Hi folks, it’s time for secrets!

This week, we got to choose sharing something that we secretly wanted to do or something we normally didn’t do and write about it. I chose to let you in on a secret that may just make you laugh.

Like really laugh.

So, here goes…

I secretly want to be a cop.

Yeah, you read that right.

This 5 foot nothing gal has always yearned to wear that blue uniform and fight crime. There’s something about driving around in those cruisers and toting guns that is super exciting.

And boy, do I ever like shooting guns!

I always thought I had the chops for it too, just you know, genetics wasn’t on my side.

What would you think about getting pulled over and you patiently await the officer to come and ask you for your licence and registration and I step out and walk over to your car with my poker face on?

LOL.

Yeaaah, that’s why I stuck with Journalism and Health Care and the occasional trip to the shooting range.

So, what do you secretly want to do or did you write about something you normally don’t do?

Either way, join us next week and link up below!

Next WEEK:

Truth for Feb. 14:

Tell us what you really want for Valentine’s day. A date with your husband? Jewels? Chocolate? Time just for you?

Dare for Feb. 14 

Show us one of your talents in a photo, blog post or vlog post. This can be anything from crafting, creative writing, or knitting to tying a cherry stem with your tongue, doing the splits or blinking with one eye at a time.

Til then, cheers m’deres!

Guest Post from Rebecca regular contributor on  Little Miss Kate

I have been so fortunate in my life to have been under the care of some truly wonderful midwives. So, when I saw their recent campaign to get birthing centres in Ontario for Ontario families, I knew that I wanted to support them the same way that they supported me.

In fact, it’s almost hard for me to write about my experience with my midwives without feeling just a little emotional. My first-born was delivered by a calm and confident midwife who brought so much peace to the whole experience, I honestly couldn’t wait to do it all again. I have such an amazing memory of that labour experience.

I had expected the same when I was ready to deliver my second. I’d even secretly hoped that things would go so smoothly and so quickly that we wouldn’t even make it to the hospital. Unfortunately, the baby had an entirely different plan and we ended up with an emergency c-section. I know that while, technically, she was delivered by the OB who performed the surgery, my midwife stayed with me, with us, through the whole procedure and through the hard days in and out of the hospital that followed.

Having done it both ways, I can say without question I would always choose a midwife assisted birth every single time. And if these births could be performed outside of a hospital, in a safe and clean birthing center, it would be amazing. I’m not against c-sections, clearly, and I’m not against medical intervention.

I am for more women getting to choose how they bring their babies into the world.

The bad news is, Ontario has a shortage of midwives to service the women who want to make that choice. The good news is that there is a simple solution that not only allows more women to make choices about their births but it would also save the Province money (which is always in short supply).

Here are some more facts you might want to know about the benefits of birth centres:

• Approximately 40% of women in Ontario who want to have midwifery care are unable to get that care because of the shortage of midwives – the demand is there
• By supporting midwives & birth centres Ontario could have significant savings through reduced operating costs and reduction in c-section rate
• Birth is the leading reason for hospitalization for women in Ontario, yet there is no medical reason to be hospitalized for a healthy, normal labour and birth

Birthing centres in Ontario would provide more service but cost less money.

Makes sense, right?

Want to learn more visit the Ontario Midwives website or check out  the Ontario Needs Birth Centres Brochure What can YOU do? 

Take action NOW!

Send an e-postcard to let Premier Dalton McGuinty to let him know you support birth centres

On Twitter?

Why not send out a tweet showing your support, for example:

• @Deb_Matthews looking forward to your transformation of #Ontario health care, hope to see @ontariomidwives #birthcentres

• @Dalton_McGuinty pls bring @ontariomidwives #birthcentres 2 #Ontario cut healthcare costs & provide better care #onpoli

Don’t forget to head over to Little Miss Kate’s Blog to enter to win an “Ontario Needs Birth Centres” Prize Pack (Open to Ontario Only)

Make Change!

Thank-you to Little Miss Kate and Rebecca for fighting to make positive change. I hope you, all my lovely friends and readers can contribute.

Til then, cheers m’deres!

Kids love boxes…

But, in this case, I couldn’t figure out which boxes they liked the most.

Kelloggs Corn Flakes is a staple for breakfast foods. It’s definitely been a part of my life since I can remember. If we ever wanted cereal, we could always find the old school Kellogg’s Corn Flakes in our cupboard.

