a peek inside the fishbowl

I’ve been feeling Christmassy these past couple weeks. Perhaps I’m infected by 25 Days of Christmas? It’s funny how it makes the holiday season seem longer than it is (in a good way!). Stretching it out this way is good for me.

Today I’m thinking ahead about edible things we can make as gifts. Foodie-type items can make a wonderful gift for someone; moms, dads, the in-laws, the school bus driver, and other people who are hard to shop for. :) But here’s the dilemma: what can I make that people will actually eat … and enjoy?

I’m trying to plan out some non-perishable thank you and hostessy-type gifts; for teachers, friends, neighbours etc. I can bake cookies – that’s a given –  but if I’m honest with myself I know that it’s not something I really enjoy doing. Hmm. But I do like the idea of cooking up yummy little things to give away, so what can I make instead of cookies at Christmas?

This year I’m seriously considering making my own Almond Honey Nougat. It actually doesn’t look too hard. Check out this recipe.

Other things worth considering:

• Chocolate-covered stirring spoons. Directions here. (I like their suggestion of using thrift-store spoons instead of plastic ones!)
• Spicy-sweet candied nuts (here’s my DIY recipe – I swear to god everyone I give this to LOVES IT. I’ve been giving the nuts with little bowls to keep. Chinatown is a great source for pretty bowls in case you’re looking.)
• Homemade Nuts and Bolts (the edible kind) – a past post about it is here. The recipe I linked to in that posts makes a HUGE quantity of Nuts & Bolts (we call them Bits n’ Bites). It makes enough for you and all of your neighbours, but it freezes well, so no worries there.
• Chocolate bark – I think this is one of the easiest things to make around the holidays, and it’s guaranteed to be a winner. And look at all the variations – almond bark, pretzel bark, candy cane bark, white bark, dark bark, crispy bark, peanut butter bark. Oy! Pick your fave and make a giant batch. The bulk store is a great place to pick up the ingredients for candy barks.
• These chocolate-hazelnut truffles don’t exactly fit into the non-perishable category, but they sound amazing. They’d make a great treat to bring along to a dinner party or holiday potluck. Yum.
• Oooo – here’s a good one – Candy-Cane Marshmallows from Ms. Martha.

But tell me, what are your favourite edible gifts to receive?

First, some background about Movember in case you haven’t noticed a proliferation of mustachioed men in your workplace or in your neighborhood.

The Mo, slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember.

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

Mark is growing his facial hair and forgoing smooches ALL MONTH in order to raise money and awareness about prostate cancer, the #1 cancer affecting men today. Prostate Cancer Canada will use the money raised by Movember for the development of programs related to awareness, public education, advocacy, support of those affected and research into the prevention, detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer.

And here we are – MO and all. (This photo was taken on day 11 FYI.)

I still think he’s pretty darn cute.

The MO is progressing, although I was secretly hoping he’d end up with one of these … which is MUCH MORE DRAMATIC, don’t you think?

Would you consider giving a dollar or two? Prostates everywhere will thank you. And so will I when the month is over and I can kiss my husband again. :)

Donate here!

Two KMDM posts in one week! Welcome to Crazytown!

I made up my own tip this week. It’s just about me. Even though I know that the activities are supposed to be family-oriented I am giving the family a short break and focusing on where it really counts: on mom.

If I’m not happy, no one is happy. If I’m tired or sick stuff doesn’t get done and we all suffer for it. That’s why this KMDM update is about some tiny habits I’m trying to start for myself that will build me up; make me happier, stronger and healthier, and give me what I need to Be A Good Parent.

And it all happens in the morning. In two minutes. Want to try it with me?

Here’s my tip:

Take two minutes for yourself and Do Those Things You Know You Need To Do before you start your day.

Awhile ago I was talking to someone about vitamin D and how important it is. I know I need to take it every day, but I don’t. Why can’t I remember?

So I affixed a post-it note on the inside of the medicine cabinet to remind me. I never miss it, no matter how tired and bleary I’m feeling. That note provides the reminder I need, so I got to thinking, why not add a few other things I should be doing too? So now I:

• Take my vitamin D (it’s good for me!) and wash it down with…
• … a full glass of water (it’s good for me!)
• apply sunscreen/moisturize (it’s good for my skin!)
• take deeeeeep breaths (it’s good for me!)
• stretch (half a sun-salutation a.k.a reaching high for the sky while breathing – it’s good for me too!)

This really only takes a minute or two at the very most. And it feels great. I am also trying to:

• brush my teeth as soon as I wake up

I would like to clarify that I never forget to brush my teeth, but I’m trying to do it as soon as I get up now because I found it annoying to remember later and rush back up the stairs. So to summarize: I’m now also giving myself mini facial massages (smearing moisturizer on my forehead while I take deep breaths is so relaxing for some reason) and doing yoga moves in the bathroom.

I have been doing this for a few days and I’m really loving it. I am now adding:

• a set of 12 squats

… because I’ve been to see Sarah Zahab and it’s part of a fitness regimen that I’m supposed to be doing and not actually doing very much of AT ALL. Gah. But if I’m taking my vitamins can’t I do 12 freakin’ squats? I MUST.