Thats a wrap 2018

I have been thinking about this blog post for about 2 weeks now. I would start to write something then delete and then write something else and then think it was no good.

I can't believe that its December 31st 2018. That tomorrow we are welcoming 2019. As I look back over 2018 I can't believe all that has happened.

I started the year off working on a little project. My blog had been doing so well and I had a lot of followers on my Facebook and Instagram that a company and contacted me about teaming up with them. I thought that this was really cool. I started doing research on Social Media Influencers. Then I started writing other companies with products that I use on a daily basis. I have been Blessed to work with some amazing companies this year. I worked with the Rocky Mountain Raw Dog food company, The Crowne Plaza Moncton, Canadian Tire, Johnson Sausages, Lord Nelson Hotel, St. Andrews Inn and many more. In 2019 I will be working with a few more companies. I am excited to be teaming up with them.

I really started working on personal development last year. I did a lot of reading and listening to a lot of podcasts. I love listening to Jenna Kutcher. She is such an amazing business women. I also have been following and learning from Jasmine Star. She is a photographer that I had followed way back with I first started photography. I kind of lost touch with her but this year I became part of her Social Curators Group and I am learning so much from her.

May 23rd 2018 is the day that changed my life. That is the day I found out I was a type 2 Diabetic. When the doctor told me my diagnosis I was upset. I kept saying to myself  "why God? why me?" But after a friend who is a Pastor prayed with me that day I had this feeling come over me. I knew that God had a bigger plan for me. That I was going to get through this. I don't know what His plan is for me but I know He's got something good!!

This last year I have learned a lot of  healthy eating, gut health, taking supplements and vitamins and exercise is.  It has changed my whole life. When I went to the hospital that day my sugars were 33. Within 2 weeks of completely changing my diet I had my sugars in Normal range and have been able to maintain it. My goal this year is to help people who struggle with their diabetes and show them how easy it is to change their diet and get their sugars under control.

The year has been through many adventures for work and personally. I have been to Halifax twice, moncton a few times, of course PEI and took an adventure to St. Andrews.  We have met so many new friends along the way. Friends who have become more like family to us now.

As a photographer this year was out of this world. I was Blessed enough to work ALL year where many photographers only work from April to Christmas. And it doesnt look like it will be slowing down any time soon. I have had so many wonderful clients I am so Blessed to have met each and every one of you. I already have a few exciting things up my sleeve for 2019.  2018 brought a new team member to Storeybrook Photography. I hired an editor to help me with my wedding photos. Its been a great match for me. It definitely has relieved a lot of stress.

In 2018 I have really embraced Self Care. I have taken time when I was so busy and just taken a bath or watched a movie. But I have really started to embrace how important self care is. Though times I am crazy busy and doesnt seem like I take the time I do make up for it later on. I have learned to shut the work away. Photos have been taken and they will get edited may not be right away but they will get done.

I have also really taken the time to get rid of toxic people in my life and learn to embrace my friends. I had a few people that were in my life that were really putting me down and making me stressed out. I finally started walking away from them slowly and not worrying what they had to say to me. In turn I have met so many amazing people this year and I seem to always be busy with them. You need the right people around you to grow.

I am sad to see 2018 go as it really was a great year. But I am excited to welcome a New Year full of so many possibilities

Our little getaway to St. Andrews

 A few months ago my wonderful husband came to me and said Don't book anything on October 21st weekend we are going to St. Andrews on for out 5th wedding anniversary. I was super excited because I always wanted to go there. It was such a great weekend away in this small town.

First it seemed like forever to get there and after you leave Harvey you don't have much cell service or gas stations so make sure you use the bathroom before you leave Harvey lol.

On out little getaway I teamed up with St. Andrews Inn. When we arrived the front desk person was so sweet and kind. She made sure we had everything we needed for our weekend. Every time we in and out who ever was at the front desk always made you feel welcome and right at home. I really loved this Inn because all the rooms had an waterfront view. We were on the bottom level and stayed in their newly renovated suite. I was so excited when I walked into our room. There was a full stocked kitchenette with everything we would need, a kingsize bed, a seating area, and we had french doors when you opened them went out to a little balcony and the view was spectacular.

