Sugar is poison

Sugar is poison.  Head on over to Sophie's Blog and find out why.  It'll change the way you think about the food that goes in your mouth.  Remember: live the best life possible!

*hugs*

Best Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER.

Ever, ever.  Really.

I have a terrible time following recipes.  Which means I could never master pastries or French cooking...BUT! I make amazing meals from scratch and can even tweak a dessert recipe to make it into something fantastic - in my own humble opinion.  ::cough::

So, I present to you my most recent creation - the BEST chocolate chocolate cookies EVER.

Preheat oven to 375F

1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup brown sugar

 In a Kitchenaid mixer, mix together the above ingredients until blended.  Add:

1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp orange juice
1/2 cup butter - cubed

Cream together for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl at 1 minute intervals.  Then add:

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I use Half Salt)
chocolate chips to your taste - I use 1/2 a bag or approx. 1 cup

Mix thoroughly for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl at 1 minute intervals. 
Using a teaspoon, spoon batter onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes (although my oven seems strong, so I bake them for 9 minutes).

ENJOY with a large glass of milk.

*hugs*

The Santa 'issue'.

The holiday season is in full swing.  There are cranky people everywhere just waiting to push past you on the street, jump in front of you in line at the mall and sneer in utter unhappiness at the slightest...well, ANYTHING.  I don't know why this season seems to bring out the worst in people.  Seriously.  If buying gifts makes you THAT unhappy - STOP. BUYING. GIFTS.  It's not that hard!  Your kids are taught what to think of the holidays, they don't need that expensive toy or a room full of crap.  It is the parent's job to show them why.

In the spirit of the season, I do give a couple of gifts.  Our parents, my nephew, Mr. Penguin and the girls (as well as a few Secret Santas).   Which brings us to our new predicament...Santa.  With Monkey's speech delay, we never brought up the story of Santa and how he supposedly comes to the house, as she didn't have the vocabulary and we didn't want to scare her.  So until school, where she is now learning about Santa, she just knew that we bought each other gifts and opened them on Xmas day.  And that Santa could be found at the mall.  However, Baby Penguin will be coming up next year on when kids are normally taught about Santa.  But we're not sure we WANT to start Santa at our house.  I don't want to lie to my kids, I don't want to give gifts from someone else, and I definitely don't want Xmas to become about GIFTS.

At the Penguin household during the Xmas season, we bake: cookies, muffins, cakes, bread - anything we feel like.  We cook: spaghetti, chili, casseroles and pasta dishes.  We donate: our time, our money, our toys, our clothes.  We cherish: each other, our friends, our family,and what we have.  But most of all, we create: drawings, paintings, things out of play doh, blanket forts, play picnics, whatever we feel like!  We choose to use the holiday season to spend time with our girls and experience the joy that can be had during this holiday season. 

On Xmas Day, I like to give my girls colouring books, art supplies, books and usually one toy each.  This year the baby is getting a soft chair for the toy room, a colouring book and a stuffed puppy - with crate and accessories to take care of it - to prep her for the puppy we may be getting next year.  Monkey is getting 4 books, Play Doh, some toy cars (she's obsessed) and a storage case to store them in - to help her learn to organize her smaller toys.  That is it.  There will be The Grinch movie, a wonderful breakfast by Mr. Penguin and tons of snuggles on December 26th this year (Monkey has Xmas with her father, so we'll be celebrating late).  It all sounds wonderful to me.  Even if the girls had no gifts under the tree, I know for a fact that it would still be an amazing day at our house.  <3

So, did you pass the tradition of Santa and gift giving on to your kids (or will you)?  How do you celebrate the holidays?  What is your favorite thing about December that just makes your heart soar?

Happy Holidays!
*hugs*

Changes in the air!

The blog is getting a little bit of a make-over...it's looking so good!  I'll have the new version up shortly.
All design is courtesy of Jessica <--- check her out! she does great, fresh work.  ;)

*hugs*

The Happiness Project

I got my book from Amazon.ca today!  The Happiness Project is something I will be starting on January 1st, 2011.  I had purchased it last Saturday at Chapters, but having found it for HALF the cost on Amazon, I returned it and ordered a new one.  I also bought 2 more copies of it and shipped them to my BFF and Mom (and Dad - but they'll share a copy) as they want to start it with me!  I am so excited!! 


If you haven't heard about it, check out the website here.  I am slowly starting my lists and prep work involved.  Just getting half way through the book has made me realize that I do a lot of things not because *I* like them, but because they are supposed to be things I'm supposed to like.

No more.

