Tomorrow we move!

Tomorrow we finish our move, we have been lucky with being able to move things over since Wednesday evening BUT tomorrow will be the official day where we will be completely moved in.  I have been so busy trying to get this done I am amazed that we will be done soon. 

How are my boys doing??

They have been anxious to move into the new place and then other times they have not wanted to.  So I am hoping that once we are all in there it will be okay... I have a feeling this might be the hardest move with eldest.  The first one that will really impact him I think, the others he hasn't cared and adjusted immediately. 

How are we doing with the move??

So far so good I guess... we're excited to get out of this unlivable apartment and we'll be so happy to be walking distance from the school we've chosen for eldest. 

What am I happy about??

I am happy to be moving into a place that is in decent condition.  The place we are in right now has a rotten threw kitchen counter top that was supposed to be fixed when we moved in... clearly they just wanted someone to move in, to jerk around and NOT to the repairs.  They've even been trying to do it again, but they need to gut the place.  There is mold, no working lower faucet in the bathroom... and HUGE gaping hole, the deck is rotted, the fridge barely works and he wont even answer our calls to fix it and he ignores us unless HE wants something, it will leave POOLS of water on my kitchen floor + gets EVERYTHING in my fridge soaking wet at all times so things like pita, bread etc... can't be placed in there.  I will be so happy to move out.  We will still be in an older building BUT this woman has made the proper repairs and even put in new flooring where needed and I can only pray will actually do as she says.  It is amazing how many landlords I have had that have been this horrible.  This guy lives in west van and can't... no sorry WONT make a single repair, not even when my counter top has a hole in it BEFORE I moved in.  I mean I have come up with ways around everything to make it as liveable as possible until we found something bigger for a good price closer to his school.  It was declared a temporary place from day one.   

I will also be happy to have both the boys in separate rooms AND to make all those amazing upgrades and changes to my daycare!  I have a HUGE list of things I want and I am so thrilled to finally have a cash flow coming in to make that happen piece by piece. 

Things i'll be happy to move away from:

oh yeah he fixed it with that cocking stuff for when we moved in... you know instead of replacing it like he said.

Sorry kinda gross I know, thus why we're moving.... I am just happy he hasn't found anyone to move in on the account that he can't provide 24 hours notice nor listen to us when I say I WONT do viewings during daycare hours.  Not hard to pick one day on the weekend to have people view it and give us proper notice.  He will probably take our damage deposit to just to put the cherry on the sundae, cause all of them usually do.

Think About It Thursday [p7]

As like every Thursday here at Mumfection I have been given the honor of co-hosting, along with my other two great blogging buddies: Home Made Simple and Tim and Angi's Blog, to bring to this great meme we have created:


<a href="http://www.mumfection.com/"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa339/HomeMaidSimple/ThinkThursday.jpg" alt="BWS tips button" width="150" height="175" /></a>
I would also like to mention that we are looking for some other great new co-hosts that would love to help us get this meme off the ground some more!  We would love to have you along, especially if you are of one of those elite super blog hoppers :) please message me!!

This Week's Topic: Are Facebook {online} friendships easier to manage than real life friendships?

For me this is really a give and take kind of a deal.  I really love my "real-life" friends, sadly I hate getting ready, dragging kids places, getting ready before I am awake, taking kids + hubby anywhere is a recipe for a disaster, I am always busy and if I do have time I rarely want to spend it with "real-life" friends.  I would rather sleep or do dishes and I ESPECIALLY HATE talking on the phone.

My online buddies, whom I consider friends, I can talk to about anything, I can talk to without makeup, I can talk to without clothing if I so choose and that would be just fine.  I can type my thoughts, dreams, pet peeves, ask advice, and get answers from thousands of different spectrum's.  As a blogger I have also been given such a unique opportunity to connect with people I would, any other way, have no way of meeting.  Again the internet has made making connections with other mothers, people easy and wonderful.  I love that ability.   

But which one is easier??

I would have to definitely say the internet.  I love my real-life friends but I rarely have to physically impress my online friends lol!!! If I do I get the chance to take a ZILLION pictures to ensure I look my best... you know my "online appearance".  Sorry "real-life" friends you're high maintenance for me! lol


The ground rules:

1. No Giveaways or reviews please, we want to stick to our topic or whatever thought provoking topic you have decided on your own.  We want to get to know you personally not what you like or give out right?  
2. Make sure that you follow all the hosts via GFC and/or Facebook! (Mumfection, Home Maid Simple, Tim and Angi's)
3. Only thought provoking posts, which is why we always have a great topic for you prepared in case you are just having a blank day. 
4. Make sure your post has our Think About it Thursday button!
   