That evening we walked up and down the streets of St. Andrews and seen so many little shops and restaurants, we couldn't wait until the next day so go exploring some more. Our first stop was of course food! We went to this place called Olde Tyme Pizza. This food was so good! We got a pizza to take back to the hotel for later. It was so good. It tasted like homemade pizza. They used real ingredients and you could tell it was made by hand!

The next day we headed out to on the town to find get some breakfast. We found this little cafe called Lumberjack Cafe  They serve breakfast and lunch. Their servers were great and it seemed like the place to go for breakfast because there was a line up by the time we were ready to leave. All their food is homemade. They had a great display of treats and sweets. We loved their 7 grain bread so much that we had to buy a loaf to take home with us.

We spent the day exploring this small town. It was off season so many of the shops were closed. But a few were still open. We went to see the famous Algonquin Hotel and drove around this amazing piece of property. It was very gorgeous!

We headed out to Ministers Island. Anyone I have ever talked to said this was the place to go. When we first went there the tide was in so we just sat on teh shore and checked it out. But then we came back about an hour or so later the tide was out and you could drive right over to the Island. It was pretty cool. On Ministers Island was the "Summer" home of William Van Horne. He was responsible for creating the Canadian Pacific Railway. Whether you are a history buff or not this is a really cool place to go see. The piece of property is just amazing. We spent our whole day there exploring.

Our last day in St. Andrews there was a community event and the whole downtown was blocked off. The local fire dept was having a Truck pull. Where fire fighters had to try and pull a firetruck so many feet. It was so nice to see the people coming out in the community for this event.

Our weekend was amazing and very relaxing. Just what this girl needed. We had such a great time with friends and exploring this little place. I hope to go back in the summer to check it out as there was just so many places to see.

This was the view from our hotel room. It was so spectacular. Thank you to St. Andrews Inn for teaming up with me. We had such a great weekend away!

Tips on choosing the right camera

A email or message I get a lot is from people asking me "What camera should I buy?" The answer I give people is whatever one is good for you. Or some people will send me links to photos of cameras and ask "is this a good camera, I am thinking of buying it?" To be honest I don't know. I dont know because I dont know what you want it for or what you will be doing or what your price range is.

I have decided to compile a list of tips to help you choose the right camera just for you :)

1. Where should I buy my camera?
There are lots of great places where you can buy your camera. I first suggest Amazon. The reason why is because you can usually get them pretty cheap and you can usually get bundles from people. And if you are an amazon prime member you can get free shipping and your camera here in 2 days. I also suggest Costco... they have a really good return policy and again you can usually bundles with your camera. I also like Best Buy because they have an amazing warranty on all their products especially if you buy the extended warranty.

2. What brand of camera should I buy?
I am a Canon Girl. I have shot with a Canon Rebel and I now shoot with a Canon 60D. I am a Canon girl. Nikon is also a great camera. I have never shot with a Nikon but I have heard they are really great cameras. Personally I would stay within Canon and Nikon because they are the world leaders in Cameras but there are some great companies coming out with great cameras.

If you are looking for a good camera that is not a big camera or DSLR Canon does make a great Powershot Camera. Its a little better than a point and shoot but its not a a Canon Rebel and its nice and light. It also takes good photos. Canon Rebel are a great intro camera to buy. I started off with a Rebel and I loved it. I still have a Rebel as my backup camera. They are great cameras to buy when you are looking to grow. Nikon also has an equivlant to the Rebel its the Nikon 3200D.

Keep in mind that DSLR camera's are getting more affordable but not for everyone. Remember they are bigger, heavier, harder to keep clean, comes with lens and can be more complicated.

3. Determine what you need
Ask yourself some questions before you buy your camera. Like:
- what do you need a camera for?
- what type of features are you looking for?
- what is your budget?
- are you going to travel with it?
- are you taking sports photos with it?


4. Megapixels are not everything.
Once upon a time the more megapixels the better but not now a days. Most camera's come with at least 5 megapixels. Just remember the more mega pixels, the more space on your memory card and computer it will take up. If you are looking to blow images then yes more mega pixels the better.

5. Keep in mind the extra's
When you buy your camera from Amazon, Ebay or even at a store sometimes (Most times) they come in a bundle. Which yes its great you are getting all this stuff with your camera for a low price. But do you really need all that stuff? Are you really going to use that fish eye lens when you barely know what the kit lens is that came with your camera? Look at what you would like
-memory cards
-extra batteries
-tripod
-lens
-camera case

6. Zoom Lens
Its great if your camera comes with a zoom lens. To be honest I barely use my zoom lens. In the last 4 years I have had it I might have used it a few times. Its not my favourite lens and its great to have it but I don't use it. Just remember that not all zoom lens are the same and are created different. One might be a fixed lens or one might not zoom as far as you want it too.

