Perfect Powder

Melvin and I called the babysitter and headed up to Grouse Mountain for some snowboarding.


I came home with...
- bruised knees
- sore muscles
- hurting wrists
- injured bum bones
- wounded pride


...all good, we were smilin' throughout as we don't get snow like that back east (well, maybe New York did this past week)!...all I gotta say is: thank goodness I was wearing my bike helmet!  LOL

Poet's Cove

We just got back from a much needed mini-getaway to the Southern Gulf Islands. We headed out to Pender Island and stayed at beautiful Poet's Cove in South Pender. It was such a retreat-like setting, extremely relaxing and reminded me how important it is to get out of the city every once in awhile and breathe in some fresh air. 

AERIAL VIEW OF POET'S COVE RESORT & BEDWELL HARBOUR

The BC Ferries are a fascinating (and organized) system!  It was our first experience bringing our own car onto a ferry, but it is a common mode of transport here, especially in the summer. The only other time I've done this was in Malta (to and from Gozo), but that was so long ago with someone else's car and I didn't appreciate travel as much then. Anyway, it ran very much like an airport; made a reservation, got into a line, turned off our engine and waited there (just as if we were at a gate) until our ferry docked and it was time to "embark".  The nice part is we were free to roam around, there was a "Kids Zone", cafeteria, etc. on the ferry and we are able to go outside. I spotted a Bald Eagle flying past my window, which was pretty unexpected.  

We are excited to check out some of the other islands, but not too keen on the long line ups I hear about during the summer. When all is said and done, I'm sure it's completely worth it.  What does one expect in the Gulf Islands?  Lots of nature, hiking, random animals, secluded beaches/coves, fresh food and local wine...all one can ask for in a relaxing vacation.

Books to Cooks

I blogged already today, but before I forget, I need to mention this amazing place I found the other day. It is a bookstore in the Armoury District (fast becoming THE design district in Vancouver) called Books to Cooks. It is a bookstore with every cookbook you can imagine and right in the middle towards the back is this island, with a stove and cookware, etc where someone is making items to taste/drink/take away. Ingenious! 

This woman named Barbara Jo opened the store and as I got to the cash register, there she was. I mentioned to her that I love the store and now I'm a bit obsessed at this simple concept. They have a book club called Eating Between the Leaves that meets each week to discuss a book, while eating a gourmet meal inspired by the book. I can't afford to be a part of this amazing club, but just needed to share! LOVE IT!

Merry Christmas

Our first Christmas in Vancouver was super fun!  We enjoyed every bit, including the 51 degree Fahrenheit weather!

On Christmas Eve, after we left Santa Wendel's Organic Power Cookies and his reindeer raw carrots, we went to a friend's party in N. Vancouver. Highlights included:
- piano playing and singing carols
- 11 children/babies
- lots of great food (host is a trained chef)
The mishmosh buffet featured - ham, corn bread, cranberry sauce, collard greens, butternut squash soup, mashed potatoes, shrimp ceviche (made by yours truly), duck and soy chicken, Korean Japchae, spicy crab dip and a range of desserts and beverages.  

Christmas Day was chill, we woke up, marveled at Julian's gifts from Santa.  He insisted on eating Santa's leftover cookies, stating that Santa had some already. It is the first year that Julian understood that it was "Christmas", so we went all out and got him Legos, a scooter, wooden NYC vehicles, and a Thomas the Train sticker/coloring book. All I gotta say is thank goodness Amélie didn't know what was going on, as she would've been disappointed to see her empty stocking.  Hey, at least we got her a stocking, right?  Then, we went to church and continued to spend the day relaxing, with an afternoon in Stanley Park for pictures and so Julian could ride his bike.

Tomorrow (Dec. 26th) is an official holiday called "Boxing Day"...supposedly like Black Friday in the States. I highly doubt it is anything like Black Friday, but we shall see!  We'll be packing up clothes and food for our mini-trip to the Gulf Islands...we have a Monday morning ferry to catch from Tsawwassen to Pender Island and will be staying in S. Pender (links to map) for a few days.  

