New house Happy baby

On a regular Wednesday I came home from work to an anxious pacing husband. My initial thought was "what did I do"...lol. So I ask him (still in my coat and boots) "how was your day?" His response in a sketchy tone let me add "interesting!" He then passes me his iPad with house pictures on it... Not our house. Very confused I look up at him for some kind of clue and just see anxiety. So I ask what I'm looking at and Ryan responds with "what do you think of the house?" This very confusing situation played out for a bit. Keep in mind previous to that Wednesday we'd never seriously talked about moving. We'd both thought of it, as we had seriously outgrown our old house...Knox kinda took over our little house.

Living room/playroom/dinning room
 in the old house

The very next day I had a appointment in Ottawa with Knox, on our way home Ryan told me to swing by our house and pick him up to go see the house from the iPad lol. Well we fell in love with the character, warmth and possibilities of the house... oh yes and our adorably excited and happy baby running around the spacious house clapping and giggling. I think it is safe to say that we were instantly sold on the house... because that Saturday we started to move in.

Now almost three weeks later we are almost all moved in. Knox still runs around smiling from ear to ear, excited by all his new found space and freedom. Hes since learned how to climb stairs and now everything else. He loves finding new corners or spaces and playing peekaboo.

Part of Knox play area in the New House.
Now doesn't he look happy?

We are over the moon with our new house and super happy baby, even Bailey has a ton more space (our lab/retriever ). A new year and a new house... We cannot wait to see what else our fabulous 2014 will bring!

Lotsa Love
Natasha

The very next day I had a doctors appointment in Ottawa for Knox and as we were coming home Ryan told me to swing by and pick him up to go look at the house. Well we all fell in love with the space, character, possibilities and the very happy baby running around giggling throughout the house. I think it's safe to say we were instantly sold on it because that Saturday we moved in. Almost 3 weeks later we are still working on both places but feeling completely at home and loving watching our little guy happily run around with all his new space! New year...new house. What else will 2014 bring us? Can't wait to see! 

4 Trips I need to take!

What destinations do you dream of? If you could go anywhere where would you go?

I have been luck enough to visit some amazing locations like; Costa Rica, Boston MA and Jasper AB, just to name a few. I believe I am definitely a home body but there are a few places that I have placed on my wish list of places i'd love to visit.

Vegas- Poker, Cirque du Soleil, slot machines and all the sparkly lights are something I must explore! This will have to wait till Knox is a bit older and can stay home with the grandparents so he doesn't have to witness mommy and daddy going crazy in vegas...lol

Boston- Yes this is on my list even though I have already been. When I went to Boston, I went with a large group of women for a wedding dress shopping event called running of the brides. It was a blast but we only went for the weekend, spent most of it waiting in line for or participating in the running of the brides (our bride got her dress YAY). We got to explore Harvard and do a bit of shopping and a lot of bar hopping. But there is still a lot on my to do list for Boston. I'd love to go to the aquarium, explore the harbor front and show my hubby Ryan the city I had so much fun in. The people were amazing and I loved my time there. It would be great to go back as a family and explore a totally different side.

Vino- Anyone who knows me knows I love food and wine! lol So one of my dream trips would be a food and wine tour of Italy and France. Exploring the countryside, touring old vineyards, buying local foods...i'm already drooling lol. I would absorb so much from this trip, more then just the wine lol. This is definitely at the top of my list!

Picture from -
 http://globeattractions.com/france-town-homes-buildings-mountains-france-nature/

Canada Eh- As a child my mom took me to New Brunswick to visit family and I'd love to go back now as an adult. I've been lucky to travel to and live in Jasper and experience the Rockies, but that was when I was 19. So now as an adult, mommy and wife i'd love to take a chunk of time and travel from coast to coast. Explore all the beauty Canada has to offer and the yummy seafood at either coast lol (I told you I love food!). I think its important to explore and know the country you live in and that's something I want to pass down to Knox.

There are lost of places I'd gladly go, but the above mentioned trips are ones I've thought about for some time now and always seem to be in the back of my mind. Ryan and I have yet to do any traveling together and I cant wait to have some road trip adventures as a family.

What destinations do you dream of?

Lotsa Love,
Natasha

Me on Survivor

I am a fan of Survivor, not a crazy fan, I haven't watched all the seasons, not even half, but i do enjoy watching the show and trying to decide how I would handle a situation or if I could complete that task. I get a kick out of running these scenarios through my mind and thought maybe you would too.

I would have to say the closest I've ever been to a survivor type scenario was when I was in the Rain forest for a week in Costa Rica. I, along with my mom, aunt and sister did a week long yoga retreat in the middle of a rain forest, while taking part in daily activities. Doesn't sound hard? 3 hours of yoga a day (1st session starting before the wildlife was even awake), then as if that wasn't enough we hiked a volcano, rappelled down water falls (several hundred feet tall) and when our path was washed out due to rain, off road hiked through the rain forest. All the while I was terrified that one of the many deadly creatures lurking around every corner would get me at any minute, totally not being dramatic!!! lol So maybe I could survive survivor?!?!