As I grew up, I must say that we continued to be a Kellogg’s family and though I changed from Corn Flakes to Special K and breakfast bars for on the go, I remained a Kellogger!

Well, I was super stoked when Kellogg’s selected me to become a member of the Kelloggers Network and as a welcome gift, we got lots of goodies that introduced us to new and exciting flavors and some sparked our nostalgia with our very favorites.

Here are the goodies that they sent our way:

• A box of Mini-Wheats
• A box of Special K Honey Clusters
• A box of the original Corn Flakes
• A box of Frosted Flakes
• 2 boxes of Nutri-Grain Bars (Superfruit Flavors)
• 2 Rooster bowls
• A Tony the Tiger vintage shirt

It’s safe to say that my girls kind of went crazy, Gabs because she knows what this awesomeness is and Mimi, well–boxes!

As aforementioned, we have always been a Kellogg’s family. But, as I got older and became a mother myself–I became more conscious of the health and nutrition of not only myself but my girls.

I had normal worries about excess sugar and empty calories.

I am pleased to say that there are many cereal Myths that Kelloggs has enlightened me with:

MYTH 1: Cereal is heavily processed.

• Kellogg’s Rice Krispies begins with puffed grains of rice.
• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal begins with flattened grits of corn.
• Kellogg’s Mini Wheats cereal begins with a shredded wheat berry.
• Kellogg’s Froot Loops cereal begins with grain-based doughs.

MYTH 2: Cereal is high in sugar.

Sugar in ready-to-eat cereals including kids cereals-contributes less than 5 percent of daily sugar intake,  yet it adds taste, texture and enjoyment that encourages the consumption of important nutrients.

MYTH 3: Cereal is high in sodium.

Cereal contains less than sodium than many popular breakfast items, including one slice of whole wheat toast, one croissant, one English muffin and half a bagel. In fact, in Canada, ready-to-eat cereal only contributes about 3 percent of the sodium in the diet.

Are these things you worried about too?

They are definitely things I have worried about. I am very strict with the girls’ diets and I believe that everything in moderation is okay. I feel sort of guilty that in the 8 years that Gabs was born, she’s never had sugary marshmallow cereals. But, she isn’t denied treats here and there. What I love about Special K and Mini-Wheats is that they are packed with nutrients and a hint of sweetness that kids love.  But, what I give them is my choice and as parents we know what is best for our kids.

So, you always be the judge!

I think cereal is a great choice for breakfast on occasion and when you accompany cereals with a balance of whole and natural foods you can be sure that your kids will be healthy and you too.

Don’t forget, activity is always encouraged too!

Now these bowls have become a family favorite already and have gotten TONS of use. Not just for the yummy cereal but, EVERYTHING. And I must say they are pretty awesome. Thanks Kellogg’s!

So, the girls were excited but, there’s one other person I forgot to mention. Hubby was so excited to see Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes in the pile of goodies. He said, “OMG, I haven’t had these in Y E A R S.” After comparing them with Kellogg’s Corn Flakes the difference was minimal and they were almost neck in neck with calories and even sugar intake.

Boy, he was a happy fella.

I tried the Nutri-Grain superfruit bars. They had pomegranate and Acai berry to name a couple. They were delicious of course and Gabby loved them for school.

She also enjoyed the box.

What is with kids and boxes?

What were your favorite cereals growing up, what do you like now?

I love all the Special K’s, especially the Chocolately Delight and as a child it was definitely Corn flakes.

You?

Let me know, til then, cheers m’deres!

Disclaimer: I am part of the Kelloggers Network program and I received a box of Kellogg’s products as a welcome gift. I was not asked to write about the products or the gifts received. All thoughts expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced in any way. Thanks for reading.

Well, hello there Fit N’ Firmers!

I hope you all had a great week and from what I read so far, you guys are doing great! Anyway, I’d love to say that I had a marvelous week this week but, I really can’t.

Last week I had a bit of a medical scare and I didn’t eat much of the two days that I was there, waiting. This past week, I haven’t had much of an appetite and to be honest I haven’t watched my calories.

Either I ate too little or maybe over calories for weight loss.

So, this week I have to report that I’ve maintained but, I’m going to make this change this upcoming week. My energy level has kind of dropped again but, I’m going to make it a point to put on the Wii and do a little dance.