5. Have fun, make some friends, follow, comment thoughtfully and above all else be respectful! Don't forget to let people know which hop your visiting from!   
6. Suggest a topic, this is not mandatory, but we would love your input and we will definitely consider it for future meme's!!  If your topic is chosen you could end up receiving an e-mail giving you a chance to be one of the co-host's!!! 

So link up and have some GREAT fun, meet some great new bloggers and of course welcome to all the new visitors and followers!! I love your comments and I can't wait to go check all of you out! Remember you aren't obligated to stick to the topic, heck talk about something that you're thinking about today, just keep it meaningful!! :)

Next Week's Topic: Kitchens. What should Never be put in a kitchen? or What do you love/hate about your kitchen?  

I think I am gonna need this one.....

I am so excited to be showing this to you today for these reasons:

1. This is epically hilarious
2. This is epically awesome
3. This is epically delish!

There you have it folks, already three very solid reasons to check out muffintopmommy's new little book Mommy Mixology, mixing up a cure to all of today's parenting's challenges (even virgin versions...)

Out of all of them I could see myself reaching for this one the most in the next month.  I am having a really hard time adjusting to this Kindergarten idea.  He is going to do so well I am so happy it is beginning but I'm dreading the lack of freedom I will soon have.  Days before constant scheduling, pick ups, drop offs, rushed dinners, school lunches and all that stressful stuff.  I still need to go back-to-school shopping, although once this is posted lets pray that I have! 

Kindergarten Kooler

I am especially fond of this whole book because it was written by a fellow mom blogger!  I am all about supporting other mom bloggers, especially hilarious ones like MuffingTopMommy.com!  I was even lucky enough to join in on the online chit chat event kinda thing, ask her questions and pick her brain a bit.  It was  a ton of fun and I discovered that this publishing company actually approached HER with the idea and said they wanted her to do it cause they liked her style.  Clearly I LOVED this idea, secretly wishing it happens to me, though I highly doubt it.  One day perhaps...

during the Q & A

I think that this would make a really great mother hostess gift for sure!  Since the drinks follow the stages of parenting up to Kindergartener this is even a great baby shower gift (yes the pregnancy section is clearly VIRGIN DRINKS, calm yourselves).  I just had to share this with you, the drink names alone are worth the purchase!

No!jito's, Penis Colada's and Fatty McShluppy's... they're all calling your name!!

Green Your Routine

Today I am beginning a little journey.  A little journey with the great people at Seventh Generation, whom you have heard me speak of before.  I couldn't help myself with this one and decided to take on EVEN MORE during back to school time... you know cause I'm crazy clearly.  Anyways I am going to be joining in on the "Green Your Routine" challenge and I will be blogging about it the ENTIRE time.  Again cause I am CRAZY, but also crazy about helping environment in small changes for LASTING ones.

To start my journey the great people at Seventh Generation threw this my way to jump start my on making my small and lasting changes. 

I love stuff with the lorax on it... that little guys gets me EVERY TIME

So what exactly is this "Green Your Routine" thing??  Well, and this is the best part, I am not too sure, but we're going to learn together.  Hell feel free to join me, again small LASTING changes are what I am going to focusing on with this whole project. So lets see what some of the challenges are....

1. Litter-less lunches... ummmm I am unsure but I will do my best... no promises...
2. Watching how you wash.  This is the hardest... my hubby is very picky in this aspect and he is the one that does the laundry.  
3. Getting to school in an environmentally conscience way.  This is easy, we'll be walking and we own no car.  I feel as though I have cheated on the challenge already! 
4. Re-branding responsibility.  I am thankful that I have been doing this from the get go, he always helps make lunch and is pretty good for a four year old boy at cleaning up after himself.  He will be as involved as you can be in his after school sports, you sign up and they tell you when... not much to control.  He will have set sports, they have already been chosen: soccer, lacrosse and swimming, we have a calendar that we love putting stickers on!!  In fact I can't wait to have more activities only so I can see more stickers lol!!

And those are the crazy things that I am going to be trying my best to embark on.  I hope that you will come and join me, if you do join tweet your posts with the hashtag #GYR and link to @SeventhGen

#ManCandyMonday - Channing Tatum [2]

I have been noticing just how superly awesome Channing Tatum is and I am gonna roll with that and do a SECOND #ManCandyMonday and I know it will be another GREAT hit! 