7. READ REVIEWS READ REVIEWS READ REVIEWS
When I go to buy a new camera I research and check reviews. Don't always rely just on the sales person. Most sales persons don't always know anything about cameras and some are paid or have an incentive to make the sale. I usually Google what camera I am looking at and read the reviews that are posted. I also check out Youtube and watch videos. I like Jared Polin he has a lot of videos on different cameras and reviews them.

8. Don't assume a high price camera means quality.
To be honest.. its all about the person behind the camera. When I started in the photorgaphy business I shot with probably was the first Canon Rebel and I would see people at weddings with these big huge cameras and get scared. But at the end of the day.. I probably knew that little rebel better than they knew their camera.

9. Look at the battery type and price of battery
When I first started I just assumed that cameras used regular ole batteries that you buy at store. NOPE I was wrong. Each and every camera I own  comes with a different battery and a different charger. Yes there are a lot of chargers and batteries floating around my house lol

10. Check out the memory card
Not all camera's use a regular SD memory card. Most now a days do but there are still some out there that use mini, macro or even a compact flash card. Read up on which card you will need for your camera.

Overall, the main this is to make sure its a camera you really want and why you want it. Do the research and check it out. Most camera stores now have ones you can go and look at. You are able to hold it and see if it feels right for you. I hope this helps you make the right choice camera and feel free to message me anytime and I will try and help you out the best I can.

Happy Shooting

Paige

Boston Cream Poke Cake

Today Jon and the boys worked really hard. They had did some yard work and cleaned both the truck and the car. I haven't been feeling well today and I felt bad because I haven't been the nicest person. So I made the boys a big supper and one of their favorite desserts. I did cave and had a small piece but since not really eating sugar for the last month I really didn't want it. 

You will need:
1 box yellow cake mix 
Ingredients called for on cake mix (eggs, oil and water) 
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant Vanilla or French Vanilla pudding 
4 cups milk 
1 container chocolate frosting (or your favorite homemade chocolate frosting)
Directions:

Make cake mix according to directions and bake in a well-greased 9×13 pan. 
When cake is finished baking and is still warm, poke holes all over cake using a wooden spoon handle or other similar size object (you want those holes fairly big so the pudding has room to get in there and you need to poke straight through to the bottom of the cake).
In a medium bowl, add milk to pudding mixture and continue to whisk until most of the lumps are removed. Pour pudding on top of warm cake, making sure to pour straight into the holes in the cake.
Take a spoon and spread it evenly across the top of the cake (very gently press down pudding to ensure that pudding goes into the holes and spread it all the way to the sides).
Put cake in fridge and allow to cool completely before adding the frosting (about 2 hours). 
Remove the lid and foil covering from the tub of chocolate frosting and microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Stir frosting with a spoon- it should still be thick, but pourable. Pour chocolate frosting on top of pudding.
Spread frosting to evenly cover cake. Start in the middle and gently spread to the sides. Allow to cool on the counter for a few minutes, then put into the fridge to fully cool and set up.

Hawaiian Dip

I made this for the party but I think there were so many other dips that it kind of got pushed to the side. But I had some and I really liked it!!

You will need:
1 package of cream cheese
1 small container of sour cream
1 can of pineapple chunks
2 slice of thick ham ( like toupee ham) cut up
1/2 cup bacon bits
1 cup shredded cheese

Direcitons
1. Mix cream cheese and sour cream together. Then mix in 1/2 cup of juice from the pineapples. Spread over a 9x13 pan.
2. Drain the rest of the pineapples.
3. In a bowl add pineapple chunks, cut up ham, bacon and cheese. lightly mix together
4. then place over top of cream cheese mix.
5. Chill for 1 hour before serving.
6. Serve with tostitos chips.

Lemon Lasagna

This was another hit at our annual Canada Day party. I really liked this one because it was nice and light. Plus its easy to make!