MJ style!

Other than that, I went to Whole Foods Market today and I thought I’d try a healthier, natural alternative to pop. Or soda as my American friends call it.

It’s naturally sweetened with Stevia and to be honest, I rather have almond milk which is much more tasty. So, I may have found a “loophole” but, it’s safe to say, definitely not one that I’ll be using.

On another note, my trip there was fruitful and I’m all stocked up and ready for another week.

Well, I’m definitely looking forward to some new recipes from you guys and to see how your week went. Your fitness inspirations are amazing!

Link on UP, if you are new to the hop–feel free to add your link and join us!

The more the merrier!

So, here’s to another week and make sure to join Sober Julie on Monday for Motivated Monday, here.

Will You Be Our Valentine?

With the help of a few friends, we have put together a sweet pack of giveaways! A huge thank you to The Pumpkin Patch, Look Who’s Growing, posterjack.ca, Shian Naturals,  Beauty RSVP (to be posted on Feb. 6) and PINK Espresso! They all have a little something special to give to some very lucky members/readers!

Pretty please?

Well, as a token of our appreciation for all of your support and awesomeness, we have a little something something for one winner too! CMO will be giving away one full size Scentsy warmer (see image below), one ”Love Story” Scentsy bar and one “Satin Sheets” Scentsy bar!

I would like to send out a special thank you to Theo from Scentsy for covering the shipping cost of this giveaway!

Thanks, Theo!

Links to our Be My Valentine Giveaways: 

Go to these links to enter for each one! :)

Look Who’s Growing
PINK Espresso
Shian Naturals
Posterjack
The Pumpkin Patch

Also, this giveaway is open to EVERYONE, you don’t need to be part of CMO to enter, though you are always welcome to join us!

Good luck and Happy Early Valentine’s Day!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

Well, hello there m’deres!

It’s Truth or Dare Tuesday and with the crazy week I have had, I opted for TRUTH! What did you guys choose, I think this week was pretty easy so, I can’t wait to see what you guys have come up with!

So, let’s get to it!

Here’s 3 Things You May Not Know About Me:

• I am seriously, seriously addicted and cannot get enough of Instagram. I think it’s partly and remotely one reason why I couldn’t stay with the Android platform. I mourned it’s loss while I had the Droid. I love it because I can let my creativity flow, bust out my amateur photography skills and share the simple, beautiful things in life. If you are on Instagram, make sure to follow me under “whispersinspire” and I’ll follow you back! Above is one of my favorite Instagram pictures, which so happens was taken when I took a trip down for a charity spa event.

• I am a spa fiend, I am most happy while sitting in a peaceful, quiet lounge, by myself or with my BFF’s, sipping on lemon, cucumber and mint-infused spa water. In a soft white robe, slippers and having a glorious organic facial and a 60 minute full-body massage. Mani and Pedi to follow. Then taking a dip in the whirlpool and ending it with a trip to the infrared sauna, then cooling off in the rain room shortly after. Then getting primped up in their vanity. Pure. Bliss.

• I used to sing in a latin band with my Dad. It was one of the most amazing experiences to be able to perform with him. He’s the most amazing guitar player and puts Santana to shame (Oh yeah, I went there) and it was a really fun time in my life. I’ve recently been asked to return and I am thinking about it. Perhaps when things die down? If they do? LOL, we will see!

Now, I can’t wait to read all yours! Let’s see if you guys took the TRUTH or the DARE!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

What a way to spend a Friday night.

I tell ya.

Ever since I was diagnosed with this (BILAT PE), it’s been a roller coaster ride.

This past Friday was very emotional for me, it started off pretty normal, Hubby and I went out and did our groceries and had a lunch date. I came home, got into my jammies and cuddled on the couch.

My arm started aching, really bad. It was tender to the touch, red, pins and needles feeling and I could feel a bump underneath my skin.

Okay.

So, I freak out.

I was warned about these symptoms and all these crazy visions started flashing in my mind. A vision about the clot dislodging and it travelling to my heart or lungs again.

Just dropping.

I didn’t want to go wait at the ER all night but, Hubby asked me to go and I went. Not so much for waiting times but, to be quite honest–scared of what the outcome may be.

The hospital itself is another story for another time but, after 6 long hours of waiting, I started to get answers. The doctor on duty was absolutely shocked that someone my age had this. And not only one large pulmonary embolism but, bi-lateral embolisms.

