365 Non Consumption Challenge

A fellow mom and blogger Cherylane posted recently about trying to do the 365 day non consumption challenge.  She was inspired by fellow blogger liz to start this.  I was really inspired by Cherylane's determination to do this and have been thinking about it since I first read her post and tweets about this challenge.  Basically, it is going an entire year without purchasing anything brand new - everything had to be handmade or purchased second hand with a few exceptions

In her blog posts regarding it, she spoke honestly with her struggle with the challenge and where and how she drew the line.  Like Liz, she decided she needed guidelines in order for her to be successful and maintain personal happiness and sanity.

I decided to take my thinking to the next level and speak to Greg about it.  He, of course, was ecstatic about my idea of doing this challenge.  He also mentioned that he had recently read where some people challenge themselves to throw one thing away every day or commit to getting rid of something for every new thing that comes in their house. All seemed like a fantastic idea to me.  He is also committing to the challenge.

I already have started the "get rid of one when you get new one" philosophy in our house in terms of the kids stuff.  I sold all of our baby stuff, tonnes of clothes and toys and have put over $1000 into the disney land account (we decided all items sold baby related would go into this).  Every few weeks, I go through Penelope's clothes and the kids' toys and take pictures of all items that can be sold.  This has helped tremendously in cutting down the amount of clutter in our house.  Also, the majority of the toys that get purchased by myself are from kijiji or various second hand kid stores around Calgary so they are reused, repurposed and reloved - very good and a huge part of the 365 Non Consumption Challenge

I also regularly go through my closet and give a bunch of stuff either to my younger cousin Madi or to the good will society.

I donated a tonne of books to the library and then gave some away on kijiji for free.  Same with cd's + dvd's that I no longer need or want.

However, unlike Liz + Cherylane, I don't plan on doing this for 365 days - at least not at first.  My plan is start this challenge on September 6th and conclude it on October 6th.  I have chosen Sept 6 because I am in SK from the 31st to the 5th and it's kinda hard to not consume unnecessarily when you are away from home.  I do have some exceptions to the challenge:

1) presents.  I am not crafty to say the least so making decent gifts is out of the question and besides what do you make a boy turning 8 who asked you for a fish?  So presents will still be purchased new.

Well that's really it.  Unless something comes up and I need to get new undergarments or something or Penelope and Finley need something I can't get second hand then it will be purchased.

This means no Starbucks, no buying decor for house, no eating out, no snacks or treats, no new clothes or shoes, no new nothing.

I have no idea if we will be successful or not at this, but I will keep y'all posted on the progress that we have made or not made.

Please let me know if you are partaking in something similar or have some ideas and/or suggestions for me!!!

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

On Friday morning we headed to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in Kananaskis Country for our final camping trip of the season.  It was extra fun since we would be joined by Greg's dad, stepmom + brothers.  

Here are some photos setting up at the campground and at the visitor's center

Uncle Brad arrived via motorbike shortly after lunch and we soon headed out to Upper Kananaskis Lake.  We started the Rawson Lake hike but I turned around about half way because I had a cold and was so congested that every step I took burned within my chest.  The others continued on while I headed back to Lake Kananaskis and relaxed on the beach.

We then headed back to our campsite where Grandpa Don, Grandma Jen + Uncle Neil arrived shortly after.  They brought their brand spanking new trailer.  It was pretty nice but Greg and I tried very much to stay out of it so we didn't accustomed to a life of camping that definitely would not continue.

Finley loved Uncle Brad's motorbike and was constantly trying to sit on it.

After supper, we headed to the Interpretive Program where we learned all about bee's

The next morning it was really cold so we all had to bundle  up.  Finley and Uncle Brad made the pancake batter while Greg cooked them and the sausage.  It was a nice way to start the morning.

Later on in the day, we headed to the Black Prince Cirque and hiked it and had a nice picnic lunch around the cirque.

More from the cirque

After this, we all headed to the visitor center so that Greg, Brad + Don could find out if the bird they saw was a ptarmigan or a grouse since they were disagreeing.  In the end, I believe Don was correct and it was a grouse but Greg mentioned something about having to see a photo of the female grouse.  I have not brought it up since because in all fairness, it's still just a bird.