Channing again as a young stripper... cause that is awesome for all our imaginations.

Thank you TMZ for this, cause yeah DAMN...

Channing Tatum....stripping... thank you US weekly for this!

....

I could do that girls job... maybe... I might get too distracted.... lol

Dear lord... someone needs to tell his man to never wear a shirt... should be illegal in my opinion lol.  Thanks Channing for being God's gift to women right now!!

while you're browsing this sexiness why not take the time to vote for me here: (open till Oct. 11th, 2012 and you can vote daily!!)

A REAL Real Housewives Of YVR Evening Tonight

I have no idea if you have been following or already constantly follow this girl but The Thirties Grind has started doing this AWESOME feature that I am lucky enough to be apart of.  I can't begin to tell you how much I really love this woman's blog and I constantly even reference it in conversations... sad but true.  Amazing how I will drop things like "I saw this thing on pinterest..." "I read on this great blog I follow...." "another vancouver blogger I read...." yadda yadda yadda am I the only one??

Off track sorry...

I am happy to say that tonight I will be going to a private little event, a wine tasting.  Now I don't know much about wine, really nothing other than the ones that I do like.... then that one wine I fell in love with and can't find for my life... it was red.. we had a glass... fell in love... it was magical and it had tones of black pepper in it oddly enough. 

Again off track....

I am hung over like all hell today and really slow not sure where I am trying to go with this other than to say I am going out to drink again tonight.  Busy weekend with a wedding yesterday and now this lol... I mean I need the morning to recover from the wedding after all!  Might make me sound a little young a wild but really i'm not doesn't take much to give me a hangover... especially after drinking so many sweet things... damn my girly drink weakness!!!!

I hope that all of you are less hungover than myself right now, I hope that you check out the thirties grind and I really hope that you like my interview when it goes live!! I will of course make sure that you are all informed as to when it is up.  If you ever want to check out my publications you can head over to my about page and I have them listed and linked!!

~snippet below snagged from the thirties grind~

Legacy Liquor Store will be hosting a private wine tasting for the first few REAL Real Housewives of YVR profiled. Stay tuned for a post about this exciting evening. An elegant and modern 8,600 square foot space that includes a state-of-the-art wine cellar, Legacy is the largest privately-owned liquor store in the province. Home to thousands of beers, wines, and spirits, including exclusive and specialty items, with some of the most knowledgeable and friendly staff around. Legacy is the ideal venue for groups to host casual social gatherings. In-house catering is available with access to a beautiful kitchen and tasting bar area.

A Wedding Today!

I am so happy to be here telling you that I will be off tonight for a wedding and a really really exciting wedding at that!! A goof friend of ours is taking the big step with her Scottish love and I couldn't be more happy for them.  I am so thrilled to be there sharing this day with them and I can honestly say this will be my FIRST friend wedding and that on its own is super exciting!  I can't wait to go and have a great time with sweet baboo, though there will of course be no dancing for us, and see her gorgeous dress :)!

They are such a gorgeous couple to so I am sure making them look good will be divinely easy and simple for the photographer I am sure.  I wish that I could say more but clearly I am not there yet of course.  I can't wait to see the venue all done up and I can't wait to see them and give them the bestest of wishes.  Not to mention I can't wait to share all the photos with all of you!!

What you think that is all I have to say??!?! No... I have some some great little wedding tid bits for you!!!

• According to Greek culture, tucking a sugar cube in your glove will sweeten your union.
• Czech newlyweds will have peas thrown at them rather than rice, who knew!
• One of history's first given out engagement ring was to a two year old!
• You know what was 300 pounds and at Queen Victoria's wedding?  Her CAKE!
• According to English folklore Saturday is the unluckiest day to get married; it is ironically the most popular day to get married... maybe this is why there is a high divorce rate!?! ROFL!!  
   
   HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!! 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  sources: http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-customs/articles/50-wedding-traditions-superstitions-facts-trivia.aspx

My Vegetarian Taco Recipe

I wanted to share something with you today that I have managed to perfect!  A meal that I can make for myself and my family relatively easily for taco night!  Since my family does eat meat and I am not I do have to make a few adjustments and additions to all our meals.  This one, by far, is our favorite.  I think my sweet baboo likes it the most cause it gives him the ability to have his tacos EXACTLY how he likes his and EXACTLY how I like mine now.  I say that with complete sincerity that I like this vegetarian option more than I did the meat version! 

can of chickpeas, red pepper, celery, one onion, three cloves of garlic (cause i love garlic), and big dollop of salsa, about 2-3 teaspoons of cumin (or to taste), salt, a dash of red hots hot sauce and lemon/lime juice!