SO EXCITED TO VEG OUT! Updates on our trip to follow...

Six Months

It has been exactly 6 months since our arrival to Vancouver...the time has completely flown by!  I've been reading some of my past blog entries and it's crazy how things become distant memories. I also can't believe that Amélie was only 2 months when we arrived and now, at 8 months, she is crawling like a mad woman, standing and trying to cruise!  

I think we've all adjusted nicely...Julian is no longer having pee accidents every day and has mastered underwear at night; which we are ecstatic about! He asks about "the old red car" sometimes and asks where some of his old friends (Logan, Nadine, Dylan, Nik, etc) are - we show him pictures often.  Terrible 3s are certainly in effect and I have my days with him!! Melvin is adjusting to his new job and is working from home more often now, which I'm enjoying. He is loving our proximity to the seawall for his bike rides and is more open to alternative medicine (i.e. acupuncture). I'm miraculously breastfeeding still and am loving being at home with the kids (most days!). I have my side gigs, that are just for me and keep me busy, but realized pretty quickly that I don't care to go back to work full days anymore. Don't get me wrong, I miss my paycheck tremendously, but not the stress that came along with it. More than anything, I'm shocked that I don't miss the travel.  Who would've known?  

I have been lazy about it, but I still have to blog about the healthcare process here, as well as  make light on the odd Vancouver weather.  Those are the things people always seem to ask about or have misconceptions on.

All in all, we are loving this chapter and are happy the kids are a part of it. It would've been a lonelier road without them. Now it's time to get ready for Julian's new friend's birthday party and buy some stuff for a Christmas party tomorrow night...can't wait to see what we're doing after our 1-year mark!

New Traditions

In the past, Melvin and I have always been running around before Christmas, finalizing plans (mostly arguing over whose family to see and how much time to spend with either), buying gifts, family drama, etc. etc.  In addition, I somehow often had a huge program with work, which required me to be traveling or be away from home for 3-5 weeks before the week of Christmas.  I mean, how much more stressful could it get? This is probably the first year we had time to think of ourselves and each other.  Last night, we went out for our first Christmas Dinner, without the kids, and we felt it was a nice tradition to try and keep.

We checked out Market by Jean-Georges (clearly, I chose this restaurant), which is located at the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Vancouver.

I indulged in the tasting menu, which featured a few of my favorite things in life, and had this amazing Portuguese red wine with it.  I must say though that my friend, Aimee, can whip Jean-Georges' chocolate lava cake in a cook-off any day!

Seared Scallops, Caramelized Cauliflower, Caper - Raisin Emulsion

Steamed Shrimp Salad, Tender Greens, Avocado Champagne Dressing

Foie Gras Brulée, Roasted Strawberries, Balsamic Vinegar

Seared Sablefish, Malasian Chili Sauce

Grilled Lamb Chop, Roasted Brussel Sprouts 

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake, Vanilla Ice Cream

Melvin got the Dungeness Crab Cake with Snap Pea Remoulade, Soy Glazed Short Ribs with Apple - Jalapeño Puree and Rosemary Crumbs and for dessert, Homemade Caramel Ice Cream with Salted Candied Popcorn.  His dessert (which he loved) was creative, but not my cup of tea.

New York City has offered us way better restaurants, but it was totally wonderful and if anything, I highly recommend taking some time with a loved one during the hectic schedules the holidays bring us each year....especially if you have kids!

The Peak of Christmas

SANTA'S WORKSHOP

Today was mid-40s and sunny, so we decided to head up to Grouse Mountain's Peak of Christmas to check out the holiday season events.  Much to our surprise, there was a straight up blizzard up at the top of the mountain!  Thank goodness, we had our ski coats on, but I didn't wear a hat, was wearing sneakers and rockin' my Botkier purse. Totally inappropriate. The mountain is only 15 minutes away, so who would've thought???

