Last Minute Surprise...

After a cool and overcast day the clouds decide to lift just in time for the sun to shine brightly before it sets behind the mountains. This makes my sunday evening a little better.

Looking out my living room window down our street in our perfect little neighbourhood that we love!

It has been an exhausting week. Hayden is teething and I had to travel to Vancouver twice last week, once for work and once for pleasure. {The pleasure didn't end up happening as we had Hayden so it was more of a living nightmare:)}I have been doing good when it comes to diet and exercise and keeping a clean house but I had a mini breakdown today, while Hayden was throwing a tantrum in front of all my friends and their well behaved children, I had a meltdown. I like to have control over things in my life. I strive for this perfect image which I know in reality will never be but it's worth a shot right? Today I came to realize there are going to be many things involving my son that aren't in my control nor are they near perfect. Dammit! 

Oh well, I will survive the terrible two's...and three's and so on. I took Hayden for a run in the jogger stroller this afternoon and that helped me clear my head. It made me realize that I want to include more of my thoughts, observations and life's moments in this little blog of mine. I am really looking forward to a new week. A full week at work and lots of time spent with my boys is just what I need to feel complete and whole.

xx Kelly Pin It

Strawberry Shortcake with a Twist

This is how I enjoy a guilt free dessert. The following yields one serving so double for two and so on. 

~ 3/4 cup of greek yogurt

~ 2 strawberries, quartered

~ 1/2 crushed graham cracker

It has a taste similar to strawberry shortcake without all the added calories. This dish I made has approximately 190 calories and that is a dessert I can feel good about eating! This a great breakfast when you replace the crackers with oats or a snack when you replace crackers with nuts. Plus greek yogurt is high in protein so its great post workout too!

xx Kelly Pin It

The Terrible, Teething Two's

***Warning*** This is a venting Mom post, readers beware!

Hayden has been breaking his two year molars and for almost a week now he has been completley miserable. He whines and cries all day, he won't eat or drink, he won't play with other kids or us....I can't even look at him without him freaking out! The doctor was no help after an hour and a half wait. He had a fever and threw up last weekend and Easter was a total bust as he protested dinner and the hunt I organized. To add to that he started a new daycare/pre-school and we got called to pick him up after 2 hours the first day as he wouldn't stop crying. I don't think they like the new kid!

Help me fellow Mommys!!!! Where is my happy child? How long will the madness last? I am beginning to  be concerned about his health and well being and I need to know I am not alone. Needless to say his teeth are sucking the life and sanity out of my husband and I.

When will my baby be back to normal?

xx Kelly Pin It

Black and White

Blouse ~ Urban Planet

Skirt ~ Forever 21

Shoes ~ Nine West

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Showing some skin

With warmer weather I have taken a few fashion risks and decided to bare some skin!

Sweater ~ Aritzia

Pants ~ Zara

Boots ~ Urban Planet {steal version of this splurge}

Purse ~ GUCCI

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Yams for Breakfast!

I love sweet potatoes and yams! Since becoming more health conscious I have switched out potatoes for them as you get your carbohydrate fill with added flavour and a ton of nutrition. When I was growing up my Dad used to tell my sister and I that there were tribes in South America that survived on sweet potatoes alone! Well I use them quite often, these yam fries are a hit at my house!

This is basically a yam omelet.
~ 1 med yam or sweet potato grated
~ 2 eggs
~ half of one small onion diced
~ half a cup of grated cheddar cheese
~ garlic, salt and pepper to taste

Prepare and mix ingredients in mixing bowl and spoon into large non-stick frying pan. Shape with spatula. Cook on low for 15 mins on each side. Take care when removing and serve! I served with sliced avocado and hot sauce. Hayden used ketchup and enjoyed it too!

xx Kelly Pin It

Goodbyes...and a Workout

Today I do not say goodbye, but rather see you later and good luck to a friend and college. Over the past 9 years in my career I have worked with so many incredible people, some of which I mentor and some who mentor me. I feel lucky to work with diverse and talented people and have learned so much from all of them. Today I say goodbye to a team member after two and a half years. While I am sad to see him go, I am excited for him as he is being promoted internally and I know this is a huge opportunity in his career.

Now time for some fitness!

Todays workout included:

10 minutes HIIT {high intensity interval training} cardio on elliptical.
20 minutes steady pace cardio on elliptical

ARMS ~ the following is a dumbbell workout that I use 8LBS weights for

Lay down bench press
Standing bent over row
Standing shoulder press
Bicep curls
{do 3 sets of 10-12 reps of all the above}

On all fours triceps curl
{do 2 sets of 10-15 reps on each side}

Then I did a Pinterest workout! I do these everyday as they are interesting and challenging!

I did this x 2!
Now this is a pretty intense workout so don't overdo it. I am at the point where I love it and don't want to stop. I get excited as I see results and that continues to motivate me. What motivates you to work out.
*** Remember***
If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you!

xx Kelly Pin It

Beige on Brown ..on Beige

Brown and beige are my all time favourites....is that the reason I am so drawn to GUCCI and Louis Vuitton?? Lol! I mean they come in my fav colours! This is a work look that I would wear in transition  seasons like fall and spring as it incorporates a variety of textiles amongst the neutral colour scheme.

Blouse ~ Zara
Skirt ~ BCBG
Shoes ~ Mia Rock {spain}
Purse ~ Louis Vuitton Pin It

Can clean eating be spectacular? I believe it can! I try to prepare healthy yet delicious meals everyday for myself and my family and it isn't always easy but it can be very satisfying. I have always been interested in my health but it really hit home after having Hayden. I was the Maid of Honour in my sister's wedding 2 months after Hayden was born so I time was not on my side. Recovering from childbirth was difficult for me so the exercise came second to my diet. I knew if I could nail my diet that was half the battle...and I did!

{marinated chicken breast on a bed of wilted spinach toped with fresh grated parmesan cheese and caramelized onions}

Over the past year I have become very interested in health and fitness and have achieved some incredible results. I will be posting more, food and fitness tips soon as I have friends and family asking how I do it. This is flattery in the finest form!

Happy Friday!

xx Kelly

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Date night...

It is a rare occasion we have date night because we have no family where we live to sit. So we finally bit the bullet and looked online for a local sitter. We found a great girl and are looking forward to some much needed time alone. I love my baby boy, but I am a firm believer of taking good care of your relationship too. This keeps the spark alive...and after 9 years we need to protect that flame! The benefits are endless, adult time, an excuse to dress up, undivided attention on each other...and all this translates to a happier home life which we can all agree is a good thing!

Shirt ~ Aritzia
Pants ~ Joe Fresh {I know, I am obsessed}
shoes ~ Aldo
Clutch ~ Gucci

Do you make date night a priority? Whats your favourite thing to do?

xx Kelly Pin It