2011 is going to be a very hard year for me.  I am about to challenge my comfort zones and push myself to take the leaps I've been avoiding (such as going to university or college, choosing a career I WANT, not just something I'm good at, and clearing my home of crap to make room for my family's memories and adventures).  I will be continuing with my health goals from previous posts as well as adding more.


Want to join us on January 1st, 2011?  We're located on Facebook here.

New Book

I started reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin today. Such an interesting read. It goes right along with my 101/1001 list, but on a grander scale.

I will be subscribing to the blog and modifying some of my 101/1001 list to reflect the tasks she completed that I want to complete in my own life.

I recommend.
*hugs*

ETA: I will be starting my own Happiness Project to be tied into my 101/1001 list.  Some things I will change on my list, others I will incorporate into my life on top of my list.  I am so excited for this journey!  I will have more to share once I sort my thoughts.

Lot# 170

We survived our first family trip camping!  I can't wait to go again next year.  I think we'll even stay on the same lot we had.  It was close to the washrooms/showers, had a water pump on site and was somewhat private from the road.  And the park wasn't far from home either - about 2 hours.

Relaxing.

We went with friends and our little ones.  The babies seemed to have fun.  Baby was interested in getting into everything and wanted to explore more of the site, but until she can walk she couldn't really do so.

Waving at her friend.

It drizzled a bit and we had some winds, but overall it was good weather.  A little cooler, but that just made for better snuggling time!

Hammock snuggles.

The mornings were so peaceful...

Our tents.

There were interesting things to be seen...

MUSHROOM! MUSHROOM! (no snakes...)

And baby napped REALLY well!  Her sleeping bag was great and she actually slept in it with it zipped all the way up the second night.  It was adorable - but unfortunately too dark for a photo. She napped so soundly for her last nap, that us taking down the tent around her didn't even wake her up!

Sound sleeper.

Overall a great family experience.  I cannot wait to take Monkey next year for a few days!  I love creating memories for my babies.  And for me and Mr. Penguin too.

<3

*hugs*

I love this site!!

Some of you may know from here that I recently purchased 2 pairs of glasses for an awesome price.  Well, last week I received an email from clearlycontacts stating I had earned a FREE pair of glasses and all I had to pay was the shipping!

So, I of course, went shopping!!  I purchased a third pair of glasses - in purple/blue to round out the options for my glasses wearing days - and was thrilled when they arrived.  They are my favorite of them all.

In the end I purchased three pairs of prescription eye glasses for $122 CDN including shipping.  Want to know the best part?  Mr. Penguin's insurance accepted my receipt for the first purchase!!  HAHAHA The final cost to me?

$122 $24

Life is good.  And a whole lot clearer with the new prescription!

*hugs*

Motivation

On my 101/1001 list I have a goal that I have kept to myself for many years.  #10 - run/jog a 5k marathon.  I have always wanted a fit lifestyle.  The type of lifestyle where fitness isn't something you reward, it's just something you get out and do on a daily basis - it is it's own reward.  I did not grow up with that type of lifestyle AT ALL and most days I find it completely against how I was raised and currently live.  So in wanting to change for the better, I find it extremely difficult to find the motivation to get off my lazy ass and get outside.  Running a 5k is probably the biggest challenge I added to my 101/1001 list.  It is not only testing my motivation, it's testing my determination and some of my fears as well. 

I've always needed a 'buddy'.  Someone to come with me to an event or to join a club at school with me.  I have a hard time putting myself out there and just doing something by myself - for me.  With my parents - who do not lean towards the life I want - and not many friends around, I have to do this on my own as Mr. Penguin is needed to be home with the kids if I'm out.  I have no doubt I can run 5k with enough training - it will be only having myself to push me onward when my muscles hurt that will be my biggest obstacle.  So I am fighting back against myself.

• I have purchased a treadmill at an AMAZING price (under $100!!) that will be delivered in August.  I no longer have the excuse of 'it's raining' or 'too hot' to get outside.  I can walk my ass to the basement and get my training in for the day.
• I went to Walmart yesterday and treated myself to some nice - but cheap (as I'm still broke and working on my debt) - work out clothes.  I got a tank top that is cut for running and some shorts that aren't stolen from Mr. Penguin's drawer.
• I purchased the above in a cut that flatters, but also fits me.  This means that the world can now see where I carry my weight, but not in a way that suggests I stuffed myself into shorts too small for my butt.  If I have a problem with that - I can get moving and lose some weight to make them fit better.  ;)
• I have purchased an app for my iPod to be my trainer - Couch to 5K.  I tested it tonight.  And although I was unable to complete the 'week 1 day 1' session, I know I am going to love this app and it will make all the difference in my progress.  I recommend it for anyone training.
• I have scheduled in AT LEAST every Sunday for training.  I will be adding 2 evenings a week as well - although these will be more flexible based on Mr. Penguin's school schedule and the kid's activities.

