My Favourite Things

It's been awhile since I've done a "My Favourite Things" post, and I thought I'd share something with you that I LOVE.

If you are someone who bakes and takes things places, this is sooooo nice. Or even if you just bake and keep it at home, still great. I never knew it existed, actually, until my sister in law was given one at a bridal shower a few years ago. Then I borrowed all.the.time, since we were neighbours. Then I moved. My life was basically incomplete, lacking this handy thing:

This is a Snapware 2 Layer Cupcake and Cookie Carrier. I got mine from Amazon for 20.99, free shipping:-)

Great things about this handy dandy storage container - well, first of all, you are not limited to 2 layers. If you buy more of them, you could do triple, or quadruple, or more!! Haha. They just snap to each other, so there is no end to how many you can stack and carry. I intend to buy one more set of these, actually, but so far I only have 2 layers.

It is big/tall enough that cupcakes piled high with icing don't touch the top. You can easily bring 24 cupcakes to an event, without them sliding around, getting smooshed, or getting plastic wrap stuck to the icing. That alone would make it worth the investment in my mind. But it doesn't end there...

When you arrive at your party, you easily lift the tray out, and snap the handles down - no need to transfer to another tray to set out on the table!

AND, it's reversible. It does the same thing for the other side, which is smooth, so cookies, or even small cakes can go on that side.

Again, snap the handles down the other way, and set it out! So easy.

It's a sturdy and well made product. I feel there is nothing similar on the market (that I have seen, and I've looked). For an approximate $20 price tag - uber worth it.

Here I have mini blueberry muffins, using the "cookie" side of the tray. I have no intention of going anywhere, but I do need to make more banana muffins today, so they will go on the bottom - keeps the flavours from melding, and they snap together to keep everything fresh on your counter - without having a bunch of different containers going on on the countertops containing all the baked goods.

I so totally highly recommend this product, it's not even funny. I seriously think you need this. And it really makes the best wedding gift ever!

Tapple

Just a suggestion for all my game-playing friends out there. I heard about this game randomly on a radio morning show as I was flipping through stations. I think it's kind of new...it's hard to find, a little. Online, ebay and amazon had it, but really really pricey ($40). Walmart, Target etc do not carry it, but Toys R Us had it for $19.99, in store only not online. ANYWAY - I found it at Toys R Us, and bought it hoping it would be a fun, easy, group game.

It is!

If you're like us, you like to play games! Sometimes it's the serious and looooong board ones like Catan or Railroad Tycoon, but sometimes you need crowd pleaser, easy games for gobs of people, not just 3 or 4. We like Taboo, we like CatchPhrase, we like Apples to Apples, and Game of Things...but sometimes Game of Things takes too much brain power, and sometimes Apples to Apples just gets old and isn't that funny...

So if you're into a fast paced "word game" that is bound to bring out a laugh or two, I present to you...Tapple.

The box. Sideways;-)

I'll tell you how to play, it's that easy!

1. Pick a card (blue/white side is easier and red/yellow side is harder) - the cards store in the back of the game, which is super convenient and great!
2. Players take turns naming things that start with a letter on the Tapple wheel. Press the red button in the middle, and you've got 10 seconds to name something and eliminate that letter by depressing it, pass the Tapple wheel onto the next player, and they hit the red button for their 10 seconds, etc etc.
3. If your 10 seconds run out, you're out of that round

 

Cards and game wheel

Hint: If playing around a table, you don't need to pass it. We've done it with 4 people and just set it in the middle of the table and reached in to press the red button, and our letters.

Hint: When passing it, you do have to be a little careful that you don't push down all the letters, but there is no need to be hasty about it, like in CatchPhrase. You can pass carefully, as the new player's 10 seconds starts when they are holding the wheel and press the red button.

Hint: Not all the letters in the alphabet are on this wheel

It's simple, it's easy, and it really is funny...and sometimes pretty hard! The funny part comes in when people try to pass off something that doesn't work.

