New Year's Resolution or Should I Say, Reconstitution

The New Year is creeping up on us, and with it, the annual desire to clean the slate and have a fresh start. I've never been big on New Year's resolutions. I'm more of a fan of year-round resolutions. But this year, I find myself looking at the New Year mark as a "ready, set, go" trigger for getting back in shape. I know, I know, how cliche. But truly, pregnancy has done a number to this once happy body. Now it's all , how shall we say, loosey goosey. I really should have been much more appreciative of how low maintenance it was before. Now, I see a hard road ahead, full of crunchies and other strenuous and time-consuming, not to mention boring, abdominal and pelvic exercises. Sigh.

Hence, the reconstitution. Reconstitution of my body that is. Or here's hoping (see above image minus the retro '80s highcut aerobic pantie). In truth, the New Year could really be an excuse for my procrastination to date. But I prefer to keep things on the up side so we'll view it as goalsetting rather than goal-avoiding.

With this newfound focus on my health, it's only fitting that a few of my last assignments before maternity leave were for the Apple, Alberta Health Services' magazine. In it, I interview Olympic Champion Chandra Crawford who had to go through a different kind of reconstitution, recovering from her injuries to compete at the 2010 Olympics. Read about how she makes her health as big a priority as her sport.

Here's to a healthy and happy 2011!

Do Your Best

Well, I'm the proud new momma of Miss Annabel, who has just hit the ripe old age of three weeks. Hence why I've fallen off my blogging (and many other activities such as sleeping and showering). I gotta say, this mothering thing is a lot more challenging than anticipated, largely because I am more sleep deprived than I ever thought possible. (To think that I was worried about the labour--it's laughable now!)

But I'm doing my best because I must. It's what you do when it's for your child. I never really thought the meaning of becoming a parent would be so palpable so early on, but it pretty much kicks in ASAP.

Doing your best is about all you can ask of anyone. And if you truly do perform at your best, then it is almost always enough. And if it isn't, part of doing your best is knowing when to ask for help. Which I am trying to do as well.

Along the same lines of doing your best, Avenue magazine's November issue features the annual Top 40 under 40 (nice segue, I know). I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Raynor-Hohol, one of this year's top 40 who is a single mom and business owner, working hard and doing good. Have a read through on all her do-gooding.

Until next time, which hopefully won't be too far off, but if it is, you now know why...

Going Back to Au Naturel

It's funny. You'd think that being pregnant would be a time when going "au naturel" would make the most sense. And I'm referring to health supplements, not strutting around naked (although I don't judge those who wish to do so). And yet, pregnant women are advised not to take anything herbal or "natural", not because they are necessarily bad for the growing babe, but because there's been no testing of such products on pregnant women.

I recently interviewed a couple of researchers at BCIT who are trying to fill the gap in how effective Natural Health Products (NHPs) really are. Not only do they hope to determine efficacy of NHPs through a holistic approach, but they also plan to see what additional benefits NHPs may have that have not been traditionally explored. You can see my story at Innovation Canada.ca.

Now that I'm in the homestretch (38 weeks pregnant and counting), I'm looking forward to having my babe and also being able to enjoy NHPs again, starting with my soothing herbal teas and essential oils.

I bet some of you are wondering what my take on birthing and going "natural" is. Let's just say I'm keeping an open mind! Here's hoping for an "easy birth"--an oxymoron, I'm told.

Wishing for Sunshine (a la Scottsdale)

So we're officially winding down summer although many Albertans would argue that we never had a summer to begin with. This year's summer was one of the most dismal weather-wise that I can remember. But, I have had it pointed out to me that it was the perfect pregnancy summer because apparently scorching heat is the worst for expectant mothers. I can only imagine since there was nary a day that we cracked 20 degrees Celsius. I'm sure my fetus and I could have dealt with just a little more heat.

Thankfully, I can reminisce about my spring trip to Scottsdale--where sunshine and heat are plentiful. We went down for my girlfriend Libby's wedding and of course, I couldn't help but write a story about our Arizona adventures, which published this month in both Avenue Calgary magazine and Avenue Edmonton (page 62).

Four Seasons' stunning pool area

We had a blast wandering through Old Town Scottsdale along with wining and dining at the likes of Talavera at the ultra luxe Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon North. That resort is oh-so-lovely, making it easy to sit back, relax and soak up the sun. We also took to the skies in a hot-air balloon ride. And of course, we shopped. Arizona has no shortage of outlet malls!

We can't wait to make our way back. Have a read and see for yourself what Scottsdale has to offer.

Here's hoping we get a balmy autumn...

Walking the Talk

Alberta is a place full of wonderful walks. Being close to the mountains, we tend to head west to hike it out on alpine trails. But there's much to be said for heading south too. Like checking out the treks in the fair city of Lethbridge. That's what I write about in the latest issue of Canadian Geographic's Travel magazine. Have a boo at what's worth hiking in Southern Alberta's biggest hub. Hup, two, three, four!

Summertime and the livin's easy...

I cannot believe it's already the third week of July. I feel like summer has only just begun and yet it's almost over.

Summer really is my favourite season. I love it for the weather, of course (when it's cooperating), bare feet, strappy tank tops, capri pants, BBQing, icy drinks dripping with condensation from the heat, taking the dog for walks by the river and watching him freak out when he forgets he can actually swim, driving with all the windows down...oh the list goes on.


Summer is also a great time for reading. I love sitting on the deck, basking in the sun as I catch up on the piles of books and magazines I've collected over the year. In particular, I invite you to pick up the summer issue of Prairies North magazine, where you'll find my 'On the Trail' story. In it, I chronicle my trail riding experience through Saskatchewan's Prince Albert National Park with cowboy/rancher/tour guide Gord Vaadeland. It was my first time spending any real time in the neighbouring province of Sasky and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it and how different it was from what I expected. Everyone thinks of flat plains and grasslands, but SK is actually full of boreal forest and bogs! Yes, bogs!

Anyhow, hope you're all enjoying the sunshine! Here's to summer!

A Baby-Free Final Hurrah?

Me and my furry child on our last Okanagan road trip adventure.

With baby on the way, hubby Jason and I have been pondering whether we should take a final trip before we officially become parents. (Sounds a bit ominous, doesn't it?) Realistically, we don't anticipate making any travel plans or what's known as a "babymoon" for a good six months after baby arrives. For me, that's a really long stretch.

So, I'm thinking, yes, we need to plan some twosome getaway time (even though that's likely what got me in this "condition" to begin with!) To be entirely accurate, it would be a threesome--not the kinky kind, but the canine kind, which sounds pretty kinky actually. We would never roadtrip without our furry child, Bing.

As much as I'd like to head back to Maui, one of our favourite spots, especially since Jason got sicker than a dog on the last visit, we haven't budgeted for such a trip nor will I likely be able to fly in a few more weeks' time. [See my Maui stories in up! and on msn.ca if you're thinking about going...lucky bastard.]

That means ROAD TRIP! For us, that typically equates to a jaunt off to the Okanagan, another one of our favourite locations. I was recently in Vernon, checking out the new Sparkling Hill resort. (Stay tuned for my story in up! magazine this September.) So, it'd be fun to head back again and also visit some friends in the Kelowna area. I mean, just look how much fun was had on previous trips as seen in my homemakers.com "Food and Fun in BC's Okanagan Valley" gallery.

Anyhow, the clock is ticking, and as we all know, summer always flies by so I guess I better go plan me a trip!