Corpse Pose - (Shava-asana)

Went to my regular Monday night yoga class today.  Because of my son's hockey practice, I had to leave early, but didn't think much of it until I was getting ready for Shava-asana, and and realized it was time to go.

I felt totally robbed of the last 10 minutes; I've really come to appreciate this pose over the years.

I remember my very first encounter with this pose.  I was in high school, lying on the cold gym floor, and listening to the teacher instructing the students to "envision ourselves in a positive environment".  To me, it felt like torture and I was becoming very restless .  The more I tried to concentrate the more my mind would wonder off.  I remember thinking "what a bunch of baloney".   26 years later and I still remember it like yesterday!

I have since come to enjoy yoga; it didn't happen overnight but slowly over time.    Shava-asana is a resting pose and I really shouldn't fall asleep during the pose, but I have. (more than once)

I've never been one to fall asleep on the sofa, or drift off in the afternoon for a nap.  I'm a "do-er", and rarely sit still, so for me to lay flat on the hardwood floor and fall asleep; It's nothing short of amazing.

Hall Pass

Went to see a movie with hubby and daughters.  I'm the comedy fan, so I picked the movie Hall Pass  http://hallpassmovie.warnerbroscanada.com/with Owen Wilson and Christina Applegate.

The movie is about two married men who receive a "hall pass" that gives them an opportunity to have "one week of freedom to do whatever they want".. 

I read some online reviews and they vary, but I don't think the four of us have laughed so much in a long time;  we even continued laughing in the car..

Laughter is a simple pleasure indeed..

Hiking Buddies - Enniskillin Conservation Area

What a fabulous day!

I'm so glad that I decided to join the Hiking Buddies Group. We were meeting at Enniskillin Conservation Area @ 10am, for our hike.  It was a beautiful 35 minute car drive across Durham's rural country side with its rolling hills and farms.

I was one of the first to arrive, but it didn't take long for the remainder of the group to show up.  On this particular day, we were 26 participants.  Most of us decided to rent a pair of snowshoes for $5.  The group was divided into "slower" and "speed-walkers" groups.  I joined 4 other speed-walkers that, like myself, were looking for a bit of a challenge.  What a nice bunch of people, friendly and chatty.  Felt like I'd know them for a long time.

I've forgotten how invigorating it is to be outdoors.  What a nice feeling!


After a 2 hour hike through a beautiful evergreen forest, we joined the rest of the group back at the "building" for a pot-luck lunch.

What a feast!  Pulled pork on a bun, chili, meatballs, potatoes, cheese and crackers, coffee, juice, and dessert.


I had such a great time; I will most definitely join Hiking Buddies on another outing!

Ottawa - Winterlude 2011

Spent the family day long weekend in Canada's Capital.  After a 4 hour car drive we arrived to extreme cold temperatures -19 with a windshield of -28, and to our disappointment all Winterlude festivities, except Chrystal Garden were closed.  We took a quick tour of the city, first by car; then on foot, which lasted no more than 30 minutes due to the gripping cold.  Back at the hotel, we contemplated dinner and decided on Chinese Buffet as it was within walking distance from our hotel.   I felt courageous and sampled deep fried frog legs for the first time.  It tasted like chicken, but as soon as I had gobbled down a couple of legs, I had the image of a hoppin' frog on my mind, so I did not go for seconds.

We woke up on Sunday morning to slightly warmer temperature and were excited to find out that all festivities were opened.  Our fist destination was Snowflake Kingdom at Jacques-Cartier Park, which claims to have the biggest snow playground on the continent.   Our teenagers took a couple of runs down the ice slides and tubing.  Then we were off to the Rideau, the world’s largest skating rink.

When looking for my skates the night before leaving for Ottawa, they were nowhere to be found.  I seem to recall lending them out...but I can't remember to whom.  I arrived in Ottawa with no skates, and I had no luck in purchasing any either.  So, I had resorted to walking the canal instead.  Well, low and behold, as our friends and all the children were lacing up their skates, a man drops a pair of skates in the garbage bin next to me.  I picked them up, tried them on and they fit.... Just like out of a movie.  They weren't the best of skates but they lasted long enough for me to claim to have skated on the Rideau canal.

What a wonderful highway of skaters... It was jam-packed with people.  The kids had a blast, enjoying all the freebies and entertainment along the way.  We ended our Winterlude visit by checking out all the ice sculptures at the Crystal Garden at Confederation Park.  What marvelous works of art.  I wish we could have seen it at night. I accomplished a few new experiences this weekend; skating on the Rideau, eating frog legs and enjoying the ever-so-famous beaver tail. 