We then headed up to Boulten Creek Trading Post for some ice cream before heading back to the campsite.  We had planned to go to the Interpretive Program again to see Grrrrrease The Bear Musical but Finley crashed for the night at 7pm and Penelope shortly after.  We hung around the campfire and roasted marshmallows.  It was great fun!

It was a great way to end our very busy camping season and we are already looking forward to next year!!  It was also nice to go somewhere most of us had never been before either.  The next morning, we had a delicious breakfast of pears, strawberries, eggs + bacon before we all headed back to the city.

Thanks Don, Jen, Brad + Neil for joining us on our camping trip

Brownie Explosion

A few weeks I ago I made some brownies.  I baked them and then I frosted them.  I had them sitting on the stove thinking that they would be safe.  I took Penelope to her room where I changed her and laid her down for her nap.  This is what I found when I returned downstairs:

At least I should be happy that she took the initiative to bring her vanity to the sink so that she could wash her hands.  I still can't believe I didn't get a single brownie!!

Penelope's First Birthday Party

On Saturday, our family gathered at our house for Penelope's 1st birthday.  We had family from here in town, Canmore, Saskatoon, Red Deer and Prince Albert all visiting and most stayed at our house.  

The first photos are from setting up the backyard before the guests arrived:

The guests hadn't even arrived yet and this was Penelope fast asleep on Uncle Brad's lap.  It was pretty darn cute.  I wish I could sleep like that!  Can't wait to show Penelope what a party popper she is/was.  Hahah

The various tables housing food, more food, presents (Finley's favourites) and utensils/plates etc

Here is Penelope's birthday cake.  I wish I would have gotten a photo of the inside of the cake - it was rainbow!  I googled rainbow cake and found a recipe where they used a cake mix and then to make it coloured they used food colouring, soda and gelatine and all kinds of things i had never heard of and clearly didn't have.  So I just divided the batter (which i made from scratch) into 4 or 5 yogurt containers, added food colouring and hoped for the best. The batter I had made was absolutely delicious so I had high hopes.  Thankfully it turned out great and Greg did a great job decorating it.

Cake time for the birthday girl!!  You must note her fantastic outfit.  both pieces combined cost just over $5.  Gotta love the clearance rack at Target.  Her t-shirt read "I'm The Birthday Girl".  A fantastic keepsake for her memory box.

Finley and Grandma Jen helping Penelope blow out her candle

The sweetest photo from the day.  She looks so big.

Finley sharing her cake with Penelope.  Somehow no cake got delivered to Penelope (which was ok with me)  Finley was happy to share with her little sister.  Runner up for sweet photo...

Present time!!  Penelope had little interest in opening presents, thankfully Finley, Madi + Tanner enjoyed helping her.  She enjoyed the toys and books but not the clothes.

All the family visiting amongst one another...

Madi + Penelope taking down the one crafty thing I did that turned out pretty good.  Although Penelope did look cute with the crown on!

It was a fantastic day and we are so happy that so many joined us in celebrating our baby girl's first birthday.  I still can't believe my baby is 1.  It's amazing how fast they grow.  It seems like I blinked once and the year is over.

Thanks again everybody!

Cupcakes + Tutu's

Today was just a small party for Penelope - basically just her, Finley, Greg + I.  Her big party will be held on Saturday where we will have her fancy cake (that i made from scratch - seriously cross your fingers that it tastes good) and lots more presents!

She had a pretty fun day - we had a playdate at the Koffee Tot in Mckenzie Towne and  had so much fun playing with all the different toys and with her favorite friends - thanks for the super awewome outfit + top C + K!  She can't wait to wear it.

Her 1st cupcake for her 1st birthday.  Thank you Crave Cupcakes for making fabulous cupcakes!

I absolute love this picture!!  She looks so grown up -  :(

I didn't have the candle all the way in the cupcake, just in the icing and it toppled over.  Thankfully I didn't melt the highchair!

Checking out what was in front of her....

Finley thoroughly enjoying her cupcake.  She took her dress off because her sister did.

Penelope had more fun playing with the icing than eating.  SO NOT like her sister!

She did a really good job opening her present.

They were both very excited to see Penelope's present.  It is a Learning Turtle that goes in the bathtub with you.  It got used almost immediately after it was opened.

I am glad we a quiet birthday today because Saturday is going to be insane!  I am not going to lie it was really hard to find presents for Penelope because Finley was so spoiled.  We got her the Learning Turtle and a few small things that she will get on Saturday.

