random tid bits

1. I loved being in Florida for March break!! There is something super special about having an amazing time with your family and their fiddies. The perfect weather might have had something to do with it! When can I go back?!? Fav moments: yoga at BV and on the beach, St. Paddy's Day and Kevin's Birthday celebrations, continuing to be mesmerized by Mitchell and all he brings to our lives, our dinners around the best table to date, our boat trip through the canals, beach club luxury, of course outlet shopping (sigh), and the feeling you get when you spend the entire day outdoors!

2. THANK YOU for all the donations I recieved yesterday for the Ride to Conquer Cancer! I am up to $1125...oh my goodness!! I have some amazing people in my life! I am just under 50%....and am hoping I get to the full amount (can't ride with out the full amount...boo hoo!)...so please even if you have a fiver to spare, the donation would mean the world! Thank you thank you thank you!!

3. Congratulations to Christina and Dave who recently got engaged!! Holla!! Soo exciting!!

4. I am no longer in my probationary period as a first year teacher...my 2 evaluations have been completed and I got the letter in the mail to say I'm smooth sailing. exhale!

5. I love Kristy Alley on Dancing with the stars....she kills me!

6. Still kicking it meatless and dariy-less.

7. Did anyone watch Oprah when Garth Brooks was on?!?! I have been on youtube every day trying to get the clip where he sang 'Unanswered Prayers'....but no luck! It was aaaaammaaazing!! It gave me shivers listening to him. His voice is unreal! I have rewinded and listened to the song on PVR more than 40 times....and I cant get enough (Chris thinks I am coocoo). So if you can, watch Oprah on March 9th...and enjoy!

8. Went to PYC Oakville Sunday morning for a yoga class....loved the space....and of course location (next to Wholefoods)...check it out!

ok enough tid bits....Chris is in Dallas so I feel as if this is keeping me occupied...had to take the night off from the gym as my soccer game last night destroyed my good knee - random bone sticking out. hmm? Anywho have a good night!

Calling all friends, families and readers!

Hi Family and Friends!!

On June 11-12th I will be participating in a 2-day major cycling event called The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting The Princess Margaret, one of the top 5 cancer research hospitals in the world.

I'll be cycling over 200km that weekend, from Toronto to Niagara Falls, with thousands of other Riders. All the proceeds will go to The Princess Margaret to support cancer research, treatment, and services. The Princess Margaret is Canada's leading comprehensive institution devoted to cancer research and care, and the work they're doing is leading-edge.

I've agreed to raise at least $2,500, which is the most overwhelming part of the entire event...and I have had sleepless nights over this number. BUT I know I can do it!! So here's where you come in (my lovely friends and family), because I need your help to do that!! (Lots of help!!) Could you please consider making a donation? (Of ANY amount!!) Use the link at the bottom of this email to go visit my webpage, and please take the time to support me. Please keep in mind the commitment I'm making to end this heartbreaking disease and the personal efforts I'll have to make to accomplish this.

When I say "heartbreaking," here's what I mean: research at the National Cancer Institute of Canada show 171,000 estimated new cases of cancer in Canada this year and 75,300 estimated deaths from cancer in Canada this year. That's why I'm riding. To do something BIG about cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, I will be forever greatful!

Sincerely,

Erin (and Team Hope)

Thank you to Heather, Christina, Chris, My parents, Jenny, and Mike who made the first donations!! Holla!! Love ya!

ps. please help me and pass along my email to all your friends and family!!

Click here to visit my personal page.If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?px=2580082&pg=personal&fr_id=1361&fl=en_US&et=tlgPtJw6Wghy7YUXsVmttA..&s_tafId=195901 Click here to view the team page for Team HopeIf the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?team_id=36192&pg=team&fr_id=1361&fl=en_US&et=WzTIbKQGyEXIpQzjcRx3jw..&s_tafId=195901

'MAYA ANGELOU'S'

(have heard this before, and perhaps have posted it ....but always find joy in reading it...thanks Jen xo)
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
one friend who always makes her laugh..
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods....
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

a little sunday cookin'