One thing I have to laugh at is the girls on survivor, its been 13 years that the show has been on and yet no one learns that a tiny bikini is not practical for Survivor. Maybe you'd win a challenge if you weren't so focused on keeping your boobs in your barbie sized triangle. I went out and bought a $70 high tech sports bra from LuLu Lemon called a TaTa Tamer just to ensure my ladies would stay put for my trip in Costa Rica. No way i'm loosing reward because my girls wanted to pop out! While on the topic of clothes, why wouldn't people think of wearing lightweight, quick drying clothing? I mean you totally look hot in your saggy dirty dress that is oh so practical!

Food would be my weakness, I could very likely get voted off just because I am so NASTY when I don't eat. There are times when Ryan looks at me kinda scared and asks when the last time I ate was. I may have a little monster who takes over when my belly is empty. Living off of beans and rice I could handle and from what I can see is a fantastic diet lol.  The gross eating challenges...hmmm I'm not sure how I'd fair in those, I have texture issues and am really not a fan of anything icky!

Look at those cat like reflexes lol 

I would have so much fun in the challenges! I think I would be pretty decent at them too, especially since my girls would be snug in my super sonic sports bra...lol My upper body strength is lacking and I throw like a girl, but I have great lower body strength, can swim like a fish and I am FEISTY, especially when the food monster comes out!

What I really don't get is when people do nothing around camp, absolutely nothing to make the stay better. I'm sure sleeping in the rain with the crabs is soooo comfy, but why wouldn't you at least try? I know fatigue sets in and you get hungry, but If you made your space a better place to be it would make everything else so much easier.

So to recap If I was ever on survivor Id have the girls strapped in and be in practical clothing, be a beast in food challenges involving water and have the prettiest camp ever! Yep I totally could handle survivor...lol

Lotsa Love,
Natasha

How about you, how would you do?

Whats hiding on top of your fridge?

I've been room by room tackling my house, de-cluttering, cleaning and organizing. When it came to my kitchen the biggest surprise of all was my fridge and not what was inside, but what was on top. I do have a rather large fridge but I never expected to find as much stuff as I did. I guess over time we just kept shoving things up there and they became lost in the land of misplaced items. So I thought I'd share and see if any of my wonderful peeps have stumbled into the same land.



The land of misplaced items-

Vitamins- and I mean a lot of vitamins

Pens- a hoard of pens, highlighters, pencils, sharpies. I must be subconsciously terrified to run out of pens lol

OFF- which was not used last summer, so not sure how long its been up there

Cards- Thank yous, birthdays, anniversary, invitations... you name it and it was probably up there

Bakeware- yes Bake-ware lol and measuring cups

Candles- and not a few that I was burning, some where still in the bag from the store I bought them at

Other then the vegetables and baby monitor
everything you see on my island was on my
fridge. Can we say hoarding? lol

Party Supplies- streamers and bubbles, I was ready for an impromptu event

Old fire alarm- that one I blame on Ryan lol

Receipts- some have started to fade

Pictures- I cycle through what pictures I keep on my fridge and must of started a pile on top and forgot

Flashlight- for safety, that has been kept on top of the fridge

Pee jars- Yep that's what I said. Unused of course. When I was pregnant my dr sent me home with a big bag of them so I could have them at home to speed up the process in her office.

Lip Gloss- in case i'm cooking and am in need of a little shine

Protein powder- Not sure how long that one has been up there

Remote control toy- again that one is Ryan ;)

And last but not least bottle openers


So apparently i'm a bit of a clutter bug! I am working on it lol and the top of my fridge has never looked better. Room by room, bit by bit i'm going through my house and discovering whole worlds of lost objects, things I forgot I had, duplicates of things because I couldn't find the original and so on.

I think what I've learnt from this is that it is absolutely necessary to slow down and go through the things we have. We are always so busy wanting more that we tend to forget what we have or keep pushing things to the side instead of dealing with them right away. So take a moment to appreciate everything you have, deal with whats in front of you instead of putting it off and every once in awhile slow down and take some time to putter.

Lotsa Love,
Natasha

What about you? Are you a clutter bug or do you need constant order? Share with me your fun stories!

Trying something new

As a new parent I think something we all dread is having to go back to work after being off with our little one. Even though I still have five months left on maternity I feel the clock ticking and dread leaving Knox and venturing off to work. If only I didn't have too.

I had been trying to rack my brain about ways I could earn extra money and only have to work part time or even eventually not at all. I was at a jewelry party the other weekend and had so much fun, loved the jewelry and the great promotions. I had a light bulb moment lol. I know of several people who sell varied products in the similar manner, parties or direct sales and they have had success, so why couldn't I?