Category: Female Actors.     Only letter left to pick: H       Turn?: Darla's...
I confidently pushed down the H button and said "Hannah"...it was the first H name that came to my mind. But then I drew I blank, and said "Barbara". That was actually pretty funny, as Hanna Barbara is neither an actor...nor female...uh, and not even really a person. Not a single person, anyway;-) So I lost that round. Boo. But it was really funny:-) Next time I'ma say Heather Locklear...

Makeup of 2013

A few faves I've fallen in love with this year. You all likely are aware of my long time love affair with MAC makeup. I love it. I truly do. Almost everything I wear is MAC. But this year I ventured out into the "drugstore" realm, and found a few gems that are definitely worth sharing. I have not given up any of my MAC faves, but just added to them with some affordable options. This post is for things that are *not* MAC.

Exception: Lipsticks - I still haven't found anything that I like the look, feel or wear-ability of, as much as MAC's. My go-to shades for 2013 were Honeylove (on the Left, it's a creamy nude shade) and Blankety is my current #1 (on the Right). I wear these with either the Spice or Stripdown liner (MAC), depending on the look I am going for (Stripdown is the go-to choice these days)

Benefit's Watt's Up! Highlighter - $30 at Sephora. Although pricey it will last your whole life long, almost guaranteed. I use this when contouring my nose, usually. Sometimes on my brow line too. It adds light and life to your face without making you seem like you're trying to pretend you are 20 years old again, with glitter or glimmer.

I use this bronzing powder for contouring my face. It is Sephora's Los Cabos #3, and about $17. It is a "matte universal tan", and with my skin tone, gives the perfect contour 'shadow' without adding shimmer, or looking dirty/orangey. 

Elf's eye shadow primer. It's $3 at Walmart, and for the price, can't be beat. Does a great job at keeping that powder perfectly in place!

My ultimate fave mascara's. Sephora's Full Action is $15, and I got it from Brian for Christmas 2012. Although, I do combine my mascara's (don't just use only one, I use about 3, one on top of the other) - it lasted me all year. It was my one request for a Christmas gift, I wanted another one! (I got it:-). And Benefit's They're Real ($22) is uh-may-zing. I can actually use it alone, which is saying something for me, and my mascara addiction, for sure. These two, are stunning, adding both volume and length

I got this on a super discount at CVS drugstore - 75% off, making it only about $2 I think. I am not sure if it is discontinued - I sure hope not. I've had it for about a year now, and love it. For a quick, "smokey" eye look, that lasts, doesn't crease, and literally applies in seconds, I adore this product. It's Revlon's ColorStay Smokey Shadow Stick 220 Volcanic. I only use the grey side, I am not a fan of the sheen on the white side, but the grey side makes it worth the "waste" of the white that I will never use.

Well, not new to me in 2013, but my old standby eau de cologne's - My fave is So Pink (Gap), and Brian's fave on me is Love Spell (Victoria's Secret). His discovery of this scent (in approx. 2007) is kinda funny...he smelled it on a random woman walking past him in the mall, and instantly fell in love (with the scent...I think...haha). Sooooo, I think it kinda lives up to it's Love Spell name;-)

This past year, these are the colours that were consistently on my nails, day in day out. They match everything I own, and I simply adore them. Essie Vanity Fairest, Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure 660 Pat on the Black, Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure 812 Nightwatch, and an excellent top coat, adding both sheen and strength for no-chipping etc...Seche Vite. I was given this, but am in love, and I think it can be purchased at beauty supply stores.

I use this a lot for quick run-out-the-door makeup application - This covers my dark under eyes pretty well with no concealer at all! Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse. I apply & blend with my fingers, instead of a sponge for this one. But I like the way it feels, I like the way it looks, and I like that it does not have sunscreen in it. I have the shade Porcelain Ivory Light 1, and really like it. This was given to me by someone who didn't like it...but I'm a fan.