So instead of running the chilly half this morn (which I didn't train for but am really starting to miss the running life) I decided to have a sleep in from having a later evening and being caught in the snow walking home, to then go to the Avenue Diner for brunch, onto the grocery store and then into the kitchen...and have just sat down after an afternoon of cooking and baking. Sooo seeing as I like to share my new knowledge here are some easy peasy healthy recipes:

1. Spiced Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
It is my turn this Tuesday to prepare soup for the staff so after looking through Oprah's cook book and keeping things vegetarian and dairy free decided upon this one. (It is important to have someone near by who can cut through a butternut squash...after that step is complete the recipe turns easy!)
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Medium onion cut into 1/4 inch chunks
- 2 celery sticks cut into 2 pieces
- 1 butternut squash (about 3.5 lbs - peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2 inch chunks)
- 6 cups of vegetable stock
- 2 tsp of fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 McIntosh apples (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2 inch chunks)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt for garnish (I skipped this step....dairy)
Steps:
To make soup: In large pit, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring until tender and lightly browned, about 7 minutes. Add squash and cook an additional 3 minutes. Add stock, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf. Bring to boil, then reduce to a simmer; cook 15 minutes. Add apples and vinegar and continue cooking 12 minutes. Remove from heat and puree either in batches in a food processor or blender or all together. Season with salt and pepper. May add croutons to garnish and yogurt.

2. Healthy Berry Bran Muffins
(compliments of Heather! - second time making these though I have HALVED the ingredients to only make around 18 muffins)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of Bran Flakes (I use organic)
- 2 cups of All Bran Buds (organic)
- 2 cups of boiling hot water
- 1 cup of coconut oil
- 3/4 cup of cane sugar
- 3/4 cup of agave (or Maple syrup)
- 4 cups of Almond Milk
- 4 eggs (yes this is not a vegan recipe...argh!)
- 1/2 cup of molasses
- 5 cups of spelt flour
- 2 tbsp of salt
- 3 cups of frozen berries
Steps:
Mix cereal and hot water and set aside. In a separate bowl cream together coconut oil and sugars (cane and agave). Beat eggs into creamed mix. Mix in the Almond milk. Add the molasses. Stir in cereal and the remaining ingredients. But mixture into muffin tin or I have done a loaf before. Cook for 20-25 minutes. Easy peasy and delish!! I freeze half the muffins for future days.

Ps. Will start to share some vegan recipes. I made eggplant "Parmesan" the other day and thought it was gooood...have decided to continue to eliminate dairy and meat from my meals as I am going on week 2...but am going to eat fish and the odd egg...just an fyi ;)
Pps. Florida is 6 sleeps away. holla!

What's in for the spring

According to my fav Style Watch by People magazine:
drum roll please...
1. Bright Colours (gotta work on that...hmm)
2. Thick Heals (always looking for an excuse for new heels)
3. Colourful Stripes (more colour?)
4. Envelope Bags (my red clutch will work)
5. Sleeveless Jackets (not a fan)
6. Sexy Snakeskin (argh)
7. Modern Whites (looove wearing white!)
8. Peasant Blouses (got that covered!)
9. Bright Gold (Always have my gold faux options)
10. Flirty Florals (purchased a shirt or two that's flirty and floral)
hmm soo guess I am ok for the moment...no need to shop...phew! other than for heels, perhaps Florida or Piperlime can help me out?!?
ps. Read the book "Skinny Bitch" which is all about being Vegan...and for the past 5 days or so I have been trying to live that way...however I don't need the title, but am trying to cut out red meat, chicken and dairy, and to drink more herbal teas and organic wines. Will let you know in a week or so my thoughts. so far I am feeling much better!! peace out! Florida bound is just around the corner!! yeeeah!

and the winner goes to...

This was a struggle for me this year...there was no real wow that I expereinced when I saw dresses, but more of an appreciation for how the dress suited the person. So here are my top 3 choices. On a side note: thought Anne Hatheway has some great wardrobe changes...that girl can also cleary rock the tan free look! Alsoooo finally have enough reason to drag Chris to go and see Kings Speech!! Annnnd my own tid bit...was soo disturbed watching Black Swan that I had a hard time being happy for Natalie Portman. argh!