I did my research and decided to sign up with Lia Sophia an amazing Family run company out of the states that has been in Canada for four years now. I liked how cheap it was to get started, what they provided in the start up kit and the benefits to selling there jewelry. Plus it doesn't hurt that I love the jewelry lol. Compared to a lot of other companies I looked into, I liked that every month they have a promotion for the customer, host and advisors. Great incentives to buy, host and sell! Ive only been signed up since May 1st and already have received my first incentive gift

delivered to my door today! YAY!

Could my venture flop? ABSOLUTELY! But it is also just as likely to succeed. If I never tried it I would always be thinking what if or imagine what I could be doing now with more time at home. So I invested a little bit of money and received gorgeous jewelry (if it doesn't work out pretty jewelry for me lol) and hopefully I have found my way to have more time with my miracle baby Knox.

I think in life it is so easy to dream, wish or hope and so much harder to actually go out on that limb to reach for what we want. Sometimes taking a small risk for a great reward is just what we need to motivate ourselves. I plan on having fun, earning some extra money and spending more time with my hubby and son. Doesn't that sound great?

What is something you have been putting off or dreaming of? What steps do you need to take to make that happen? What are you waiting for?

Lotsa Love,
Natasha

Puddle Jumper Ring

Opaline Earrings

Applique Cuff

These are a few of my favorite things

We are all great at appreciating and celebrating all the things in our lives on special days, like New Years, Birthdays or Christmas. But what about the little things we look forward too or make our hearts warm on a regular basis? Things that you wouldn't normally take time to appreciate.

This morning as I held my son and fed him his bottle he looked up at me ran his fingers through my hair and smiled with his eyes, saying "I love you momma"! My heart melted thinking this was such a special moment and then I realized that yes this was special but happened regularly. Are we too busy every day to realize that we have such sweet moments all the time?

So I took some time and thought about my every day, what do I do, what makes me happy? Here is a few of my favorite daily occurrences.

Checking something off of my list- Seems trivial but the feeling of accomplishment is great and I love when I can finally check something off my list that has been nagging me for some time.

Daddy's home- I say those words and my house explodes with happiness. Bailey starts running around picking up shoes, I bring Knox to the window to see Ryan getting out of the car and he starts bouncing and I love when my honey is finally home for the day!

A sip of happy- That first sip of coffee in the morning, I don't know what it is. Maybe a bit of ritual, something familiar, but I love it!

Me and My love bug 

Say Cheese- We have this daily ritual of sending out a picture of Knox to the grandparents every day. May sound like a lot, but its great! They get to see him every day and I have a picture of him everyday from birth, how awesome is that.

Discovery- Watching Knox discover the world every day is amazing! It may be something little or a huge milestone. But getting to see the world through his eyes is breath taking!

Hi- My daily chats with family and friends. Something as little as a comment on Facebook to a lengthy in person conversation. I love the feeling that we are always connected.

YA YA YA- This one may not happen every day, but I am fortunate enough that it happens regularly. My niece and god baby Harper who is almost One, is this incredible source of light. She always brings a smile to my face. My favorite is when I visit and she sees me, she lets out this squeal of glee, starts chanting "YA YA YA" and (depending on if shes in her high chair or free to run) starts banging her hands and dancing or bolts right for me. This leaves me with an incredible feeling and I know I am loved by her.

This list could go on forever and I'm probably missing a few biggies, but I just wanted to share my list and maybe get you thinking about your own. What is great in your day to day life? I'd love if you'd share!

Lotsa Love,
Natasha

I'm a dreamer

I have often wandered what my dreams mean, do they come from a fear, desire or from the creative part of my brain. There are tons of books or sites that will tell you what your dream meant, but can a dream just be a dream?

Lately all I dream about is food, I then wake up and crave the food I have dreamt about. Now do I have some sort of fear or obsession with food, does food represent something else? Or is it simply because I am three months pregnant and hungry all the time?

Thankfully my dream food cravings have all been very healthy; like berries, Greek salad, tomato sandwiches, v8 or fajitas. I think my cravings have actually made me eat healthier then I did before I started dream craving lol. I thankfully have yet to have a weird or crazy mixture craving like i've heard so much about, so far my food groups remain separate lol. Oddly enough meat seams to be the only thing that i've periodically had aversions to, I normally could live off of meat, every once in a while I will think about what to make or walk past the butcher section of the grocery store and get completely turned off, however this normally only last a day or so and I'm back to normal.

This has been a new occurrence in my pregnancy, id say within the past few weeks. I've heard about pregnancy cravings before but never ones that came in a dream…lol  Maybe it's the babies way of telling me its hungry even when I'm sleeping or my brain planning out my next days menu. Either way I am finding this comical and interesting, going with the flow and seeing where it takes me.

So while everyone else dreams of work, some sexy actor or monsters, I will be in food dream land with piles of strawberries or big platters of Lone Star Fajitas all around me. MMMM I think my dreams are better…lol What will you dream of tonight?