Happy Birthday Sweet Little Girl!

Penelope ONE Year Old!!!

Dear Penelope,

I cannot believe that you, my sweet baby girl, are turning the big 1 today.  It seems like it was just yesterday that I held you for the first time in my arms. The last month has been drastic for accomplishments + activities!

*You cut 7 teeth!!  Yes 7 teeth in the last month.  That my dear girl, is a lot.  Your big sister also had 8 teeth at this age but she got them gradually - not all at once.  Number 3 arrived before we went on vacation and the other 6 while we were away. You look like such a big girl with all those teeth.  It makes me sad but in a good way.  Thankfully, you didn't complain too much about your teeth coming in which made us all very happy!

You are a crawler, a puller, a stander, a kneeler - you are always on the move!  You love getting around the house and are happy that you found a faster way than army dragging or whatever it was you did to get around.  You like to pull yourself up to your knees and can do so without problem. You like to stand on your feet but still can't get up on your own.  You try and try with no success but we love your determination and hope that it continues with you for the rest of your life.

You love to drive your sister crazy.  You constantly play with her Minnie Mouse, Jessie, her necklaces (you have managed to break a few), get into her crayons and that famous trait of all little sisters - you love to pull her hair and pinch.  She yells back at you, grabs things out of your hands, and has been known to kick and hit you a time or two.  Don't worry, she does get punished for things like that.

However, at the same time, you two are the best of friends.  She comforts you when you're crying by patting your back and asking why you are crying or what's wrong , makes sure you have your sippy cup, picks up your food if you throw it off your highchair,

When you get hungry, when you get angry and when you are happy - you shake.  You literally vibrate.  It's funniest when it is because you are mad but you don't seem to think  so.

You love to eat and I am not sure if there is something I could pick that you don't like.  You absolutely love blueberries, peaches, pancakes, salmon, fish, shrimp, cheerios, carrots, cucumbers - even broccoli.  You don't care for grapes but most everything else you eat.  You eat big meals at every meal and snack well.  You out eat your sister on most days but don't worry, you are just a growing girl and need it more than she does!

You eat most meals with your hands.  I don't let you eat soup, cereal or yogurt because it ends up everywhere!  Don't worry, I still don't like Finley feeding herself yogurt either! It makes me very happy to see you feeding yourself successfully.  I cannot wait until you can do cereal too!!

You are drinking 3 sippy cups a day of milk or formula.  We are just going to get rid of this last can of formula and then you will go milk exclusively.  you enjoy your milk and had no problems with digestion after trying it out like Finley did.

You are still on those awful Nuby transition sippy cups and you have destroyed the spout on them and they continuously leak which does not make me happy.  I tried to switch you to three other different sippy cups without success.  In fact,  you refused to drink milk the entire day until I caved and gave you the stupid nuby.

While we were away on vacation, you decided that when we returned to Calgary that you would no longer require 2 naps a day despite the fact that I still needed you to have 2 naps a day.  your afternoon started out to be 90 minutes and I was traumatized by this. Thankfully, you have expanded it to be at least 2+ hours which is much nicer!

Bedtime is somewhere between 730+8pm and usually varies on how tired I am and how badly I need a break.  When you are a mom yourself, you will understand.

We spent 17 days in the USA - travelling to Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Idaho + Washington.  You enjoyed all the sites and sounds and all the goodies we got for you along the way.  you still continue to be an excellent camper!

You love music and love bouncing and listening to your Fisher Price Rock n Something rather.  Your sister also loved it.  You can make it sound all by yourself with your hands and love playing with it.  You also love playing with your fisher price 2in1 kitchen - you especially love crawling through the door of it - back and forth and will do this for an extended amount of time.  you love rattles and any toys that make noise.  You are also especially fond of your sister's drum.  She lets you play it only because she loves the piano and xylophone - none of which she shares easily.

Your cousins Tanner + Madi came to visit us for a few days and we went to the zoo, did some shopping and made your (+ all the other kids) first of many trips to Calaway Park.  You did well considering you spent most of the day in your stroller.  You loved having them around and all of the extra attention that they were giving you!