SANTA'S SLEIGH

To top things off, as we were changing Amélie's diaper in the trunk of our handy dandy 2-door VW, she decided to crap in her pants! Mommy chose today to forget an extra pair, so there she was, in her fresh diaper and leg warmers underneath her snowsuit.  C'est la vie, off to the gondola we went!

REAL REINDEER!!

Life goes on and we had a great time! We checked out Santa's Workshop, his reindeer, and rode on his sleigh.  By the time Julian actually saw Santa, he didn't really care to take a picture with him.  It definitely beat pictures at a mall...I think Julian thought he was actually at the North Pole!

HO HO HO!

Undercover Investigation: Smithfield Foods

What a very sad issue that is going on in the U.S. right now...it's really tough, but it's really important to try to know where your food is coming from!

Undercover Investigation: Smithfield Foods

Female breeding pigs were crammed inside "gestation crates" so small the animals could barely move for virtually their entire lives. The animals engaged in stereotypic behaviors such as biting the bars of crates, indicating poor well-being in the extreme confinement conditions. Some had bitten their bars so incessantly that blood from their mouths coated the fronts of their crates. The breeding pigs also suffered injuries from sharp crate protrusions and open pressure sores that developed from their unyielding confinement.

Nationwide Ban on Drop-Side Cribs

I just heard about the ban in the U.S. of drop-side cribs because of 30 infant deaths in the past 10 years.  I'm sorry but stuff like this really annoys the crap out of me!!  This could potentially be a controversial blog entry, but I must express myself...

I happen to think that drop-side cribs are essential, if not helpful to say the least, for a number of reasons.

1) If you are pregnant with your 2nd or 3rd or 4th child, and they are close in age, it's impossible to bend into a crib to pick up your near toddler with a belly, especially when the mattress is at the lowest setting.

2) It is extremely helpful for grandparents to bend into a crib without straining their backs.  For most grandparents, they are unable to bend into a crib that doesn't have a drop-side to begin with!

3) It is essential to have a drop-side crib during c-section recovery.  And no, not everyone has space in their homes for a pack n play, bassinet and co-sleeper.  I was a true minimalist when it came to "stuff" - we bought the crib for the babies, so they used it from day one.

4) 5' 2" and shorter??  HELLO??

Anyway, my MAIN point is, if you're going to buy any item for your child, whether it's drop-side crib or infant car seat or high chair, take the necessary precautions and do your due diligence, research the mechanisms, read the reviews, know where it's made, and first and foremost, don't buy a cheap-ass one!  

I just feel a nationwide recall for a product that has been on the market since the beginning of time is a bit extreme.  Maybe they should regulate which companies are making the cribs, the safety measures being taken and control the quality of the product?

This is very similar to the irresponsible parents that had their kids in slings and oh, forgot to make sure they were still breathing, or whoops, didn't secure them properly!!  

"Meditative State"

Melvin has been going to acupuncture treatments, as have I, and we often compare experiences.  He says he "thinks" he falls asleep sometimes, but a "light" sleep because when the doctor comes in, he wakes up right away.  Since the sessions are fairly short (20 min), I told him he's probably in a "meditative state", which is great, because he's actually allowing himself to let go of his thoughts and slow his central nervous system down....This "zone" is a wonderful place; I highly recommend it.

Now that I've been teaching yoga for a couple months now, it's interesting to observe my students.  It is so evident when an individual has a full mind, heavy heart and is unable to just "let go".  Sometimes I want to shake them and tell them to clear their mind and listen to what I'm saying, rather than thinking about work, kids, school or whatever it is that is boggling their minds!

This is more common than not.  That was certainly one of my struggles when starting yoga.  I used to do yoga practically every day my senior year in college and even so, I admit that I never reached that higher level of the practice...the zone...Now that I know what it is, I want to share it with the world; however, I just hold the tools and it's up to the individual unfortunately.