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

LOL

When's the last time you had a good belly laugh? I mean the kind that leaves your abbs hurting, eyes watering and some occasional snorting? When you didn't care who around your heard this outburst of insanity?
I have been told many a time that my laugh is identifiable. People saying "I knew it was you, I could tell by your laugh". In the past this has sometimes bothered me depending on the tone in which the comments where said, then I realized isn't better to have a big booming laugh that people recognize, then having one people never notice?
One thing that is great about a big laugh is that it is normally infectious, so I'm rarely left laughing in tears alone. So I guess if there is one thing I could spread, laughter and happiness would be it.
Our lives are so busy, fast paced and serious as adults; if you cant answer when's the last time you peed your pants laughing... Then we've got some issues, the grown up world and snatched you up.
Next time you hear someone full out laughing, instead of judging try joining in. Try to release some of the control over yourself and allow the healing power of a laugh to overcome you. Laugh so loudly that people have no choice but to notice your fantastic laugh. Because life is far to short to take too seriously.
Lotsa Love,
Natasha

Do it for you!

When in a couple, when dealing with family and friends; sometimes we start making choices based on what other people like and not what we like. So how do we know when to make choices to make everyone happy and when to make us happy?

Being married for over five years now most of my decisions are our decisions, which is perfectly fine with me. I know that Ryan is the person I will spend the rest of my life with so of course I want to do things and make choices that make him happy.

But a part of me remembers the girl I was before; that made choices on a whim, chopped, colored and styled her hair however she wanted. Dressed for her and only her; and decorated/painted however she felt like.

Bangs For me! lol

As part of a mature couple you have to submit your major decision making to the couple, these big life decisions are made as a unit. And for the most part most of my decisions are a we thing. However, no matter how much Ryan may protest, I still cut my hair, get the occasional bangs (which he hates), dress for me and occasionally add in a girly throw pillow or two.

I hear “I can’t do/wear/say that I’m a mother” or “I love those shoes, but I don’t think my husband would approve of them.”. Absolutely our roles are incredibly important, Husband, Mother, Daughter, Brother, Friend; but don’t forget that you are you as well… a man or a woman. So even though I’m incredibly proud to be Mrs. Derouchie, I also remember I am Tasha as well.

I’m not saying to ignore your parents, partner or friends on major decisions or even the minor ones. What I am saying is to remember when hearing everyone else’s opinions to take yours in to account as well. If you see a cute pair of loafers you know everyone else but you would dislike, get them you’re the one wearing them… If you love yourself in a bob but your honey loves your hair long, every once in a while indulge yourself and chop that hair, it grows back. You’re out shopping with the guys and you see something that would make the man cave complete, pick it up as a treat to you…how bad can it really be?

In life it can be easy to get caught up in pleasing everyone else, that sometimes we can forget that in order to make everyone else happy we need to be happy. So go ahead…Get happy!

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

To share or not to share?

With Twitter, Facebook and smartphones at everyone’s disposal personal information is now much less personal. Many people screen what they put online; some share a little, some share a lot and others over share. So as a blogger or a user of social media how do you make the personal choice of what to share with the world?

As a blogger and recent winner of a very public radio station contest, I find that I share much more than I ever have before. I still have my boundaries, but am much more open to personal details of my life; especially when it comes to my issues with fertility and my upcoming IVF treatment.

I decided a while ago that I was going to share my struggles with fertility and ivf, once the contest was out Ryan and I talked about it some more and agreed that sharing our story and bringing you through the process with us, would not only be good for us but may even help people as well.

Fertility is one of those things that most people don’t talk about, people tend to blame themselves for their problems or think they are alone; well you are not to blame and you are not alone. I also feel that there are a lot of people who have no idea what IVF is or what it entails for the couples going through it.  Not to mention the fact that I find writing to be therapeutic.

I am incredibly lucky to have a wonderfully supportive family, friends and new founded group of amazing people to go through the IVF journey with. I know many people are not as lucky as I, so I would like to offer up my support and share my experiences with you. I will try to be as open and honest while going through the process of ivf so all the supporters during the contest and anyone considering IVF (or anyone at all) can be part of mine and Ryan’s journey.

There are many aspects of my life that remain mine and the great thing is I have the choice of what I want to share. I absolutely believe you can over share and that there are just some things you don’t need to post. But I also think that the people who push the boundaries and take risks are the people who make our world a better one to be in, so who am I to judge what’s an over share?

I think as long as your comfortable with what you are putting out their than go for it. Because, it’s just as much everyone else’s choice to read it as it’s yours to post it.

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

Friends in new places

As a child we make friends faster than we can tie our laces; were BFF’s in a matter of minutes…Friends at first site. Somewhere along the line as we get older and more stuck in our ways most of us seem to forget that we can make new friends and that there is a whole big world out there filled with interesting people to meet.

I think part of the issue is when we get older we fear more; we become defensive and put our guards up. Strangers who talk to us while out are “strange” and our alerts go up; we rarely strike up a conversation little own make eye contact with someone we don’t know.  We fear rejection where as a child that never crossed my mind.

