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

Dinner Before A Flames Game

 Friday night my hubby and I had a quick bite to eat before heading off to watch the Calgary Flames.

Olives is located just north of the stampede grounds, great location.  Parking is convenient and free if you are eating at the restaurant.  Our reservation was at 5:30 and you NEED one if it's a game night!  Olives was full to capacity and the service was good, considering.

We both ate a light pasta dish, i had a ravioli with asparagus and mushrooms, yummy.  White wine, which was wonderful  Dessert and coffee.

Packing For London?!?!?????

 Suitcase and carry-on, much more space than I am use to!

 Goodies for my carry-on

 Plane outfit, comfortable but not jeans.  Underpinning, t-shirt, loose sweater/jacket and leggings plus grey ballet flats.  My jacket and purse are below.

 Accessories: 2-3 scarves/1 pair of comfortable dressier shoes/umbrella and belt.... notice the British Bulldog?

Black pants  2 pair.... 1 funkier with tie ankle and the other wide leg

1 pair of dark narrower leg jeans not too skinny on my legs!

 Man style blazer, this is great over everything (super deal from H&M) and of course my black leather jacket.

 This is my jacket to wear while travelling instead of a raincoat and comfy flats.  I am buying rain boots

 2 dresses, one fun colorful and the other classic

 Oh no 2 more dresses, the black is for evening and the flowered one is long and fun!

 2 layering light sweaters, I love the one with lace on the bottom

 2 t-shirts 1 underpinning, I am travelling with the red t.  Finishing off with a hat, glasses and passport cover.

Packing For London.........
In a few weeks my husband and I shall be visiting London for 8 days.  It's been 24 years since I have been there and I am very excited.  No, we are not attending the "Royal Wedding"!
For those who know me, I love to travel but I have to be organized.  I am talking about packing, I do not want to take too much or heaven forbid not enough.  Although that is always an excuse to shop.
So, my way of thinking is 3 colours only.  This trip is black-grey-red as an accent.  It is still somewhat cold there so no bright colors.
I have a new suitcase with 4 roller wheels, this baby is quite a bit larger than I am used to and I do not want it to be full!  I have to bring back goodies for my kids and gal pals!  I also plan on purchasing a pair of "wellies and a something from Allsaintsspitalfields"
I am taking my carry-on with me......head pillow/I-pad & headphones/socks/small toiletries bag/camera/jewel case/eye glasses etc.Here are the photo's of my plan of attack, please let me know what you think??? Do I need to take away or add?

Family Day Dinner



Beautiful Flowers




Very Good Wine




Great Meal



A couple of months ago my husband and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to have Sunday night dinners together.  When our children were younger this was no problem but as they grew and their schedules changed so did dinner plans.

Our goal now is to plan a very good meal, often trying new recipe's.  Decanting a nice bottle of wine, setting the table with candles and enjoying our time together.  Our daughter no longer lives with us and most Sunday evenings our son is busy working so I suppose it's "our time" now.

My husband planned our Sunday dinner on Family Day and he did ALL the cooking.  Yes, I am a very lucky woman!

Roasted duck breasts with port wine cherry sauce, steamed carrots and asparagus with wild rice.  Delicious!  He also decanted a bottle of wine that had been put away for a special occasion, well worth it.

It is wonderful to take the time to sit/enjoy a great meal and conversation.

Looking forward to next Sunday dinner.

Winter Wonderland??????

It is the FEAR of breaking my leg every time I go out for a walk!

BOXWOOD CAFE

This past Saturday evening a girlfriend and i decided to try out Boxwood, after numerous kudos from friends.   This cozy "cafe" opened in the fall of 2010 to rave reviews and is part of the River Cafe family.
Location:  Central Memorial Park (yes, in the southwest corner) #340-13th Ave S.W.
Serving: Lunch-Snacks-Supper ......local/seasonal/sustainable food
Reservations:  No way, first come first served but there is a small waiting area
Dress:  Casual-dressy
Service:  Being treated like family

We arrived just before 6p.m. Saturday evening and were very lucky to snatch the last 2 seats!  We sat at a larger table with two other gals who did not seem to mind that my gal pal and i never stopped talking.  Hey, she just came back from an African safari and hiking Kilimanjaro.
We ordered a bottle of California red, small but good wine list with very affordable prices.
Our server Sarah (I do believe that was her name??), was good at explaining the menu, which is basically assorted apps/salads/small entrees to SHARE and enjoy.
We began with a red pepper hummus, roasted garlic and homemade crackers, delicious (Lot's to eat).
Then we munched on Sunworks organic roasted chicken with a side of yellow/red beets; special salad of grains, cheese and kale (my favourite); duck empanadas.  Dessert, we shared a Saskatoon berry ice cream sandwich & coffee.
There was more than enough food for the two of us but we did not want to waste anything so we took our time. 

To review:  The service was very good, food delicious and perfect for sharing.  We took our time dining and never felt rushed to leave.  Great spot for couples, a first date or with friends.  Get there early to get a table since it is a small cafe.  we will definitely return.