This eyeliner is really great. It's not necessarily "quick" to apply, unless you are good with a brush:-) BUT. The colour lasts and lasts, and doesn't run. I also LOVE the shade, and it's all around my absolute fave liner, possibly of all time. It is L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Lacquer Liner in 172 Navy. It's dark enough to look black without quite the harshness of black (other than this, I wear dark brown liners, as the black ones somehow accentuate something "off" in my skintone/eyes.

This past year, I started playing around with fake lashes. I bought a 3 pack of these ones from off amazon, for around $8. I've only used 1 pair so far, two are still brand new. You can see the new packages on the left, and the ones I have worn on the right. I cut/trimmed them, as they were too long for my face. I have a heavy brow, and the falsies reached up over my eyebrows even (which looks ridiculous, by the way). So they come plenty long! But you are welcome to trim them to a length that adds volume and drama without looking unnatural. I watched youtube vids to perfect my application method, and once you've done it once or twice, it's very easy to do. It's also not obvious that you are wearing fake lashes, when done correctly. I had worn these on about 4 or 5 separate occasions (to which Brian commented that I looked good), and then one day he saw these on the bathroom counter and balked. I had to point out all the times I was wearing them, and he never knew...I think I've worn them about 10x over the course of the year, and still don't need to break out a new pair yet, so they are definitely not pricey!

A few "selfie" pics of my makeup from 2013 - I guess I don't have a ton, actually. Mostly because I find taking pics of oneself...awkward.

I was wearing ALL of the above in this pic (and more! :-) (lips were Blankety, and nails were Nightwatch)

No fake lashes in this pic. Lips Honeylove, and brown eye liner, not the navy one, but wearing the volcanic smokey shadow stick:-)

Fake lashes, navy liner, Blankety lips, and lots of They're Real mascara

No fake lashes, navy liner, smokey shadow stick...among other products too.

Funniest makeup moment of 2013 - just in December when I went to pick up the kids from a choir practice at church - I was wearing what is to me, a normal amount of makeup in an everyday look. Meaning, basically it's all there, but nothing "over the top" or ultra dramatic...and a little girl about 3 years old says to me "Wow. You're wearing a LOT of makeup!"

Her mom about died. I just laughed and said "yup! I sure to do love makeup!" and her mom said she is really into makeup right now, and wishes she could wear more, haha. I suppose in this regard, I am a very bad influence on 3 year old girls :-)

Sun Care

I get asked a lot, actually, why we aren't more tan, living where we live.

And I say, have you SEEN the trees surrounding my house? We have 24/7 shade:-)

In all seriousness, though, this post can serve as your public service announcement. Sunscreen is bad for you. Conventional sunscreen, like you buy at any and all stores...causes cancer? Well, I won't go so far as to say that, because I can't personally prove it, but google it. If you love free radical cells spinning out of control (cancer causing), lather up! It is not healthy for your body, not one little bit.

I take my chances against the sun, than those chemicals on my body, and especially on my kids, any day of the week. I'll end my lecture, but for reals, do some research. Sunscreen is scary business.

I have never put conventional sunscreens on my kids - although it's happened - because other people own it and put it on them when I'm not looking, but I try to avoid it, and try to subtly share my feelings on the subject, and will share my alternatives with you.

We choose our sun light hours carefully. We don't go to the beach from 10am to 2pm. Not unless we are forced to, really (by other people, a party to attend etc). We go to the beach usually from 4pm to sundown. The sun is past it's peak, and you will (I am evidence of this) not even tan if you do this:-)

If we have to go out during peak hours, we wear tees over bathing suits, and hats. When going "after sun hours" we don't bother with those extra measures, or even sunscreen at all, unless it's unusually sunny past 4pm.

I don't mind the kids getting a little sun on their faces. Not a burn, but a tan. Like I said, I'll take my chances with the sun over all the man-made chemicals any day, using wisdom of course. But when the sun is really really bright, and I'm worried about getting a little pink...

I do have a sunscreen that I like. I really suggest going to Badger Balm's website and click on the Education tab. There is enough info on there to keep you busy for hours! Anyway, the sunscreen is natural. Uncoated non-nano zinc oxide is the only active ingredient. Which means the zinc oxide particles are larger than 100nm...this means it is not absorbed through the skin, the way even other "organic" or natural sunscreens are. Read about that here.