All I can say is...breathe...let go...

Here is a very cool video I found (after watching it a few times, I realized the flies are thoughts). Some of my students actually look like this - opening one eye, twitching, readjusting...LET GO PEOPLE!

Julian's First Musical

I was a bit apprehensive about leaving New York and moving to a place with a lack of culture and arts.  It was a pleasant surprise to see that Vancouver actually has some great museums and smaller theaters, so it can hold its own.  I mean, it's no Broadway, but we've had our fill of New York and London theater, so it's all good...for now!

In fact, Julian went to his best "pre-school" field trip to date (they have one per month) - Seussical the Musical!  Yes, I know, 10 years AFTER it was shown in New York, but whatever, we didn't have kids 10 years ago.  We had 2nd row seats and the look on his face was priceless.

For the most part, I think he was confused, especially since I've only read maybe one Dr. Seuss book to him in his life.

1) why is everyone singing everything?

2) where on earth is the "cat"?

3) why is everyone dancing so emphatically?

What did he have to say at the end of the show?  I'm hungry mommy.

Priceless.

Video Monitors

...thank goodness for them!  Amélie started standing up in her crib (and everywhere else) and if I didn't have the video monitor to see she was hanging out, she surely would've fallen out last Wednesday!  We lowered the crib mattress soon afterward....ahh, another milestone. 


They grow up so fast!

Raclette

Our new favorite cheese is Raclette, from Switzerland, and is considered one of the best melting cheeses, so we've been using it on burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, omelets, etc.  
This morning, as we were munching on our cheese omelet, I went off on one of my "ugh, I can't believe people eat Kraft singles when they can have this stuff" rants.  Which typically sets Melvin off on his defense of Kraft singles!
Let's face it, Kraft singles was a staple in most of our homes growing up.  Why would we ever question why it lasts for a year in our refrigerators without a sign of mold?  I usually go on about how it's not real cheese and Melvin goes on to say that it is and yada, yada. Well, this morning, I looked up the ingredients of Kraft Singles vs. the Racelette currently in our refrigerator.  


Here is what I came up with:


Raclette: Milk, Salt, Cultures, Rennet, Calcium Chloride, Annato
The only thing questionable in there is calcium chloride, which I looked up and appears to be a firming agent that is approved in foods produced in Europe.  It is defined as the "salt" of calcium and chloride, so it heightens the amount of sodium.  Rennet is an enzyme from a calf's stomach, which is really gross, but is not a chemical. 


Kraft Singles: Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Whey, Milkfat, Milk Protein Concentrate, Salt, Calcium Phosphate, Sodium Citrate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic acid as a preservative, Apocarotenal (color), Annato, Enzymes, Vitamin D3, Cheese Culture, Yellow Dye
Hmm, kinda scary...Calcium Phosphate is used for fertilizers and is used as a rising agent in foods. Sodium Citrate is a salt product and is simply a food additive.  Sodium Phosphate is described as a laxative, but can be used as a meat preservative, as well (huh?).


My conclusion?  Well, I was happy to see that Kraft actually has cheddar cheese in there.  And no, it will not be a staple in our household...

Pão de Queijo - Pan de Queso (Cheese Bun)

Sometime in my past life, pre-babies, pre-marriage, pre-major responsibilities, I had the opportunity to travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Future hosts of the Summer Olympics, World Cup...also known the land of beaches, bikinis, babes and oh, the best plastic surgeons in the world.

During my visit, I picked on these delectable treats called Pão de Queijo, which Brazilians often serve in place of the "free" bread you get at a restaurant.  The outside has just enough crustiness and the middle is filled with chewy goodness.   Very addicting, I must say!