He told me that I am one lucky girl and what saved me was my age.

He said, “Had you been any older, you would have dropped like a sack. It takes both of your lungs to push oxygen to your brain cells. It takes 6 minutes for brain cells to die and that is not nearly enough time for someone to travel here, get admitted and then treated. Having such large clots in both lungs, it’s amazing that you survived. Like I said, most people would just drop like a sack.”

My heart sank.

My eyes welled up with tears and it hit me like a brick wall.

These last few months I have been very positive, not letting this get to me or stop me from doing what I wanted and needed to do. But, I never stopped to really ACCEPT the severity of this. That I really am so fortunate to still be here, that every doctor I have talked to since this began has told me I SHOULD BE DEAD.

Insensitive or not, it was the truth.

It really makes my heart hurt thinking of not being able to be here to see my girls, Dara and my family.

Quite frankly, I’m hurt and I’m angry.

I’m very angry that something that something that is supposed to be safe could have stolen my joy of being a mother, stolen a mother from 2 precious little girls, taken away a wife, a sister and a daughter.

These things just shouldn’t happen.

Well, for now they’ve determined that at least it’s not another clot, they say my pain is real but, can’t place a diagnosis. If my symptoms worsen or if the same PE symptoms return they said come on back.

I’m tired, sleep deprived, underfed and sore.

Well, I will not let this beat me and however long I have here, I’m going to make the absolute best of it. On our drive home, I looked up and saw the sun shining, bringing life to this bare tree. Even under grey skies this tattered tree still shines beautifully.

I don’t like complaining and I hate to pour my sorrows onto anyone, that’s why I say always looking for the silver lining in everything you do and everything you face.

It’s there.

And I am glad to be here to appreciate that.

Live everyday like it’s your last.

Thank-you all for the kind words and concern, it really, really means so very much.

Hello Fit & Firm Buddies!

So, I had another good week this week and saw another drop of 2 pounds.

I see a bit of a difference and in all honesty, the first thing you lose is water. Regardless, I’m glad that the number is going down!

While stepping on the scale, I noticed that I haven’t been measuring my progress with inch loss. This week, I’m going to take my first measurements and see how many inches I lose.

Measuring inches is so important to me because I am not really watching the number on the scale, more so I want to focus on how my clothes fit and how many inches I lose. I tend to gain muscle very quickly so that can play tricks on me on the scale.

I have a wedding gown to get into, that’s what I remind myself all the time!

Short term goal.

Long term goal is to continue to live a healthier life. 

But, to be quite honest, once you get the icky stuff out of your system, it’s much easier to get back to eating healthy. Cravings subside and you can stick to it. Sure, there are days when I crave something sweet but, there are plenty of healthy ways to satisfy that craving.

I also have to report that I’m slowly navigating my life with less to no Diet Pepsi. Today, I only had one and had water with 2 of my 3 meals and snacks!

*GASP*

This delicious recipe helped this week, I made in about half an hour. My Hanover’s Organic Trail Bars that had just the right amount of sweetness, tons of fiber, anti-oxidants and lots of potassium.

Check it out!

I hope you all have had a great week! If you had a rough week, just keep in mind that tomorrow is a new day and you can start fresh!

Don’t give up!

What better time then to start then now?

Grab Our Button!

Also, make sure to visit Sober Julie on Monday to report or share your progress or motivation for Motivated Mondays!

Til then, cheers m’deres!

So, as many of you know, healthy options and natural whole foods are a must around these parts.

Especially for my girls.

I often go the extra mile to make snacks or treats or meals at home, that way I know what is going into the food that they are eating. Foregoing the easy way may seem like a huge feat but, with a bit of planning and just a little extra time–you can bet that you will be giving your kids exactly what makes you comfortable.

You can even treat yourself too!

If you are a huge pretzel fan (which I am), you have definitely heard of Snyder’s of Hanover Pretzels. They are a delicious snack that is low-calorie if you are trying to watch your intake and want a snack that definitely tantalizes your taste buds. Well, Snyder’s asked me to share a recipe with you guys and if you know me, I’m a chocolate and peanut butter gastronome!