The sunscreen needs to be rubbed in a little more/longer than conventional ones, and will not completely disappear - it's a little white looking. Benefit, when swimming, you can see when you need to reapply. Benefit, you're doing all you can to ensure the health and safety of your kids and their futures. Un-benefit, perhaps you don't look like the coolest cat on the block? But who cares about that. Your bodies lack of free radical cells is thanks enough for your geeky sacrifice.

The non active ingredients are all natural as well - all things you have heard of and can pronounce, like olive oil and jojoba oil

I love the stick for quick face applications throughout the summer days!

 Other than the sacrifice of a thin "whiteness" to your skin when wearing this, and really, if you rub it in real good, it's not noticeable, this sunscreen works like a charm. You will be protected from the sun and not get the burns we try to avoid.

 Another terrible chemical concoction is bug spray. And this one is a bit harder to handle - it's hard to find an organic, non toxic bug spray that actually works!! My kids (Kenna especially) are mosquito magnets. I have found this spray to be very comparable to conventional sprays (without Deet). It's all natural and smells amazing. The ingredients list is long, as you can see, but it's entirely plant based, and all things that you can pronounce. No chemical compositions at all. I'm almost out of it, and need to order more. The smell is addicting, though, we love it:-)

 So there is my 2c on the subject, with my fave products that do a smashing job while not sacrificing your health in any way. Sold!

Milk Bag Alternative

I am from here:

Markham, Ontario, Canada

Where milk comes like this:

in bags

Oh milk bags. I miss you...

Although useful, they were also the bane of our existance growing up...WASHING MILK BAGS. Ugh.

But they do save a lot of money - as you don't have to buy as many ziploc bags for lunches and snacks.

Enter these guys:

Re-Pac bags. They are not free, like the milk bag, but they are as useful, and easier to deal with!

 I got a Groupon for these Re-Pac bags, making it 3 for $10, instead of the normal 3 for $22...pricey. I would not have bought them at $22, actually. They are approximately the size of a ziploc as you can see above.

They are great for snacks and things that do not need to be airtight. Like their freebie cousin, the milk bag, they are not completely sealable (they zip with a zipper), so you still need ziplocs for certain things, and for marinades, etc. Anything requiring airtightness, really.

The advantage they have over their freebie cousin, is that a) they are available everywhere/to anyone and b) NO WASHING!

Well, you definitely do wash them, by one of three methods, the dishwasher, the washing machine, or by hand. Really only 2 methods, as washing by hand is the most ridiculous option, ever.

The insides are a waterproof-ish material. Wash in dishwasher, and done.

I love these because they are saving me money with not sending ziplocs with Brian's lunches, and they save the environment from a little extra plastic, and I don't have to WASH THEM!

My kids do not know how easy they have it.

Top Ten - Trader Joe's

If you've never heard of Trader Joe's...you must live in Canada, haha. Trader Joe's is a grocery store...a grocery store that has committed to all natural & certified organic food products (no dyes, no preservatives, no hormones, no GMO's, grass fed, free range, etc). So you know that EVERYTHING you buy there is a quality product, BUT, it provides these things at a spectacular cost! (compared to a health food store or the organic section of a regular store).

Here are my Top Ten favourite things to buy at Trader Joe's. They have a lot of phenomenal deals, but these ones are the ones I consider the best value, and the things I buy on a consistent basis. If you are able to shop at one, do it. And let me know what YOUR fave things are! Their commitment to quality and whole foods at affordable prices is almost unheard of elsewhere!

As I have been losing weight and looking for quality foods, this store has become even more important to me, helping me to eliminate fats and sugars from my diet, while still give me OPTIONS! I've been shopping there ever since they came into our area about 4/5 years ago. These are not in any particular order.