We make excuses like we are too busy, so there is no way to fit anything or anyone into our lives, our lives are fine the way they are why do we need to make the effort to make new friends?

BECAUSE! Every new person that we meet teaches us something new; about ourselves, people and gives us the opportunity to teach as well.

I love my close BFF’s; I couldn’t imagine my life without them. But do we all share every interest or are we all going through the same things in life? No, that’s what makes a collage of friends so interesting. You are all different and bring a different dynamic, a different flavor to the group. So why not add another, try a different flavor combination?

I just recently had dinner with an amazing group of women, my Win a Baby top five winners. Other than meeting for the first time at the radio station and chatting through Facebook, this was our first time all spending time together. What could have been a quick and awkward dinner between strangers was in fact a three hour long amazingly comfortable dinner between friends. The time flew by and I know I left dinner happy and excited by what’s in store for my very near future. We may have been brought together by very unordinary circumstances, but we chose to exchange information and we all make the effort to stay in contact.

I’m not saying to talk to everyone you meet or befriend every stranger you pass by. What I am saying is open yourself up, put yourself out there and see what’s out there.  Meet new people, have new experiences and break out of your bubble. Let someone new in or 4…lol If you have a hobby join a group or talk about in on twitter or Facebook it’s amazing the people you will find that have the same hobbies as you. If you’re dieting join an online group and get support from people going through it with you. If you’re at a bookstore and you see someone struggling to decide to buy a book that you’ve read give them your opinion.

Open yourself up and you’ll be amazed at all the new adventures and opportunities that open up for you.

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

Keeping "Love" Sexy

Whether you’re struggling with conceiving, been together for a long time or are just in a personal rut; it can be very easy to leave out the sexy part of “Love”. So what do we do when we get busy, are upset or just in a funk?

In my quest to try and get pregnant I got completely lost in calendars, cycles and rules of trying to conceive. It got to the point where my husband pointed out that he felt I only wanted to have “Love” if it was a scheduled baby making activity. I was so determined and focused that I completely left out spontaneity, effort and sexiness. That was not my intention, but I got completely lost in my need to have a baby.

I know this isn’t an uncommon issue with couples trying to conceive and I know it’s not just an issue with wanting to have a baby. When we aren’t feeling our best; emotionally or physically we can forget that there is another person in our relationship who we are neglecting. In many cases when we’ve been in a relationship for a long time, we can forget the sparkle that should be included in “Love”!

Personal stress, unhappiness with one’s self and even boredom can lead to not feeling sexy yourself. I know that if I don’t feel sexy I’m much less apt to wanting to put effort in or even thinking about ”Love”.  But is it your partner’s fault that you’re feeling that way? It’s up to us to feel good about ourselves and opening conversation with our loved one about how we’re feeling can resolve a lot of issues. Yes a person’s compliments or advances can encourage us in feeling a certain way, but ultimately how we feel about ourselves, how we see ourselves is going to be the deciding factor in feeling sexy.

So what can we do?

If it’s a personal issue, take a deep look at why you’re feeling the way you are.  Talk to someone about it; a professional, friend, family member or even…your partner. It can be very easy to get into a funk or a rut. Personally I am comfortable with myself no matter how I look (I rock a jumping jammer like nobody’s business lol), however I notice that when I’m exercising and eating well I feel better all around; my energy levels are up, I’m happier and I just feel great.  

Sometimes we can lose our identities; we become a spouse, parent or get consumed by our jobs. If this is the case take your identity back, remember you are more than a title; your also a women or man. If it’s been so long you forget who you are, create a new identity; who do you want to be and work towards it.

Stress can be a huge sexy buster! If its work stress, why are you bringing it home; Is it your spouse’s fault you had a deal gone bad? If it’s a home stress talk it out and remember that “Love” is a great stress reliever.

If you are trying to conceive and are attached to a calendar try and spice it up. I know it’s hard but try and bring some sparkle back into the stressful experience of trying to conceive. Light candles, play some sexy music and remember why you want to have that baby; because you love your partner and want to create something special together, so make the experience magical instead of mechanical.

With my upcoming IVF treatment around the corner and every bit of my life about to be scheduled I know that it will take effort, spontaneity and magic to keep our relationship sexy. I know you’re thinking “Tasha what’s not sexy about needles, hormones and scheduled “Love”?” lol right?

It can be easy to get caught up in life and get complacent; but try and remember the spark that first attracted you to your partner.  Remember when you used to shave every time you thought you might see them, always made sure you looked great and courted your spouse? Well they do too and they miss that. I love that when you’re in a certain part of your relationship you are comfortable with each other, my hubby and I watch movies in jumping jammers lol. But I also think that we need to keep the sparkle in our relationship regardless of the length of time we are together.

So…If you’ve lost your sexy, bring it back! Bust out that lingerie, dust off those candles, play some sexy music, buy your honey a gift just cause you were thinking of them and remember that sometimes the little things are the ones that count the most. Listen to what your partner is saying and keep those lines of communication open. Because what fun is “Love” if there’s no sexy in it?