Cooking on a nice medium-high heat

Sweet baboo here with all our fixens, lettuce, green onions, cheese, taco sauce, me cherry tomatoes and sour cream is in there somewhere.  He also prefers soft tacos....

me I like the crunchy hard taco no matter how messy MMMMMMmmmm is it good!

I hope you enjoyed that, cause it was awesome to eat and it is sooo good as a salad if you have leftovers!!  Best and healthiest tacos you'll ever eat and I can't recommend my little creation more!!  If you try it tell me what you think of it!

Think About It Thursday [p6]

As like every Thursday here at Mumfection I have been given the honor of co-hosting, along with my other two great blogging buddies: Home Made Simple and Tim and Angi's Blog, to bring to this great meme we have created:


<a href="http://www.mumfection.com/"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa339/HomeMaidSimple/ThinkThursday.jpg" alt="BWS tips button" width="150" height="175" /></a>
I would also like to mention that we are looking for some other great new co-hosts that would love to help us get this meme off the ground some more!  We would love to have you along, especially if you are of one of those elite super blog hoppers :) please message me!!

This Week's Topic:  What are three things you are looking forward to or dreading now that Back-to-School time is approaching.

This one really hits home with me right now cause this year is my first year of back-to-school since I have gone to school.  Boy did I love back-to-school it was about the only time of the year that I got anything new and I am talking school supplies here not so much in the clothing department.  I can't wait to go back-to-school shopping... sorta.. okay I really don't want to.

Why??

1. I am not fond of the idea of my eldest heading into school, it makes me sad, as it does most mothers and it makes me nervous about what I can handle in a day.  After all I will still have my childcare, and all those kids must come with me to drop my son off AND pick him up, hubby is working 10 hour days now and that doesn't look like it will be changing anytime soon.
2. With school comes after school sports... that I also have to get my son to, in time so I am hoping his practices are late and not often... of course I still have yet to hear anything about his schedule.  We also want him in swimming but I think we MAY wait till summer, though that might not work as the swim lessons in summer are during my work hours here. So I am unsure how to juggle that. I also never thought I would be a "soccer mom" but here we are. 
3. I think this marks the time when birthday parties are on a "drop off and pick up later" basis OR all the parents come and hang around your house as well.  Now I am not exactly opposed to this idea I am just really reluctant to get buddy buddy with people.  It is like making friends with neighbors, I just don't do it.  I am rather quiet like that.  Of course here I am loud and obnoxious! lol

But like with all things that involve kids, this will be a bittersweet milestone.  The school we have chosen for him has a really nice transition period getting into school as it will be full day here in our area.  I am both nervous and excited about it.  Still always like an excuse to go shopping right?? 

Next Week's Topic:  Are Facebook {online} friendships easier to manage than real life friendships?

The ground rules:

1. No Giveaways or reviews please, we want to stick to our topic or whatever thought provoking topic you have decided on your own.  We want to get to know you personally not what you like or give out right?  
2. Make sure that you follow all the hosts via GFC and/or Facebook! (Mumfection, Home Maid Simple, Tim and Angi's)
3. Only thought provoking posts, which is why we always have a great topic for you prepared in case you are just having a blank day. 
4. Make sure your post has our Think About it Thursday button!
   
5. Have fun, make some friends, follow, comment thoughtfully and above all else be respectful! Don't forget to let people know which hop your visiting from!   
6. Suggest a topic, this is not mandatory, but we would love your input and we will definitely consider it for future meme's!!  If your topic is chosen you could end up receiving an e-mail giving you a chance to be one of the co-host's!!! 

So link up and have some GREAT fun, meet some great new bloggers and of course welcome to all the new visitors and followers!! I love your comments and I can't wait to go check all of you out! Remember you aren't obligated to stick to the topic, heck talk about something that you're thinking about today, just keep it meaningful!! :)

An incredible discovery!!

I have unlocked the most incredible little secret!  I know how to get the crusts off a sandwich without ticking myself off, ensure there is the MOST sandwich as possible, and making the little ones as happy as can be!!

What is this incredible secret you ask?? 

