it's my girls' world

This week just flew by. Between work, kiddos, doctor's visits, a suspected (but not) case of pink eye and an awful dry cough, I'm looking forward to a strong cough suppressant and some time with my family and friends! 

Here are my smiles from this week.

1- When I was working on Sunday, D took the girls for a long walk. A in her funny snowsuit was quite the showstopper and made us all giggle.

2- Monopoly has been a favourite around here these days.... although the seven year old has some questionable die rolling techniques ;-s

3- A really wanted to eat with chopsticks and did a great job-- only thing is that girlfriend didn't break them apart. 

FYI, seaweed salad on a four year old's little lap in the gymnastics waiting room, not the smartest idea I've ever had.

4- I had been craving this risotto for weeks now so we finally made it for some of our friends last weekend. Shrimp, scallops and calamari? Yes, please!

5- I'm narrowing down some choices for a cousin's wedding and I've ordered these two so far. Though I'm leaning towards #2, I have a feeling that #1 will suit my body type better and want to try them both on before I made a final choice. Thoughts?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Linking up with 

Amy for Hey Friday

  and Amanda for Friday Favourites

When I was in my twenties, I had allll the time for myself and go figure, I didn't need that time too much at all. Fast forward ten + years, two kids and a busy life, and now more than ever, I totally need my me time. Here are just a few ways I get my zen in the midst of all the crazy kids.

Early morning routine

In the morning, I try to get up before anyone else-- especially my lovely but needy kids. My cup of tea, vitamins and my iPad to check the news, my emails and blogs are my favourite way to begin my weekday. If I get even a half an hour in, I'm good to go. My seven year old has now started waking up and reading a bit before breakfast as well.

Exercise

I adore working out.... I drop the kids to school and hit the gym for a while. I feel so much better after I exercise... and a long hot shower after... everyone in my family loves long showers incidentally. We save the planet in other ways.

My blog

Even though it's mostly my family and our life I talk about, my blog is my little creativity corner where I get to sit and 'chat' for a while. It's a delayed conversation and all but my blog and my blog friendships have come to mean so much to me. 

Kitchen Clean Up Time

So this one might be a bit crazy but after dinner is done, D takes them down to get ready for bed and to play for a bit but I put on a show and get to work  packing the dishwasher and cleaning the kitchen. Call me crazy (some might) but it is so relaxing and I feel great when my kitchen is sparkling before bedtime. 

Girl Time

Ever so often, I grab lunch, coffee, dinner  or even a phone call with a friend. Girlfriends are good for the soul.

Reading

All the time. I reread my books and about 5-10 new ones for the year especially at summer time. Love it.

Nighttime TV 

A little show before bed, some peppermint tea (on weekends a treat), folding some laundry(!?) and sometimes a little self done manicure.

When I have a little time to myself, I come back refreshed, recharged and ready. New mamas out there, me time is so important. Take it when you can! Even if it's just for a walk, a trip to the supermarket or coffee with a friend.

What about you? What do you do to get your 'me' time?

Linking up a little late on The Blended Blog with some of my favourite lovelies.

Hello Friday. I've been looking for you for three long days (Monday was a holiday here). Here are my five this week.

1- Happy Birthday to my mama! She is a favourite around here for sure with her good heart, generous nature, patience and kindness and we love her so! We wish her only the very, very best of health, light and love in the year ahead!

2- A's crack me up moment for the week-- when she told me that she knew our house's age. 311. No kiddo, the house number does not indicate it's age!

3- It's been so lovely these last couple days-- think mid Spring weather in February. It goes back to chillier temps this weekend so while it's nice we've made our way out a bit. This was from last Saturday when we made our way down to the river. It was still a bit cold so we bundled up a bit but the kids were able to swing, take a long walk and even have a mini snow-ball fight. 

4- So as part of genius hour in school, C offered to raise money to help the polar bears. That entailed knitting and then selling... wait for it.... 40 neck warmers and hats!  And she is a new knitter who only uses her loom. Though we are proud of her generous and giving heart, we think that she's over-reached just a bit.... 

Anyone want to buy a hat? Anyone?

5- And just some Friday funnies as we head into the weekend.

When my kids have a playdate and they decide to entertain themselves by painting.

I'm in fitbit challenge group and this is when I'm the bride instead of the bridesmaid-- finally creeping up to first.

When my crew sings and misses hits those high notes

Linking up with 

Andrea, Erika and Narci for Favourites on Friday

This is Us (my very favourite), The Bachelor (ugg), Grey's Anatomy and Scandal(so dark!)

I've also started the earlier episodes of The Good Wife on NEtflix-- I started watching it in the final few seasons.