I am also putting myself out there for the world to see.

Current weight: 225lbs
Size: 18-20

I am 28 years old - still young and in no way an excuse not to start an exercise program.
I have 2 kids - so what, why should that stop me?  It may take more planning some days, but the results will always be worth it.
I am over weight - well, the weight won't get rid of itself, now will it?
I have a busy schedule - the exercise will help my stress levels, show my babies the importance of doing something for yourself and help me sleep better.

No more excuses.

*hugs*

Happiness is a habit.

I've got a subscription to Chatelaine magazine.  With the $1 subscriptions from Rogers Wireless, I now have 3 wonderfully cheap magazine delivered at different times of the month!  But that's to gush about in another post. ;)  In my Chatelaine this month is an article on happiness.  Specifically how we make our own happiness.

Now, as a woman who struggles with mild depression on a random cycle (every 3 months to a year or so - not a daily thing) I have to agree.  I find that it is when I lose my focus or don't have a purpose that I tend to back slide into negative territory.  This is not to say that those requiring medication or with serious depression issues can be 'cured'.  But, that for the average person it means that you have the power to control your own happiness.

You have exactly the life you want to live.

Think about that for a second.  I believe in that statement 100% - it's actually going to be the inspiration for my next art project that I will be hanging in my office.

Do you hate your hair?  Change it.
Do you want to be a doctor?  Go to school and make it happen.
Tired of being alone?  Work on your self-esteem and get out and socialize.
Hate your job?  Quit it and get a new one.
Hate being fat?  Put down the cookies.
(Insert issue with your life here)?  CHANGE IT.

People love to bitch - it's human nature I think.  But the more negativity you put out there, the more you get in return.  Negative people attract NEGATIVE people.  Why would happy people want to hang around someone who complains 24/7?

Want to be a happy person and join the "life is awesome" club?  I do.  I work to stay in that club - it's a conscious decision I make every single day.  It's a matter of seeing the silver lining in every situation.  And believe me some days it's harder than others!  Just check back through my blog...I bet you can spot the days I hit negativity town from a mile away.
But I chose to be happy again and I got back up.  <------ that's the key.

It's a conscious choice to be made.  Every time life gives you a lemon, make lemonade - or lemon meringue pie or lemon chicken - whatever floats your boat!  Choose to be happy and you will be happy.  It's even been proven.

Some days when I'm driving to work and the day has started off in a funk, I make the decision to turn the day around.  What do I do?  I smile like a freakin idiot is what I do.  All by myself in the car!  I make the biggest, dumbest, goofiest smile I can make.  Cartoonish, if you will.  And then I picture myself as a person in another car watching this spectacle and I laugh.  That's all it takes.  :D By smiling - even if it wasn't 'real' - I send the proper message to my brain to release those happy hormones.  Plus I may have made some random commuters giggle as well.  So I guess I'm passing along the happiness as well!  LOL

In my home I have a ceramic dish on my kitchen counter.  I made it at a pottery store many years ago and it currently houses the small veggie knives, kitchen scissors and spoons used for tea.  It has 4 sides and on each one I placed a picture of something and a saying. 

My favorite is the side with the pink polka dotted chicken.  It's my life motto - Happiness is a habit.

It takes 30 days to create a new habit...why not start with happiness?

*hugs*

Take action.

After yesterday's ramblings I'm moving forward.

I've created my 101/1001 list and am creating the life I want bit by bit.  I'll trip, I'll fall...but I will get back up.
What do you want for yourself?

*hugs*

On our way to debt-free.

Money. 

It's not talked about as much as it should be.  People in general are in debt -- and think it's normal.  I'm tired of it.  I'm the worst offender between Mr. Penguin and me and it is about to stop.  We're starting a plan and we're starting it NOW.

Join us -- you can do it too.

It begins today.  I am printing statements as I type.  Mr. Penguin and I are pretty familiar with what we owe and the interest rates.  We just haven't been pro-active in getting rid of it -- for good.  I will be updating our stats for myself.  To put them out there to keep me motivated.  Feel free to browse, to laugh or just to take comfort that your situation may not be so bad.  ;)

3 years or less baby...let's do this.

*hugs*

Renewing our love.

I strongly believe in renewing our love.  Daily, weekly, monthly and yearly -- whenever the chance presents itself really.  Granted, I've only been married just over 7 months...but Mr. Penguin and I have been through A LOT compared to most couples.  Between moving across the country (him), getting over a divorce (me), 2 kids, a new house, new jobs...we're not exactly your 'typical' newlywed couple.  ;)

Tonight was one of those times.  We attended a friend's wedding.  Sure we had the baby in tow, but that didn't stop the magic.  We dressed up, we smiled at each other across the table (well, over the high chair anyways), we complimented one another and caught each other checking the other out, we danced and laughed.  We relived our own wedding day.  <3

We snuggled and lightly made out at the car before I took the baby back to the hotel to sleep so he could stay and visit with his friends.  My man is an excellent kisser.  Just sayin'.