Well it is LARGE teddy bear shaped cookie cutters!!! It is PERFECT and the kids just love it!! I am so happy that I have discovered this cause "de-crusting" sandwiches was gonna be something that was going to kill me one day... and I feel like I always cut off too much and THIS just makes it soo simple and cuts off the crust only really, makes me feel WAY better about my food waste in the terms of crusts lol.  If your kids like ketchup use it to make a smiley-bear face on it!! that would be sooo cute!  I am going to be using this trick all thew Kindergarten I know it! 

I have to admit that I am pretty pleased with myself when it comes to figuring this one out.  What little tricks do you have in your house?? 

Mommy Should Get To Go Back-To-School Shopping...

Now there is a TON of stuff out there right now for all the great back-to-school stuff on this planet.  Right now we're all focused on our kids, our new schedule changes and the like that we never think that maybe mommy would want a little retail stress relief.  Heck I bet most of us don't have time... I bet I can get you to WANT to have the time though.  I am going to show you some great things that mommy should go out and get herself this year for her back-to-school shopping!!

1. To relieve your stress on a fall day as you drag yourself and your children to school and work I would highly suggest having some tea on hand.  Some of the yummiest loose tea (which I prefer to teabags) I have found in a while, David's Tea.  I have even perfected how to make myself a cup... you know welfare styles (using a mug and not-for-tea strainer lol!) ANYWAYS if you buy online they'll send you three samples along with your purchase.  But their stores smell amazing so I would suggest the full sensory overload on this one. 
2. To make all the other moms dropping there kids off at school jealous of your feet I would have to INSIST that you take a looky-lou at Naot's fall line.  We all know how much and how quickly I fell in love with my summer sandals from them, they're so comfy and I can't wait to go get my hands on some of their fall line!  I just HAVE to have these boots!!! or these shoes I have no idea which ones but I am completely in love with them and practically everything else!! So I can't wait to see what I pick when I get in to go shopping!
3. To help you worry less on those dark winter days I would really suggest getting your little ankle bitters these awesome reflectors for their jackets and backpacks!! They're called Safees and they're the best reflectors you can get on the market right now, they work great and I know I'll be using mine when I have to walk all the kids to and from school everyday.  I dread the days of waking to darkness and having to walk the kids... especially in the dark, so at least this way I am not worried about not being seen.  I can say also that these things will stay on your kids!  I took ours out for our hike up to the meteor shower and they stayed put, even after running around, snuggling, being carried, they didn't move!  I will be busting these out + my bike glow this year for Halloween you can guarantee it!  
4. To help relieve your senses I would suggest a Deodorgrams!  You can even do this anonymously for your teen as to not completely embarrass them... well at least not DIRECTLY and it can't be traced back to you.  Unless you are me and have now blogged about it, in theory it is traceable back to me lol!! Perhaps a great stocking stuffer idea?? You can blame it on Santa: "he could smell you from the north pole!!" lots of potential for any occasion with this one believe you me! 

Safees Reflector!

Deodorgrams!!

So while you're out dragging your ass threw stores, trampling people for sales etc... take some time to buy something FOR YOU!  I mean you survived summer after all right???

#ManCandyMonday - Liam Neeson

Today I am in a classic mood, more a charitable mood.  For today I have picked Liam here for a very good reason.  I have two friends in need of donations for the Run for the Cure.  You know that I have done a post asking for help before and I have another gf joining in for her own reasons.  I love seeing my friends giving back in such great ways and trying to rally people behind them so of course I will help.  So go donate, even a dollar, every little bit helps and in return I give you to [drum roll].....

he is wearing a speedo RELAX

So horay for Liam Neeson and HORAY to donating to a GREAT cause!  I hope all of you have a wonderful #ManCandyMonday and a lovely rest of the week!

all images are clearly not my own and were found using google images...

Kensington Community Fair

Last weekend was the Kensington community fair, and though we didn't really get to enjoy it all that much we certainly did what we could to enjoy the time we did have there.  I decided that this was going to be a mommy son day with my eldest, giving daddy some COD time alone while our youngest napped.  I have been in this community for sooo long and this day keeps getting better and better and they have more and more each year they put this event on.  I love Burnaby's community spirit, there is always a ton of people at every event and I just LOVE it!!  I just really wanted to take the time today to show you some of the great little event!

awesome eco-sculpture

Eldest with the AWESOME Impala

Eldest really enjoying the impala

super shiny engine :D!!!

Eldest enjoying his organic pop I get him from the health food store

us up on the hill enjoying the shade and that freaking delish pop I discovered... forgot the name sorry!!

What sorts of things does your community do during the summer to bring everyone together??