#10

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 16.9oz for 5.99!! And in a sweet glass bottle. I have never seen a price this good (Costco, Walmart etc) and the flavour is exquisite

#9

Coming from a girl who hates "fake" Mac n cheese...this stuff is great! The cheese flavour actually tastes like sharp cheddar. It is .99 per box, and has no preservatives or dyes. The colour orange is from annatto and beta carotene. It requires no butter to make it, only 2 T of lowfat milk. Only 270 cals for 2/3C prepared, compared to 400 cals for 1/3C prepared Kraft Mac n cheese. Sold!

#8

hormone and additive free eggs, 1.49 per dozen (brown eggs are 1.99p/dz). Compared to over $3 at walmart for their organic eggs. TJ's also sells a more expensive free range egg (I believe it's 3.29 p/dz)

#7

Sauces in a bottle. These are around 2.79 per bottle (a few of them are more or less expensive). Add some chicken, make some rice, steamed veggie on the side...a quick easy and very affordable meal. They taste amazing, and one bottle feeds all 5 of us for a meal, usually with a bit of leftover. The General Tso's tastes better than some (most) we've bought from chinese takeout!

#6

Their juices. These will vary in price depending on what you choose. Most are in the 2.99-3.99 range, for various sizes. They have amazing juices, no sugar or high fructose corn syrup added. They are way cheaper than you will find at a health food store...and you can't really even find this type of thing at a regular store. Don't add too much of this particular one to your water...sour!!

#5

Super healthy for your gut. It's a fermented milk drink (tastes like drinkable yogurt). So very good for you, and full of protein. I can't remember if this is 3.99 or 4.99 (four 8oz servings), but it's a pretty good price. You can always make it yourself too, but I have not tried that yet. (Similar to making your own yogurt). Pomegranate is my fave (over strawberry and blueberry) *EDIT - I checked my receipt. It's 2.99!!

#4

Organic butter. Kerrygold is 2.99 and TJ brand is 3.99. This costs more than regular butter, however, not that much more! Read about the differences and health benefits of real butter (organic) on my friend Bronwyn's site, here and here.

#3

They have a number of great cereals. Joe's O's and Frosted Flakes are 1.99 per box. We love them! O's compare very closely to Cheerios brand (plain ones) in every way (in ingredients and nutritional info), O's are 110cals for 1 cup, and Cheerios are 100cals for 3/4 cup. Frosted Flakes compare to the real thing calorie wise (110cals for 3/4 C), however, TJ's version has less sugar (9g compared to 11g) and less sodium (125mg compared to 140mg), and TJ's also lists 2g of protein, while Kelloggs lists none. And I love that I know the corn etc used is not GMO. They taste great and do not get gross and soggy in milk. The kids love them, and I do too:-)

#2

They have an extensive section of imported pop/soda, wine and beer. Whatever you're into. You can buy all the same, or mix and match your favourite varieties. Price will depend on what you're getting of course, but I've always found it to be a better value than at the grocery store, where specialty sodas in glass bottles would be very expensive! I can't drink Jamaican ginger beer, but Brian adores it. It feels like it will burn through my throat! 4 of them for 3.99.


#1

I hate Nutella, because I don't like hazelnuts. Enter this yummy spread! Its quite the treat, and VERY delicious! No hydrogenated oils inside, of course. I think it was 2.99, and the kids think I am the nicest mom ever :-) And the peanut butter...ingredients, peanuts and salt. No hydrogenated oils or sugar and other additives, like my normal peanut butter has. It is 2.99 and comes in an unsalted version too. The peanut oil will separate a bit, so you have to give it a good shake before you use it...but wow. It tastes amazing.

**Something I have been excited to try, but haven't found at my local store yet (I know they sell it, just never in stock?), is "cream top" milk - this is milk that has not been homogenized (only pasteurized), so the fat will separate from the milk (you have to shake it!) - this is much healthier than a normal whole milk that has been homogenized (read up on it, it's complicated:-), so I can't wait to give it a go, since the kids and Brian drink whole milk (Brian will ONLY drink whole milk, so I'd like the fat to be as easily processed and used by the body as possible). Next best thing to getting it straight from the farm! I'm sure it'll make my list - if only I could try it!!