This is my alternative to traditional boxed granola bars, they are packed with fiber, protein, good fat, potassium and antioxidants. Now the version I made are almost organic because the Kroger’s I went to was out of the Whole Wheat & Oat Sticks. But, this is the type that I suggest for this recipe if you are looking for an organic version. If not, any Hanover’s pretzels are delish!

By the way, head on over to check out all their products. They have plenty to choose from and if you’re not close to the border like me, you can get them in Canada, United Kingdom, France–pretty much all over the globe!

Hanover Dark Chocolate PB Banana Trail Bars:

Things you will need:

• 2 cups of toasted Organic rolled oats
• 1/2 cup of split Hanover Organic Whole Wheat & Oat Pretzel Sticks
• 1/4 cup of pure, organic dark chocolate chips
• 1 cup of Natural peanut butter
• Pure organic vanilla extract. (3 drops)
• 2 packets of Stevia (optional)
• 4 ripe organic bananas
• Nuts (optional)
• Dried fruit (optional)

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Measure 2 cups of your favorite organic rolled oats and spread the oats evenly onto a baking pan/sheet.  Roast them for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. This is also a great time to roast your peanuts if you are adding them to your recipe.

Step 2:

Take your organic bananas, cut the ends off and begin to mash with a fork. Mash until you reach your desired consistency. Add the mashed bananas to pot and turn on the low heat setting.

Step 3:

Measure 1 cup of your favorite organic or natural peanut butter and add it to the mashed banana mix in the pot. Slowly fold the mixture and keep it at low heat until completed melted.

Step 4:

This is where you add the couple of drops of the pure organic vanilla and the 2 packets of Stevia (natural herb sweetener) to your banana, peanut butter mixture. Keep folding until it is smooth and be sure to be watchful while doing this step since it can burn quite easily.

Take off the heat and cool for a few minutes.

Use a large mixing bowl, add the oats into the mixture and fold until they are completely covered and almost like a dough.

Step 5:

Take your Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel sticks and measure about 1/2 a cup or depending on how salty you want your bars and split them into pieces. That way they are still bite size and will pack a powerful, delicious punch to your bars!

Step 6:

Fold in your Snyder’s of Hanover pretzel sticks into the mixture until evenly distributed. Keep folding the mixture until oats and pretzels are completely covered.

Step 7:

This is where you add the dark chocolate chips, dried fruit or peanuts. Fold them into the mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough-like mixture.

Step 8:

Once you’ve folded the mixture completely, place the oat bar mix onto a greased pan or you can use parchment paper if you prefer. Place it evenly and use a spatula to square it out. Press it down to your desired thickness and place in the oven for about 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. The oven should be at 350 degrees.

And there you have it folks, enjoy!

Be sure to let your trail bars cool before you cut them. Use a serrated knife or a pizza cutter to cut them into the shape you’d like. I chose for a chunkier and bigger piece for a serving. You can always cut them thinner and longer as well. Throw them in your favorite glass or BPA-free container and you will also be litter-free!

Cooking Info:

Prep Time: 15 mins.

Cook Time: 25-30 mins.

Calories: Approx. 195 calories for the thicker, wider version pictured above.

Portions: 1 starch, 1 fat and 1 snack.

What is your favorite pretzel recipe?

The possibilities are endless, you can make appetizers and desserts and much more! I wanna hear all your snacks and apps you make using pretzels!

Let me know!

P.S.- These make for a perfect snack for your #FitNFirm week ladies! :)

Til then cheers m’deres!

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Snyder’s of Hanover blogging program and was compensated for my participation. For more information on how you can participate, click here. All thoughts expressed in this post are my own and have in now way been influenced.

Who is up for a game of Truth or Dare?!

Kat from Kat’s Confessions and Patty from Positively Pampered Patty and I are!

Every Tuesday we will be writing a post answering either a truth or a dare and we would like to invite you to play along with us!

How This Works:

• Each week we will post a truth and a dare to choose from.
• Write your post answering the truth or dare.
• Add your post to the linky on Tuesday and have fun hopping!

We will start off simple this week as a kind of “getting to know you” post but you better believe it’s gonna get interesting later on!

So, come on… Join in and let’s get to the fun!

Truth for January 31, 2012:

• Tell us 3 things about yourself that isn’t common knowledge about yourself.

Dare For January 31, 2012:

• Do a vlog post telling us a little about yourself.

I DARE all of you to join us! ;)

Looking forward to reading all of your posts next week!

Til then, cheers m’deres!