You will need:
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 package of cream cheese
1 container of cool whip
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp of lemon juice
2 package of lemon pudding
4 cups milk
Lemon for decoration on top

Directions:
1. Mix melted butter and graham crackers crumbs together. Place in a 9x13 baking dish spread out over entire pan
2. In another bowl mix cream cheese, 1 cup cool whip, sugar and lemon juice together. Then spread out over graham cracker crust.
3. In another bowl mix lemon pudding  and 4 cups of milk together. Then spread out of cream cheese mix.
4. Take the rest of the cool whip and spread over lemon pudding mix. Top with lemon as a garnish
5. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

No Bake Banana Split Dessert

Yesterday we had our annual Canada Day Party. My husband and I have this every year for all our family and friends and who else wants to show up! I love getting ready for this. Its stressful but tiring but I look forward to it each year. I always look for easy simple desserts that I think people will like. This year I made 2 new ones. At the end of the night there were only a few slices of each left. I think they were winners!

You will need:
1/2 cup butter melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 package of cream cheese softened
1 container of cool whip
1/4 cup sugar
1 can crushed pineapple draind
4 bananas sliced
1 package of strawberries
1 small bottle of maraschino cherries
chocolate sauce that you would put on ice cream

Optional:
Sprinkles and nuts

Directions:
1. Mix melted butter and graham crackers together. Then put in a 9x13 pan.
2. Mix cream cheese, 1 cup cool whip, and sugar together. Then add crushed pineapple.
3. Put pineapple cream cheese mix in the pan as the next layer
4. Then place bananas and strawberries making the next 2 layers.
5. Then use the rest of the cool whip for the top layer
6. drizzle chocolate sauce and top with cherries.
7. Chill for one hour before serving

Canada Day Party

One of the many things I love about my husband is that he loves to have parties and I love to entertain. So when we knew had our first Canada Day party we knew it instantly that it would be a tradition every year. We look forward to it. We start planning in April and we get excited. We have it pretty much now down to a science. I love that our community comes together and helps us out and they look forward to having it too! I love the day of the party seeing our neighbours have their own little parties and then seeing people park on the side of the road getting ready to watch our fireworks. It makes it all worth it!
After many years of hosting a Canada Day party I thought I would compile a list of some must have's that will help with your Canada Day Party.
Please Note: This site does have affiliate links. which means if you click on the link and buy the product I do get a small fee for promoting.

1. Decorative Plates, Cups, Napkins ~ I usually try and find plates, cups and napkins with Canada Flags on them. I find they just add a little something!

2. Canada Flag ~ What is more patriotic then having a Canada Flag flying in front of your house on Canada day?

3. Canada Day Tshirt~ You need to wear your red and white! Lots of stores have super cheap Tshirts available. I have seen some at Walmart and Giant Tiger. I think even Old Navy does too!


4. Fireworks ~ You need to have fireworks for Canada day! Its just not right!! I have seen lots at the Great Canadian Dollar Store in Doaktown and Chatham and I have seen lots at Giant Tiger too!

5. Floating Lanterns ~ The last few years we have used floating lanterns at our Canada Day party. They look so pretty all floating in the air!

6. Water balloons ~ I don't know who the genius was that came up with water balloons all tied to thing that you put on your tap. All I can say is that he or she are now millionaires!!

7. Lots of BBQ ~  You can't have a party without BBQ. We have hamburgers and hot dogs. Sometimes we have chicken, streak or sausages. But whats a summer party with out BBQ something.. Plus lots of family and friends help make lots of good food!

8. Ice Machine ~ A lot of people think I am crazy but this little machine is the most amazing thing even. And we have already started making Ice for our party and freezing it. Plus its always nice to to icy cold water!

9. Washer Toss ~ Nothing like a good ole game of washer toss. I am not the biggest fan of this game but I love having my yard full of people playing the game

10. Inflatable pool for Food and Drinks ~ This has to be the best thing for parties! Especially during the summer. We have one its a pineapple shape.

If I haven't mentioned it yet we are super excited to be hosting our 8TH ANNUAL Canada Day Party. We enjoy having this party every year! We are slowly getting everything together for our big day on Saturday. We want to invite ALL our Family and Friends to our event! 