I found a place in Vancouver that actually makes a gluten-free, wheat-free, yeast-free, non-dairy version of them at this place called Quejos.  The second I found out, I loaded the family into the car and off we went.  Certainly not as good as Rio, but a nice find, in my opinion.  I'm a bit obsessed with them now and found a super easy recipe for them (the recipe is not dairy-free, is certainly low in carbs because of the manioc - yuca - starch).

I'll be making batches of these bad boys and freezing them!  Enjoy!

Pão de Queijo - Pan de Queso
INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup tapioca or manioc starch(225 grams)
  (recommend manioc starch)
• 1 egg
• 100g of grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring to boil in a big pan the water, the milk, the oil and the salt.
2. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tapioca starch. Mix well with a wooden spoon and let it cool down.
3. Put the mixture in a bowl, add the eggs and knead well.
4. Add the grated cheese and keep kneading until the dough is smooth.
5. Roll 1 tablespoon of mixture into small balls.
   (Tip: Grease your hands with oil if it's too sticky.)
6. Place the balls onto a greased baking tray.
7. Bake the cheese buns in hot oven (350 degrees) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Put the cheese rolls in a basket and serve them warm.

CHEWY GOODNESS!

ooh, la, la...Shangri-La!

Today, I had the opportunity to visit the Shangri-La Hotel for a site inspection and afternoon high tea with the Canadian Tour Guides Association of British Columbia.  I'm consulting with a local destination management company in Vancouver, so off I went.  What an amazing property!


First off, it is the tallest building in Vancouver (who would've known) with 61 floors.  Secondly, only 8 floors are hotel rooms!  The first 6 floors are meeting space, restaurant, lobby, spa, etc. Floors 7-15 are hotel rooms, housing 119  and floors 16 - 61 feature residences (16 - 41 are actually called "live/work" units)!!  Very exclusive, obviously.  


The hotel is extremely luxurious and features this amazing Brazilian Rosewood throughout.  The spa is to die for, with 6 treatment rooms, all of which are "spa suites" with a tub and toilet within.  


It was interesting to meet new people and I'm always game for High Tea.  It wasn't as impressive as the Empress Hotel in Victoria, but I'm not complaining!  Next stop at the Shangri-La:  MARKET Restaurant by Jean-Georges (don't make me beg, Melvin)

A little taste of Germany...

In Germany, during Christmas season, markets are held in towns, cities and villages throughout the country. They evoke a festive season and are a popular stop for locals and tourists alike. Here, you will not find any commercialism or mass quantities of produces, but rather handmade crafts, ornaments and best of all, Bratwurst & beer! 

For the first year, and hopefully not the last, Vancouver recreated the famous German Christmas Market downtown at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza. We made the mistake of going to the Vancouver Christmas Market on a Saturday afternoon (massive crowds); however, it was such a great atmosphere with a Carnival band, characters walking on stilts, hot apple cider, mulled wine and the smell of Bratwurst and onions floating through the air.

Christmas trees were freshly cut and lined along the perimeter of the market, wooden booths housed unique vendors.  We made it in just before the square reached capacity.  I hope it comes back next year, but at a bigger venue next time! 

OpenTable

I've always been a big fan of OpenTable and we use it frequently for our date nights, dinners with friends, visitors, etc.  I'm always anticipating those 100 points you get after a dinner, so once I reach a certain amount, I get a measly $25 voucher in the mail.  Hey, $25 is $25...

Well, recently, I've been noticing that restaurants are linking OpenTable to their own websites, so you can easily make a reservation on the actual restaurant website.  I thought to myself, well, this is convenient...and then I started to notice that as many reservations I've been making, my points were not moving on my OpenTable account!

Did you know that if you make that reservation on the "restaurant website", you don't get your dining points?  How messed up is that???

Like Father, Like Son

Julian's teachers told me all the girls in his class love hanging with him...A couple mothers inquired "Who is Julian?" as their daughters talk about him at home. 

My reaction?  Oh? How interesting...

I wonder if he'll have twin "girlfriends" in Kindergarten like his father did?

I think...

that PMS causes writer's block.