I am a lucky lady.

Goodnight all.

*hugs*

Best purchase EVER.

Of all the things you own, what would qualify as your best purchase EVER? Mr. Penguin and I bought a new mattress and bedroom set when we moved in together. I love the look of the actual set; it's unique and totally us.

But it's the mattress that is the best purchase. We'd pay double the original cost to us if we had to buy it again. Seriously. And considering what it originally did cost us, that's saying something!

After a week away I couldn't wait to get in it. Is it bedtime yet?

*hugs*

Eat the seasons.

Eat what is in season.  Simple.  Effective.  Healthy.

*hugs*

Balloon ride.

I came across our balloon ride photos this afternoon as I scoured my laptop for photos for my scrapbooks...

 

Mr. Penguin and I took a hot air balloon ride on what we call our Independence Day (ie - the day we both changed our lived for the better).  What an experience!  We were the only people (us and the 9 others on board) who got to see the sun that day -- it was cloudy in the city.  Amazing.

 

It was freeing and thrilling and wonderful...PERFECT for the occasion.   

These I am printing.

 Our Independence Day is still a few months off, but it got me thinking about what I'd like to share with my man this year.  We've talked about rafting -- that would be fun!  Last year I gave birth to our daughter...not exactly planned for the occasion, but it was an adventure of sorts!  We'll see what we can come up with.  

I believe trying new things and just experiencing what life has to offer as a couple brings an element of excitement to the relationship.  However I write this from my office on a Saturday in which we've done nothing but crawl out of bed, eat KD and then browse the web...so take it for what it's worth.

*hugs*

What's your theme song?

Do you have a theme song?  A tune that follows you through life?  One that picks you up when you're blue or one you've been humming in the shower for years?  The hubby and I were discussing this today -- we're odd, you'll just have to get over it.

I have created songs for both my girls that I sing to them.  The eldest has the 'Itsy, Bitsy Spider' with hand signs.  It calms her down no matter what -- she zones right out.  I've been singing it since she was a little infant.  As for the baby, I've personalized the tune of 'Yankee Doodle' with a variation of her name.  :D  She loves it and smiles and bounces whenever I sing it to her.

Now Mr. Penguin thinks I'm cute for all my singing.  Whatever.  :P  I told him that *I* have a theme song that follows me through life, why not the girls?  He wanted to know what it was, but I think I'll let him guess a few years longer...LOL  He said he doesn't have one.  Do you?

For as long as I can remember (going on 10+ years now?) whenever I step into the shower in the morning, I start belting out my theme song in my head.  If I'm home alone I'll play it on the iPod at full blast and sing along.  I don't know why -- it does make me smile though.

I suggest a theme song for everyone.  It doesn't have to be popular or even have words to it.  Just something that speaks to who you are or maybe makes you feel happy/loved/special/whatever.

Happy singing!
*hugs*

I heart VW.

I fell in love with a car today.  Yup, I did.  :)  

I sat in a relatively normal car and was reasonably impressed with it's interior.  Then I glanced upwards and noticed the most amazing thing...a sunroof that took up the entire roof.  Wow.  Me like very much.

The 2011 VW TDI Diesel Engine Golf Wagon will be the new penguin-mobile come October.  It will also be the very first car I've ever ordered from the factory.  I can hardly wait. 

It's official...I heart VW.

*hugs*

Tea for the soul.

Tea is such a wondrous thing. It can calm and relax; it can rejuvinate and clear the mind; it can start or end a day. In our household, a cup of tea is essential.

Mr. Penguin and I share at least one cup of tea a day together -- it helps us connect for a few quiet moments. I highly recommend to all to spend a few minutes relaxing each day with a hot cup of happiness. :)

Tetley is our usual tea, but in the past few years we've expanded our tea experiences to varieties of decaf, herbal and also loose leaf teas. One of my current favorites is the apple streudel loose leaf blend from Teaopia. It's wonderful!  That and my lemon Ginger tea...perfection in a cup.

However, if you seek organic excellence, I recommend checking out the choice at Tea Forté. We used their tea at our Penguin wedding as favors and take it out for special evenings every once in a while.  EXCELLENT. I've added some of the non-black teas to my 'must try' list for future purchases.

Well, I'm almost done my morning cup and ready to start the rest of my day. Have a good one.

*hugs*