The month of March is Nutrition Month, I thought it would be a great time to educate on how we can add more vegetables and fruit into our daily meals and snacks. Read More→
Black History Month also known as African American History Month originated in the United States 53 years ago. Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom all observe it for the month of February. Black History Month uses four colours, red, black, green and yellow. These colours represent unity and pride. In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to celebrate Black History Month.
There are many great resources to learn more:
www.canada.ca – Black History Month
www.kidsnationalgeographic.com – Black History Month
www.cityoftoronto.ca – Black History Month
www.cupe.ca – Black History Month
One book I read that I would recommend if you want to dive in deep and get into the history is ‘Roots the Saga of an American Family’ by Alex Haley. There is also a mini-documentary series based on his book.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
You don’t have to do a lot to make changes to our carbon footprints. Some of them are small changes and you can start today.
If you read my other blog for this month, you will learn new ways to recycle some household items that you may have been putting in the trash.
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- Another way that we can help make a difference is by using a reusable water bottle. Instead of always buying a plastic bottle, make sure you bring your own wherever you go. Many coffee shops now will take your reusable coffee container and fill it for you, that way you don’t take one of their paper cups.
- Make sure to recycle and compost. I am sure many of you do, but there are still many that just put everything in the trash.
Time to Declutter
It’s January 2023 and as many of us begin to take down the Christmas décor, I find it is a great time to put out a few bins and begin the decluttering process. I have been doing some research and have found a few new ways to recycle some household items rather than throwing them in the trash. Here is how to get started, I recommend not doing it all at once as it can get overwhelming. Make a list of all the rooms, drawers, and closets you want to tackle. Put out boxes for garbage, recycling, goodwill, and things you want to hand off to others. I also encourage doing a full clean of the area that you declutter. Read More→
Hot chocolates, mochas, and all things gingerbread scream our name. These drinks bring friendships together, give warmth, and get us in the Christmas spirit. But are there ways to make our own and cut the sugar? Of course, and in my opinion, they taste just as good if not better. I like to find ways to keep the ingredients I don’t know out of my drinks and food. Here are a few of our family favourites.
Hot chocolate – steam your choice of milk in a steamer or on the stove, just ensure not to burn it. While milk is heating up, put a tbsp of cocoa in a cup, and sprinkle in some cane sugar. Add some of the milk and stir until fully mixed in, then add the rest of the milk and top with Dandy’s marshmallows. You can top it with whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle, but of course, this comes with added sugar. (Shhh my kids think it’s better than Starbucks)
Momma’s Mocha – make your desired Americano, add in 1 tbsp and stir completely. If it’s not sweet enough you can add in a sprinkle of cane sugar.
Gingerbread Latte – steam your choice of milk, while milk is heating warm on the stove half a tbsp of molasses and maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered ginger. Mix together until completely mixed in. If you don’t like things as sweet omit the maple syrup or cut it in half. Options to the top with cinnamon and whipped cream.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
The holidays can be a time when we tend to create more waste than normal, with fancy wrapping paper that ends up just getting thrown into the garbage.
So there’s my first tip, finding ways to use items for wrapping that don’t end up in the landfill. Indigo sells a beautiful sac bag that comes in different sizes for under $10 that can be used again and again.
E-gift cards are a great item instead of using plastic cards. If you are like me I have a theme for my gift wrapping and I choose silver and gold papers, ribbons, tags, etc. Last year I saved all the ribbons, and rolled them up and this year I didn’t buy any ribbons because I had kept them all. If you take care of it well it can last quite some time. Or opt for basic brown wrapping paper that can be recycled or composted, add some household twine it can give a chic rustic look.
In the food department, just keep using recyclable bags, avoiding plastic. I use woven breathable sacs for all my produce, you can find them at the Dollarstore for under $2.
Buy in bulk, buy what you need, and if you have leftovers, please consider freezing anything rather than throwing food out. Recycle all bottles at the depots.
And finally, check your local thrift shops, Marketplace, and even ask a friend for items to borrow before purchasing depending on what it is. It is amazing what you can find. On my last trip to the Value Village, I found envelopes, notebooks for the kids to write in, and a box of unused Christmas cards all for a fraction of the price.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
It is here, the rain has come. Do you find yourself staying in or are you motivated to get out? Whether the weather, we still need to move our bodies. Start with ensuring you have good rain gear. You need a good coat, pair of boots, and an umbrella. I always encourage my clients to get out first thing. Whether you work, are a stay at home parent or someone in between, the morning workouts are best because chances are you won’t find or make the time in the evening.
Lay out your clothes the night before and set an alarm. Unless it is a storm you need to get outside. If it is dark, wear reflective gear. I guarantee you will feel so good that you did it and it is complete. Take this time for yourself.
Another way to get outdoors in the rain is to move while your child has outdoor sporting events. You could walk the perimeter of the field while they practice. If you have any children at home with you, plan an activity each day. It could be the park, a hike, going to the river. It truly is mind over matter, just do it. Find joy in the rain.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
In Flanders fields the poppies grow……this week we will take time to commemorate the veterans that served our country. Have you found your poppy and placed it on your lapel? Do you know the meaning of the poppy and what it represents? Instead of just wearing it, take the time to find out what it means.
There are usually three colors to the poppy; red for the color of the flower, green for the leaf, and black for the center. It is thought that the red part of the poppy represents the blood that was shed for those that gave their lives for us. The black center represents the mourning of the families that never welcomed one home. The green leaf represents the new crops that grow and bloom after the war.
This November I hope you will take time to remember those that have fought and served and the ones that continue to serve our country. I feel it is also important to educate and teach our own so that they too can understand why we celebrate Remembrance Day.
Pumpkins, squashes, apples, and root vegetables are in season
They are so versatile, and you can do quite a lot with them. If you really are unsure what to do with them you can prepare them for the freezer and portion them off so you can use them when you are ready.
Pumpkins….mm muffins, loaves, and soups are what I have been making the most. I bake the pumpkin and once cooled I scrape out the flesh right to the skin. If your recipes call for a can of pumpkin, it is equivalent to about 1.5 cups of fresh pumpkin. Read More→
Pumpkin Patches, Farmer’s Markets and Train Rides
I hope you have been able to take advantage of the warmer weather and get outside more hours than none. Pumpkin patches have been popping up, salmon running, and the Saturday markets still go until the end of the month. The Laity Pumpkin Patch in Maple Ridge is a sure favorite, there is both the North and South on either side of Abernathy Road to ensure everyone is taken care of. If you can visit during the week be sure to go, weekends get quite busy. Read More→
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