled with fish or seafood and appetizers.
Categories
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching I thought that I’d would help you out with some gift suggestions…
My husband is the quintessential outdoorsman in fact that is what he does for a living and I am constantly scrambling for gift ideas for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays and anniversaries. He is the man who seems to have everything and would truly be happy with anything. However, I try to be creative and romantic when planning and shopping for his gifts but it is a struggle.
Enso Ring (https://ensorings.com/)
This is a perfect gift for the spouse who is unable to wear the traditional wedding ring at work for safety or comfort reasons. I was able to find an Enso ring that was basically a replica of my husband’s titanium ring. He has worn it to work, puttering around the house and hunting. It is comfortable and lightweight. Being inexpensive it is also perfect for the spouse that has a habit of losing their ring. I bought a ring for my husband and one for myself. I wear mine with my original engagement and wedding rings as part of the set.
A Custom Designed Piece
Whether you make it yourself or have a talented local designer create a piece with significance for you and your loved one; this option is always a hit. There are so many local, talented vendors in our communities. Supporting them is important, especially during such tough economic times brought on by the pandemic. A beautiful sign, picture, clothing item or coffee mug that is personalized for your loved one, always makes for a fantastic gift.
Yeti Mug (https://www.yeti.com/drinkware)
The various types of drinkware (rambler, tumbler, jug and bottle) make for the perfect gift for the outdoors-person in your life. They are not only durable but also keep your beverages at the desired temperatures; trust me, after braving the cold and wind while ice fishing or sitting in a layout blind while goose hunting; you really want your coffee to be HOT. You can also add to this gift, by including a bag of your beloved’s favourite coffee or tea.
An Adventure
Another option for a memorable Valentine’s Day gift is an adventure. It doesn’t need to be an all-expenses paid trip to a tropical locale. It could be a weekend away at a charming Bed & Breakfast a few hours away; a much needed break to decompress and reconnect. With my husband in mind, I would most likely arrange for him to go on a fishing trip whether here in Alberta or British Columbia during the spring/summertime. The unfortunate part of this option is that your partner may have trouble waiting for the adventure to begin.
A Bookworm Basket
In addition to his many outdoor activities my husband is a huge bookworm. You can personalize your “bookworm basket” to suit your sweetheart. I would put in a few cans of Pepsi, a mix of his favourite snacks (chips, chocolate bars and jujubes), a new pair of comfortable pajama pants, the latest novel by his author of choice or a gift card to Chapters and the February edition of his favourite magazine… He can sit back and relax; this would be my husband’s version of pampering.
Categories
Favourite Quiche Recipe
My girlfriends and I love bonding over great meals and the cooking/baking process. We never have qualms about splurging on a culinary adventure or an ingredient. One thing we love to do each and every GIRLS WEEKEND is to make a fancy or epic breakfast. We fell in love with this quiche recipe from Tenderflake.ca the first time we made it. Then I made it for my family last Christmas; it was a hit with them as well. It also tastes delicious served cold the next day.
Ingredients
1 Tenderflake All Vegetable Shortening Deep Dish Pie Shell
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut in 1″ pieces
1 small sweet red pepper, cut in strips
1 1/4 cups sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
3 eggs
1 cup milk
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 tsp salt
Directions
Thaw pastry shell at room temperature 15 minutes. Place on baking sheet.
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Heat oil in large frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion, asparagus, peppers and mushrooms until tender-crisp, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle half of cheese in pie shell. Spoon vegetables on top. Cover with remaining cheese.
Beat remaining ingredients together to blend. Pour over the vegetable mixture.
Bake on lower rack of preheated oven 10 minutes
Reduce temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake 30-35 minutes longer or until filling is set.
Cool 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.