This sounds like my type of club!

While surfing the web the other day, I came across a Meet Up group called the Hiking Buddies. http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Buddies/

Organized hikes and walks throughout Durham Region on Wednesday Nights and Weekends; now that's sound like my cup of tea.  Night Hiking under Full Moon, Snowshoeing  and Owl Prowl are upcoming events.  I'm gonna join this group and keep you posted!

Thai Red Chicken Curry

Our whole family enjoy this dish; it's so quick and easy to prepare.  The coconut milk and the curry paste make a delicious sauce.  

I called home 10 minutes before leaving from work and told the kids to turn on the rice cooker.  So, it only took 20 minutes from the time I walked in the door to get dinner on the table.

RECIPE
Vegetable Oil
1 lb boneless chicken thighs (or breast), cut into bite size pieces
1 or 2 large onions, cut into chunks
1 can - 14 oz. coconut milk (for cooking)
Pinch of sugar
1/2 to 1 can - 4 oz.  red curry paste**
1 can - 14 oz. Mini Baby Corn (cut into pieces)
1 Red Pepper, cut into chunks or julienne
1 Green Pepper, cut into chunks or julienne
1 fresh lemongrass stalks, cut into pieces, the bottom parts smashed with the back of a heavy knife
2-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn slightly (to impart fragrance) Optional, but adds a nice touch!
Other Vegetables such as zucchini, carrots finely sliced on diagonal, green beans, sugar peas are optional.

These are the brands I like, make sure to purchase coconut milk for cooking!

PREPARATION

1. In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil over high heat; 
2. Add onions and fry for 1 minute
3. Add and stir-fry chicken until browned, about 3 minutes. 
4. Add curry paste, a pinch of sugar and lemon grass (optional) and stir well to coat chicken.
5. Add red/green peppers and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, add miniature corn and kaffir leaves.
6. Pour in coconut milk and bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and cook for approx. 5 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.

If you are using other vegetables, add them in order of how long they'll take to cook.
For the first time, use only 1/2 can of curry paste and work up from there if needed.
Green curry paste can substituted  instead of red. I might try that next time.

My curry turns out different each time, as I use whatever vegetables I have available. Sometimes, I'll add two cans of coconut milk, depending on how much chicken or vegetables I'm using.    If you're looking for a vegetarian dish, you can omit the chicken, or substitute it with tofu.

Bon Aptite!

Happy 20th Birthday!

Today is the 20th anniversary since we met our our tiny "baby girl" weighing in at 1lb 14 oz., no heavier than two packages of butter.

3 Months Old

If you saw her today, you would never guess that she had a "rocky" start in life.  Reflecting back, I can only say that we are so fortunate to live in Canada and to have had access to the best of physicians and specialist.

We celebrated this milestone by going out for Sushi at Makimono Japanese Restaurant in Ajax. 

When I was 20, the most popular cuisine used to be Greek or Italian.  Today's youth seem to have a love affair with Asian cuisine.  My children were much more familiar with the various choices on the menu than I and knew exactly what they wanted to order.

 The food was very good and we left feeling quite full, but that didn't stop us from having a huge piece of Princess cake each when we got home.

Swedish Princess Cake

Princess Cake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prinsesst%C3%A5rta  is a very traditional Swedish cake consisting of delicate sponge cake layered with raspberry jam, custard and whipped cream which is all topped with a layer of marzipan.  The trickiest part is to get the marzipan right, but practice makes better.. 
 

Rotary Park - Ajax

What a gorgeous day today!  The sun finally decided to pay a visit!

 One of my favorite pastimes is simply going for a power-walk or jog.  I usually walk in the neighborhood, but one of my favorite places for a walk is Rotary Park in Ajax.  http://www.townofajax.com/Page2042.aspx  

We are very fortune to have the longest undeveloped waterfront in the Toronto Area.  The trail is 6 km long and winds along the shores of Lake Ontario.  It is part of the the Waterfront Trail that runs from Hamilton to Belleville.

 If I walk East, I'll end up at the foot of Liverpool Road in Pickering.  During the warmer months, I sometimes take a break at the Waterfront Dining Bar Patio.  Great place to sit with a drink and take in the view of the Marina and sailboats in the Bay.  Or perhaps, I'll stop by the ice-cream shop for a large cone.  