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

Flight or Fight?

When we are fear stricken by our phobias do we face them or accept that they are a part of who we are? No matter how silly or ridiculous some phobias may seem to outsiders the fear is very real to the person experiencing it and can even be debilitating. So how do we deal with the phobias and the people who just don’t understand?

Heights, small enclosed spaces, snakes, spiders and frogs (yes you read that last one right) are on my list of things that terrify me. Most people understand most of my fears; however my fear of frogs tends to get more laughs then understanding and comfort.

I almost gave up a trip to Costa Rica because of my phobias, knowing that everything I’m afraid of would be in my face and a lot bigger then home made me say no to an amazing trip the first time asked. It wasn’t until a few glasses of wine and my mom and sister coaxing me that I finally said yes to an amazing experience. Once in Costa Rica, I barely lasted a few days; we were smack dab in the middle of a rain forest on a biodynamic farm and were literally living with creepy crawlies. I was terrified to sleep and with a heavy schedule of yoga, crazy volcano hikes and other extremely exhausting activities I was physically and emotionally drained; missing my hubby I almost booked a flight home cutting my 15 day trip extremely short. I had to tell myself “ok so either you can suck it up and try to enjoy paradise or you can run home and never know what you are capable of”. Well I sucked it up and tried all the activities I originally said no too; zip lining over the rainforest, rappelling down a 350ft waterfall, crazy hikes and exploring the rainforest. I am sure I gave the night guard years of laughter seeing me trying to be brave and venturing outside of my cabin past night fall, screaming and running from frogs, snakes and giant bugs. But I did it and was actually able to sleep through the night.

I think I can...I think I can!

Since my trip; my fear of heights is a lot better and little spiders don’t terrify me anymore, I’ve made some great progress with those fears. However my frog fear is still as strong as ever. I cannot even rationalize it to myself. I am well aware that I am very big and they are very small and that (the ones in Canada) they can’t hurt me. But, when I see one my heart starts racing, I get anxious, feel like I’m going to cry or scream and if I lose track of where it’s gone I have to flee the area. This is why I don’t garden…lol

In my experience, both facing my fears and accepting them has worked for me. I think the best advice is to listen to your body, know your limits, which ones you can test and push and which ones are there for a reason. I’m glad I was pushed to go zip lining and challenge my fear of heights, the rush I got from flying through the air above the rain forest was amazing, and it was utterly breathtaking. However if someone tried to push me into a situation with frogs I would lose my…after I was able to breathe again.

If people never changed, the world would be an incredibly boring place. We evolve, “grow up”, move on, our tastes change and we experience life, this is what makes us so unique. What defines us can change, so why can’t our fears?

Whether you’re afraid of squirrels, june bugs, snakes, needles, garden gnomes or frogs; know that it is your fear and its ok. Don’t let people make you feel bad about having a phobia, regardless if they can’t understand it.  Challenge yourself and grow; but know it is ok to be you, even if that means running scared from a frog!

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

30 things i'm thankful for

Being as my birthday always seems to fall on Thanksgiving weekend I thought it would be appropriate celebrating my big 30 that I should take stock and share the 30 things I’m thankful for.  Hope you enjoy!

Seasons- Reminding me that everything changes, grows and darkness gets replaced by light.

Coffee

Luck of my birthdays- 8 years ago Ryan and I met in our apartment elevator in Toronto, 7 years ago he proposed.

Our Health- Other than the few uncooperative bits.

Date nights- Keeps me sane!

In Laws- I am incredibly lucky to say I have the best in laws a gal could wish for. Ryan’s mom and dad are a true testament to love and reminder that not all good things come to an end.

My Family- However crazy they may be ;) the love my family has is incomparable!

Bailey- And all the other fantastic family dogs. She is my cuddle monster and my protector.

That I still get I.D- OH YA

Places- The places I’ve been able to explore, every place teaching me something new about myself.

Nosy Neighbors- They make me feel safe every day.

Family and friends who lend me their babies- When I need a little munchkin love J

My Crazy Twenties

Fears- The ability to face them or to know they are there for a reason and the ability to run.

My Mom- Who allowed me to jump in puddles, dance in the rain and play the same Whitney Houston How Do I Know single over and over, while dancing and singing in the mirrors.

Sunday Family Dinners

My Strength- And not talking physical cause I’m kinda a weenie in that dept.

Friends- Old and new that not only love me for who I am but encourage my special behavior.

Compassion of Strangers

Voice- The ability to speak up when it might be easier to be quiet.

Win A Baby- Even though we may not win, Hot 89.9 contest has renewed our hope.

Sunshine- That warms your face and picks you up.

Rainy Days- For cuddling and sleeping in.

My Guardian Angel- Who has been watching over me and guiding me outta some crazy spots.

Girly Shows/Movies

Books- That inspire me to write.

Conceivable Dreams- And other groups/organizations fighting for OHIP to fund IVF.

