"Drying Times"

I have been hearing a lot of complaints lately of how dry it is in Calgary.  Oh yes indeed!  From the top of our head to the tips of our toes, dry cracked skin.
These are a few of my favourites and they have helped a LOT .
- Drink lots of water
- 3-6-9 oils our body really does need some oil (fat)
- Aloe Vera Gel, I found this one at my health food shop for about $5.00 and it is 98% pure.  Put a little on in the morning for about 20 minutes then wipe off.  I put some all over my body after a bath and before bed.
- Also I tried this wonderful little roller ball by L'Oreal with vitamin C.  Great for under eye puffiness or circles.  I bought the man's one since it was cheaper!  It feels great, cool sensation.
- Netti Pot with warm water, this is so good for sinus, puffy eyes and nasal congestion.

Hope some of these work for you!

A Little "Girl Time"

My daughter moved to Vancouver last August to go to school.
I would describe her as "passionate; creative; driven; independent; smart" but still my little girl!  i do not get to spend as much time with her as I would like and when she does come home everyone wants to see her.  So today we got to have our time which was so very nice!  Lunch at Brava Bistro on 17th Ave, pedicures then found a great black dress at Crabapple at 80% off.  (we bought the same dress, different sizes of course).
it was so wonderful to spend time with my gal and see how her life is changing and she is growing, things she is experiencing (good and bad) and her future plans.  Sometimes I see myself in her and other times I wonder wow who is this young woman and what will she be at 25 years young?
In these past few months I have learned some things about myself.  When we moved her to Vancouver i thought my heart was breaking only to discover it is okay.  My daughter will be okay, my husband and I have done the best we could and have instilled good morals and life lessons.  She is a young woman on her own journey.   She knows we are always there for her because family is important.

I have not written about my son....... that is another story.  I am blessed to have a wonderful family.

Good To Myself Day!!!!!

Yesterday I was reading a friend's Blog (FFL) which made me think about how as women we treat ourselves.  I think for the most part we are far tougher than anyone else.  God forbid anyone gives us a compliment and we are quick to negate it.
Soon to celebrate the Big 50 I have almost come to terms with myself, this is "me".  I can say, when someone gives me a compliment I either say thank you or I know!  I exercise, I eat healthy, I have a very good life, great family and friends.
I am journeying through menopause or seeing the light at the end!  Our society tends to put a negative slant on menopause, emphasizing crazy mood swings, serious hot flashes, loss of sexual drive basically all downhill from there.  Whereas Eastern thinking is it's just part of the process, becoming more enlightened and full of wisdom.  Gee, which way do you think is a better way to feel?????
I admit there are the days when I feel a bit cranky or fuzzy headed and I can be warm without going to Mexico.  However I am able to stand back and say, this is part of the process and what can i do to make myself feel a little better?  So yesterday this is what I did:

When I awoke I made myself fresh juice (apple, carrot, kale, celery)
then I pulled out my mini trampoline for a half hour of rebounding (great for your lymphatic system)  a half hour of rebounding is close to 1.5 hours of walking.
The I lit my favourite candle (from Anthropologie) and did 1 hour of yoga.
For dinner I cooked what I wanted (I was the only one home).... stuffed portebello mushroom and grilled asparagus and yes a glass of red wine.
As my girlfriends all say.....  Life is short, ENJOY and take care of yourself.
AMEN :)

I love starting my day with fresh juice, don't get me wrong coffee is the FIRST thing I make!

My mini trampoline, great inexpensive investment.  Jump on for 10-30 minute intervals and no pressure on your knees!

 Well used yoga mat and favourite candle, Namaste.

My homemade treat, kale chips.  These are expensive in the health food store and kale is so good for you.  I buy a huge bunch, rinse, separate sprinkle with a bit of salt (or not) and slow bake at 250 until crispy. So much better than chips, delicious!

Winefest 2011

A chance to expand your wine palate and indulge in a new varietal, blend or wine region.  This past Thurs. - Sat. evenings from 7-10 p.m. BMO Centre Stampede Park.

Hundreds of bottles from wineries across the globe at great prices for your everyday enjoyment.  These are the wines you want to buy a case of and just simply enjoy!

There was wine and Lot's of gourmet food treats.  Everyone received a Riedel wine glass along with a notebook.

We were warned to arrive atleast half an hour early to check our coats, receive our glass/notebook, que up and "plan your attack".

In all Ken and I had a fun evening trying quite a few different wines.  Which I will mention later.  We both thought it would be more fun to attend with a few friends and compare notes.  The first 45 minutes was great with lots of room to maneuver but as the evening progressed along with the crowds/heat and more wine by 9:30 it felt like midnight.

we also found some of the vendors were great at talking about their wines, which is why we went.  We both really wanted to learn???  While others simply just asked "what do you want", pouring their wine and then on to the next person.

My top three favourites were:

- Deerfield Ranch Winery  (Sonoma)

   Old Vine Zinfandel 2006   we actually met and had a chance to talk with the owner!

-  Alexander Valley Vineyards

    Gewurz 2010 Something I would not normally choose but delicious, great summer wine and only $17.00 bottle, good everyday wine.

-  Elizabeth Spencer (Napa)
   Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2009 crisp and clean
** My husband really liked  the Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (blend of 33% Merlot, 67% cab)
Really good service at this booth.

Honorable mention........
-  Kalala Organic Estate Winery (Kelowna)
  Gewurztraminer 2008 and their Pinot Gris 2008 very nice.

 The necklace was gorgeous and of course I had to ask the young lady wearing it all about it?????  Stella & dot a "home jewelry party", I will be checking that out.www.stelladot.com//karibernhardt.

The owner of Deerfield Ranch Winery.

Nibbles

A fun evening