Ice Chrystal a la Great Lakes



Lake Ontario - Feb 2011

The City of Ajax decided early on that the waterfront should belong to the people, and they've slowly purchased most of the homes along the waterfront.   There are numerous park benches along the Waterfront Trail to sit and listen to the sound of the waves hitting the shore, or simply take in the beauty of Lake Ontario.  On a clear summer day, I can see the sailboats outside Whitby harbor, and if I turn the other way, I'll see the sailboats in Frenchman’s Bay, and beyond that I can make out the fleet of sailboats outside the Bluffer's Basin.  And in the very distance, CN Tower stands proud in the background.


Various Signs Depicting Early Ajax History is posted through out the trail!



Today, the park benches are partially buried in snow; the playground is empty, but there are still people out for their Saturday stroll.

I actually bumped into one of our yacht club members.  Like myself, he was out for a walk enjoying the great winter weather. 

The sound of mother nature when the waves hit the shore has such a soothing effect, and the sun beating down on the snow covered ground puts a smile on my face.  This is one of my simple pleasures! 

Cowboy Cookies

Had very good intentions of going to my yoga class, but unfortunately the car was not cooperating.  Dead batteries! 

So, on to plan B.  I went for a brisk walk, in the crisp cold weather, to purchase some eggs at our local Sobey's store.   Then I baked a batch of Cowboy Cookies.  Nothing like the aroma of freshly baked cookies!  Poor that souls who doesn't know what I'm talking about!  A friend of mine had mentioned that she made these cookies a few days ago, and I was very curious about them as I never heard of them before.  The recipe is courtesy of Martha Stewart, and I assume they were good as they vanished very quickly.   A good friend stopped by for coffee and gave the cookies thumbs up, and my 13 year old son was certainly smiling when he realized that the aroma came from home baked cookies,,, what a treat!   

Today was a good day, I got to enjoy three of my simple pleasures; baking, friendship and the outdoors.  Life is Good!

Recipe
Makes about 5 dozen

• 3/4 cup pecans (3 ounces)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant or quick-cooking)
• 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into 1/4-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until darkened and fragrant, 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop. Into a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
2. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and both sugars until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.
3. With mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture, beating until just incorporated. Beat in oats, chocolate, pecans, and coconut until just combined. (Dough can be covered with plastic and refrigerated up to 3 days.)
4. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray; line with parchment, and spray parchment. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice-cream scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared sheets, about 3 inches apart.
5. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges of cookies begin to brown, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer sheets to wire racks to cool 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored up to 3 days at room temperature in airtight containers

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Cowboy Cookies - Martha Stewart Recipes

Quest for silky, smoth hair - Keratin

I grew up hating my wild, frizzy, thick and unruly hair.  I tried just about everything to smooth it out and flatten the hair.  Collecting rainwater to rinse my hair, in the belief that it would become silky smooth.  Sure, soft water is more gentle on the hair than hard water but it still did not give me the soft, flowing hair that my best friend was blessed with.

Friday nights was the the time to shine.   I grew up in a very small town in northern Sweden, and 10 km outside town is the hamlet of Bollstabruk with a population of about 2,000, and THIS is where one of Sweden's largest disco's, at the time, used to take place every weekend.  Hundreds of teenagers got bussed in from cities nearby to attend "Häftig Fredag", which basically means Cool or Groovy Friday, so as a 15-year old my life depended on my hair looking as good as possible.  I'd get started early in the morning to prep for disco night; wash my hair, slightly dry it and walk around with a thick knitted hat for most of the day.  And it worked wonders, actually taming the hair a bit, and if luck was on my side it would last all night.  My nightmare would be that rain, snow or humidity would destroy the hard earned hair-do..

So, thank god for the invention of the Flat Iron.  Imagine how many hours of labor and grief that little tool could have saved me.

A few days ago, I gave Keratin treatment a try.  This product promises to:

 ...smooth coarse and curly hair that resists styling or hair that tends to react to humidity or heat. It is especially helpful for hair that looks dry and unruly after styling and resists holding a set. Keratin coating will give hair a shiny smooth finish that will make it amazingly easy to style.  (www.ehow.com)

This is not something you undertake yourself, but have a hair professional apply the treatment. An extremely high quality flat iron to seal in the treatment.  Hair is not to be washed for 3 - 4 days after application so it'll be greasy!

I finally washed my hair today, and after styling it, I can honestly say that it's was much more manageable. Blow-drying time is cut in half and the hair feels softer and looks shinier than before the treatment.  And the flat iron is getting dusty in the drawer.

I will definitely repeat this process before the sailing season begins.  Wind, Sun, and humid weather is my life from May to October.!
So for all those youngster that complain about their hair, "Suck it Up, you could have been an 80's teen"!