Social Media- I have some pretty cool people and made some great connections.

Lazy Cottage Weekends- When you need to let loose or wind down.

My Man- Ryan who is my everything.

To the people and places that have made me who I am Thank You! I think that it’s incredibly important to take a moment or a few, take stock and truly think about the things in our world that make us thankful.

What are you thankful for?

Lotsa Love,

Natasha

It’s the End of the World as we know it, and I feel fine? -Charly

Yet again we are faced with another end of the world countdown, yet the sun is shining, the birds are singing and we have finally been graced with a true spring day. So why is there this looming of an Apocalypse a mere 2.5 hours away?

This last week has been trying my patience with the copious amount of rain and on the day of the Apocalypse I have a light bounce in my step! Hardly seems likely that with the looming dread I would feel so fine! Is that an indication that I can’t predict the future (yes!) or is it that the end of the world seems very unlikely? (yes!)

All believers are welcome to say “I told you so!” if our world turns into sudden catastrophe, but until then I will enjoy what I have been graced with today, which is the sunshine, the warmth and the chance to spend time again with people I love.

Any day we can be hit with tragedies in our own lives, so instead of counting down until something bad happens, put your energy into all the good things and good people that are around you.

Tick, tock, tick, tock, say goodbye to the catastrophe clock.

Virtual High Five!

Summer Loving

Party Weekend!

With May creeping to an end and the ridiculous amount of rain we have been getting, I cannot do anything but dream and wait for summer. One of my favourite places in the world is my family’s cottage, this summer will be the 25^th summer we have had there and all the memories that go with it make it a treasured part of who I am.

I fell in love with water and the stars from the same dock that we dive off of today and even though  I’m older and don’t have to wear flotties anymore (sometimes do when to many margaritas are involved), I still get that childlike glee when I know its cottage time.

Bailey and Bella rescuing sticks!

As an adult it has become a big part of my friends summers as well; birthdays, sad days, much needed getaways and even honeymoons and anniversaries have been spent at the Sinclair/Kearney cottage. It’s one of those places that morphs and becomes part of your soul, when your away to long you miss it. The hammocks, bonfires, gorgeous view, clean water and always great food, drink and company.

So seeing as it is now mid-May and the rain has kept me from going up to my cottage(roads are washed out), I am itching to go. It doesn’t even matter to me if when I’m there if it’s raining or if the sun is shining you can barely drag me away from the water. My mom calls me her fish, even a near drowning water skiing incident when I was very young couldn’t keep me away from the water, my mom tells me that once she knew I was ok she was terrified that it would cause a fear for me of the water, but no soon as I recovered I was back doing cannon balls from the top dock and choreographing water routines with pool noodles.

Girls weekend,
 we found my dads hat collection!

The scratches and bruises from playing in the forest, forts and ropes off of giant rocks into the water, our 50 ft. water slide called the silver bullet, crazy day long trips to secret passages to other lakes and late nights by the bonfire is just scratches of the surface of memories I have shared with family and friends. I cannot wait to someday have children and introduce them to their lifetime of memories there as well.

View from the top dock!

So I urge you Mr Sun please come out and dry up all the rain so we can open my cottage and I can be reunited with my favourite place to play and relax. I cannot wait until I get to pack up the car, get poutine on the way (of course), stop at the depeneur, watch the excitement from my dog build as we get closer to the water and she can smell the cottage and finally arrive to the magical place that has very much help build who I am today.  

Cannonball! 

Lotsa Love,

Tasha

Imagine

Everyone has had at least one conversation in their lifetime that starts with "what would you do if you won millions of dollars?", so i want to know what would you do? 

With all the lotteries in every country it is easy to get lost in the idea of striking it Rich; Winning millions and getting the easy payout. 

I have had my fair share of these conversations, some a bit more practical then others. 

The irrational magical ones tend to be more fun, because their well-magical. Castles, glass towers, underground tunnels to bff's castles, moats to keep out evil and a wine cellar (yes these are my adult conversations). 

These conversations are the best because it's usually with my close group of friends, a few drinks and rampant imaginations. 

The more practical conversations include the boring mature stuff like investing, trust funds and financial planners. Yuck eh... No fun! 

Then there is the somewhere in the middle probable truth of shopping, smart saving, traveling(everywhere), freedom of working at all of our dreams, charity, a maid named Fifi and a glass tower (that ones a must). One think that sticks out to me the most out of all our very special conversations is that we all would still stick together; date nights every week with a slight change of location (Paris), living not only in the same township but the same estate and forever playing games in our glass tower instead of one of our living rooms. I know everyone likes to think that winning or earning that kind of money would never change them, but I think that's highly unrealistic. 

What I choose to believe is that of course it will change you one day your slaving at a job that does nothing for you just getting by and the next you have 50 million dollars, change is inevitable. But you don't have to change for the worse, you can change and better yourself and everyone around you. Like in everything else in life we have the choice on how we want to approach a situation. I would approach 50 million dollars with some cute shoes, a personal trainer and trying to make a difference in other people's lives. 