You are known mostly as Penelope with a few Penn, Penny, Sisi (by Finley), Sweet Pea (by me) Penelepoop (by daddy) PeePee's (by Finley) thrown in as well.  I liked calling you Pia but most don't like that but your nickname will be whatever it is you want to be called.  Maybe you'll even go by your middle name - several members of our family do that and there is nothing wrong with Grier!  In fact, that was almost your first name!  Whatever nickname you choose I am sure it will be perfect!

And one of the most funniest woman in the world Tina Fey named her daughter Penelope last week only proving how cool your daddy and I were when picking your name!  If you have no idea who she is, she is star of my favorite tv show 30 Rock and former head writer of my other favorite show SNL.  And also related to you and SNL, you share your birthday with Andy Samberg - my not so secret crush.  No need to worry, your daddy already knows about it!

It has been a wonderful year Penelope.  Not always easy but definitely worth it in the end.  I wouldn't trade any of it for anything in the world.  You have changed our world for the best and we look forward to many, many more years of loving you to come.

In closing of this 12th letter, I want to share with you and those reading something I found on Pinterest:

This is for both you and your sister.

I love you forever Sweet Pea,
Love Mommy.

****ALL photos in this blog were ALL taken TODAY, her birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Pea

Shortly after I had Finley, someone mentioned how they knew somebody who took pictures right when their child got up every year on their birthday.  I started this tradition with Finley and will now do it with Penelope.

Here is Penelope when she woke up this morning.  She is a happy baby.  You will notice that she is wearing the same pj's Finley was on her 1st birthday.  I barely got Penelope in them last night.

This is the first photo ever taken of Penelope by her daddy.  I figure as soon as she is old enough to see how terrible this photo is, she will not be happy with him!  It defines her personality to a tee.  She has a terrible temper and this what she looks like to this day if she is mad or hungry.  Not sure who she gets that temper from....me or greg........

Happy Birthday Penelope!!

Meatless Monday: Tofu Tenders

I am not gonna lie but I have been pretty lame this summer for Meatless Monday entrees.  I think once I made a vegetable soup but other than that, I've been making Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce every monday.  Last Monday, I made pasta with steamed veggies tossed with olive oil and some spices and it turned out really well.

This past Monday, I found a Simply Organic app on my Ipad and found Tofu Tenders and decided to make it.  It is a fantastic app if you have a ipad and like to cook.  It has tonnes of different options meaning not all are vegetarian.  Here is the recipe, directions followed by some photos:

Ingredients

1 pound firm or extra-firm regular tofu
2/3 cup soymilk or other nondairy milk of choice
1 tablespoon tamari (I didn't have any tamari, so I googled it and basically it is just a very rich soy sauce, so that is what I used)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (I just used bottled as all I had)
2/3 cup whole wheat flour or 2/3 cup spelt flour
1/3 cup cornmeal or 1/3 cup dry breadcrumbs (I used oatmeal as had no cornmeal and too lazy to make breadcrumbs.  It didn't work as well, definitely using breadcrumbs next time)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes (googled this as well and it is basically a cheese replacement so I just used parmasean cheese)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 

Directions

Gently squeeze the block of tofu over the sink to remove any excess water. Cut it in half lengthwise, turn each half cut side down, and cut each half into 4 slices to yield a total of 8 pieces. (some of pieces were too thin and ended up being overcooked and rubbery, make sure to not do that to yours)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet and set aside. Place the soymilk, tamari, and lemon juice in a small bowl, stir to combine, and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.

Place the flour on a large plate. Using your hands, thoroughly dust the tofu pieces with the flour on all sides. Place the pieces on another large plate and set aside. Stir the cornmeal, nutritional yeast flakes, Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the flour.

Using your hands, dip each floured piece of tofu into the soymilk mixture, then into the cornmeal mixture, pressing down slightly to thoroughly coat each piece on all sides. Place the breaded pieces on the prepared cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pieces are golden brown all over. Flip the pieces over with a metal or heat-proof spatula. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes longer or until the pieces are golden brown on the other side. Serve hot or cold.

Alternatively, for a crispier crust, the breaded tofu pieces can be fried in a little olive oil in a large skillet. Drain the pieces on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving.

Everybody quite enjoyed the Tofu Tenders - even Finley and Greg.  I served them with steamed veggies which was perfect for our healthy Meatless Monday entree.

You definitely need to give this one a try!