My Favourite Things

Summer's here! Beach days are planned! There is no going back...until next winter that is:-D For all my family and friends up North this is a sign that the warmer weather is moving up your way! Get ready to soak it in! Summer is my favourite...

and flip flops. my oh my. Every single day (even in the winter, they are my slippers!) I am a devout flip flopper!

My Favourite Things

The more you know about processed foods vs. real food, the more you just want to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere, milk your cow, eat your chickens and grow your own wheat...almost:-)

I find there is a real balance to be stuck with eating real, healthy and organic foods and well, affording real, healthy and organic foods! They are often very pricey. Grass fed organic beef? Not on our salary! $4 per dozen for eggs from a farmer? ummm...I can buy 1 dozen per month, the rest of my eggs need to be the $1.50/doz variety. Our monthly food budget doesn't allow for organic extravagance. There are a few helpful things though...Trader Joes is very affordable, and many of their items are all natural and organic. I was able to get some free range organic boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.99 per pound, if you buy 40 lbs. That IS a lot of chicken, but an unbeatable value.

All that to say, we do what we can, where we can, to be as healthy as possible. I do read the food labels. We eat NOTHING (yogurt, soda, crystal light etc) containing Aspartame. If it's marked "light" read the label, it usually has aspartame. Anything containing aspartame must be marked with "Contains: Phenylalanine". We try to keep the chemicals out! But there are chemicals in EVERYTHING. And we buy store bought items, of course. What to do... WELL, anytime I find a product that is affordable and all natural, I make the switch. Trader Joes makes this pretty easy for things like store bought cookies (imagine an oreo type cookie without all the additives).

Coffee creamer...I LOVE it. It's usually essentially non-dairy, I think, and of course the label is full of words I can't even pronounce. But looky here: A creamer that is truly all natural with no additives! And at Walmart, the price is right: 2.28 for this container (compared to 1.99 for the "regular" version).

The flavor is not quite as "strong or syrupy" as my previous fave, Caramel Macchiato. But it's close enough! Ingredients: Nonfat milk, heavy cream, sugar, natural flavor. Sounds just about right!! It's my brand new favourite thing! (The label does not state that the milk used is from cows that have not been given artificial growth hormones - so although "natural" still potentially bad for you & not organic. Darn. But still better for you than all the fake stuff in a normal creamer)

My Favourite Things

I'm really late posting my favourite things from November! Yikes. Been way to busy lately!  So here it is! Yearly pictures. Once a year, (usually around the fall/winter) seems to be perfect for me! Find a budding photographer near you and get a few pictures. You won't be disappointed. It's SOOO worth the money, and especially if you can find someone new to the biz with a fancy camera, it likely won't cost very much. If  but if you live here, I know of two very affordable photographers I'd love to recommend.

From our picture session in 2007 with Chani Rogers, she is very laid back and easy to work with. Check out her site for pricing and some cute pics!

From our photo session in 2008 with Kari Kennedy, my sister in law! At the time, she was just my brothers friend, and about to go to photography school

Photo session 2008, with Kari Kennedy. Some gorgeous all time faves from that shoot. If you live in Alberta or Saskatchewan, check her out!

Photo session 2009 with Chani Rogers

I literally get these blown up bigger when I have a coupon, and put on canvas, when I can find a deal. They are always so gorgeous, you can't pick just one. They all tell the story of us. I wish I'd done this in 2003-2006 of just Brian and I before we had kids, but I didn't really think it was important at the time. How life changes!

Photo session 2010 with Ben & Joy Hallock. They don't have a site yet, but let me know if you want to contact them, and I'll pass on their info. Remarkable photographers, and great friends!

 If you've never had a professional shoot some pics of you...let me tell you, its worth every penny! I can't afford to pay "major league" prices, but by finding budding (but EXCELLENT) photographers, we keep the cost low, and still get the treasures that make my heart sing every time I see them. Since I can't take a decent pic to save my life, this is a "favourite thing" that will not go out any time soon...I'll be doing this forever!