What would you do? Can you imagine?


Lotsa Love,
Tasha

Laugh Out Loud

We have all heard the expression “Laughter is the best medicine”, weather we choose to believe the science behind it or the spiritual side; who can deny the awesome power of a laugh?

When we are sick, sad or stressed it can be easy to fall prisoner to a pity party for one or have our face morph into a stone pouty statue.  But instead of hiding away or being overtaken by that which is bothering us, isn’t it better to surround ourselves with shiny happy people and things. Granted I know just as well as anyone there are times when being alone is definitely needed, but at some point we have to realize when we need to reach out for help and take it when offered.

Family Love!

Scientist say that laughter can actually make physical changes in the body (no and not just laugh lines). They say that humour can diminish stress, relieve pain and even strengthen you immune system.  I also believe that laughter helps create abs, if done correctly! ;)

So one would ask if laughing, fun and simply smiling have such amazing side effects why are there so many sour pusses in the world? Now I’m not delusional I don’t think that simply laughing can cure the world of all its problems, but isn’t it a nice start?

I may not be able to cure the world with laughter but I definitely can work on you and all my family and friends.  Yes, even if it means to continue to post embarrassing pictures and reveal hilarious facts about myself…I will do it! Because if we cannot laugh at ourselves an embrace who we are with all the silly flaws then what the point of laughing at all?

Common...You know you wanna laugh!

So do me a favour, don’t delete all the imperfect pictures off of your cameras, keep them as a reminder that no you’re not perfect and that is ok.  Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself, it can be fun…trust me! When you’re feeling down or stressed don’t go it alone reach out to a friend or family member that makes you laugh and feel great about being you.

In life we have to deal with some not so pleasant things but, that doesn’t mean our lives have to be not so pleasant!

Because, you just don't want to live life, you want to live it in Color! 

Lotsa Love,

Tasha 

For the love of food

With so many amazing options in the world of food, what's not to love?

I may not be able to paint or draw but put me in a kitchen and watch me go. I even love grocery shopping, the whole time I'm imagining all the things I will create. My husband laughs at me because I'll come home excited wanting to show him all my finds and his response is "I don't care babe, I know it's going to be great." I guess not everyone is as excited by groceries as me.

My husband claims I am the pickiest eater that will eat almost anything. My take on it is that I know what I like, I will try something new, but once I've tried something a few times I'm not going to keep eating what I don't like when there's so many things I do. He laughs at my rules like I don't like BBQ sauce except for on BBQ chicken and I have issues with sweet things that aren't desert. Lol I chalk it up to I like what I like and I don't what I don't.

Oils, spices and sauces oh my. I love getting in the kitchen with something new and trying it out. Cooking, puttering around in the kitchen is something I look forward to in my day.

Entertaining is also a big part of my love for cooking. I get to express myself through my cooking and watch how others interpret it.

I am very happy to have things like cooking and writing in my life. Everyone should have creative outlets to express themselves with. Be it art, design, music or sharing my love for food; expression is a great outlet and way to grow and learn.

What is your creative outlet, how do you express yourself? You may not even recognize what your doing as creative or a form of expression but if you look close enough you will see it. Nurture your creative side, have fun with it, try something new and allow yourself to be free in your art. Because the more free we are with ourselves the better we can open up and share with others.

Lotsa Love,
Tasha

Spring Fever

With the smell of barbeques, new bustling in the neighbours yards and the heightened number of people walking this can mean only one thing; Spring Fever!
For those of us that live in areas where it is cold and snowy for half our year, the appearance of grass and sunshine is a thing to be celebrated. The first sign of spring takes barebeques out of the garage, dusty running shoes out of the closet and our itsy bitsy tank tops we’ve been dying to wear again out of storage.
The once restless (done with winter) people put all their pent up energy into getting their yards ready, themselves ready and homes ready for summer time. We burst out of our homes and enjoy the weather. This is actually the topic of conversation for the first few weeks of spring, the weather, people are so happy that the snow is gone that is all they can talk about.
This also triggers the realization that summer is not far away, actually only a few short months away and this is when you see all the walkers and runners emerging prepping for the summer reveal.
I also have a feeling that the beer and wine sales spike the first couple weeks of spring, people busting out the barbeques tends to include an aspect of entertaining (to prove they have not lost their fierce barbequing skills) and celebrating the new found sunny, warm weather.
Finally the end of hibernation is here, for those of us that do not enjoy the cold and the long dark days, it is time to emerge from the darkness and enjoy time outside. Get outside and be active, get the whole family involved. Let your face meet the sun that it has been hidden from since December and get moving.
For those of you who are not fans of winter there is no time to waste, go out there and enjoy it now before it fly’s away. Take your date night outside, join a walking/running group and play with your dog, anything to get you moving again.
Join the spring fever movement, get outside and enjoy life. Who knows what you may discover while you’re out there.

Lotsa Love,
Natasha