Time to Declutter


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

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….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→

School routines, extracurricular activities for children and adults are upon us. It is good to get back to a more rigid routine, but it is very important to create healthy boundaries.
Food prices have gone up and it is important to still eat healthy and well balanced meals.
Here are a few tips to help you continue to eat healthy on a budget. Read More→
Bittersweet feelings as we head into the homestretch before the school bell rings again.
Enjoy these last weeks of summer, but of course, no one wants the stress of scrambling to get things together right before school starts. Here are a few tips to get you and your children ready while still enjoying the rest of summer. Read More→
Kintec is offering all Curtis clients (including friends and family) expert shoe fitting to best suit your needs at a 15% discount on regular price footwear.