Whole Wheat Chicken Pot Pie

I love food... I love all kinds of food.. good food and bad food. But I have had to cut out the bad in my life. You don't realize what is in foods that isn't bad for you. Like Chicken Pot Pie. It sounds like it would be good because its full of veggies and chicken... but the crust is full of enriched white flour and if you use cream of chicken soup that too isn't that good for you! Today I set out on a mission.. to make my favorite comfort food... healthy! I think I did a pretty good job. I found a few recipes and mixed them all together and ta da.. the end result!

You will need:
For the filling
- 2-3 chicken breast chopped up and cooked
- whatever veggies you want it it. I put peas, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn. You can add one potato, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, whatever you feel like today!
- 3 tbsp of whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 can chicken broth

For the biscuit topping
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt


Directions:

1. Cut up chicken and cook in a sauce pan
2. once cooked then add veggies and cook them for a few mins until soft
3. Mix whole wheat flour and chicken broth together. Then add to saucepan and then add the milk 
4. Let it simmer until veggies are cooked
5. For the biscuit topping. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix. 
6. Place veggie mix in a baking dish (with a cover or cover with tin foil) and top with biscuit mix. Spread out the biscuit mix then cover
7. Bake at 425 for about 30 mins or until biscuit topping is cooked
8. Let stand for a few mins to cool and then serve

8 Easy Peasy Self Care Tips

I have always been the person that did things for every one else. I was always taught thats what you do. There were days I was going straight out from 6 am until 10 -11pm at night. I was getting burnt out. My husband and I were fighting all the time. I was getting photos back to my clients longer than usual. I was getting snappy. Finally my husband said you need to start taking time for yourself. He said it's not selfish. Its necessary. At first I felt very guilty. I would think about ALL the things that needed to get done. But eventually I started thinking.. who cares if the dishes arent done? Who cares if my laundry isn't done? Who cares if the kids have to make their own lunch (they are 12/13 they can do it all by themselves) Clients will understand if it takes a bit to get their photos. So I started.... I started going to the gym, making chores for the kids, shutting my editing off at 9pm and going to watch my favorite show, taking a bubble bath. I noticed a change in me. I noticed I was happier, I wasn't fighting with others as much, I was feeling relaxed more. Now its a routine. I have a certain routine and I do it almost every day. I don't feel one bit guilty anymore!

Self care is the practice of taking time for yourself and no one else. Its carving out time to focus on yourself. It sound selfish but it needs to be done. if you don't take time for yourself its just a matter of time before you burn out.  Your body and mind will thank you. If it means Pj's and eating a tub of ice cream then do it! At first its hard but keep going!! You can do it!

Here are some cheap and easy self care ideas for you!

1. Start a journal
Write something down every day. Whether its 5 things you are Grateful for or just a book of ideas or a detailed account of your day. Some ideas you can write about are your goals, reflection on your day, inspiration quotes, ideas, dreams.

2. Affirmations
Affirmations can stop negative self talk and build confidence. In my bathroom I have a couple post it notes by my mirror. I look at them every time I am in the bathroom. I say them to my self every morning as I am getting ready.
Here are a few to help you:
- I am enough
- I am ready
- I am strong
- I believe in myself
- I have a caring heart
- Today is going to be a good day

3. Sip and Read
There is something about holding a warm beverage that makes you feel good. Make yourself some tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Just sit and read with a good book or magazine! Just sip and relax. Why not get on your comfy clothes and sit in your fav spot and just sip and read!

4.Take a walk without your cell phone
 Put your phone on airplane mode and listen to your favorite music and relax. When was the last time you shut your phone off ? Lately when I have been going to the gym I have been putting my phone on airplane mode its so much better!
Walking relieves stress, improves your mood and clears your mind :)

5. Watch your favorite movie
Grab a snack, get in your comfy clothes, snuggle on the couch and indulge in your favorite movie. Your brain needs time to turn off and be entertained. Last week was just a crazy week and Saturday night my hubby and I rented a movie and vegged out on the couch. It was worth it. My brain felt so good just focus on something else and relax!

6 Bake yourself a treat
I love to bake (if you didnt know). I use baking as a stress reliever. When was the last time you baked something? Put on your favorite music, dance in the kitchen, bake for fun.. and lick the spoon!

7. Have a bubble bath.
I love having a a bubble bath. Especially with bath bombs! Check out my favorite places to buy bath bombs ( Betty Bath Bombs and This Soap Company) Just go to the bathroom close the door (lock it if you have to), have some candles, put on some music and just relax

8. Colouring
I love colouring!! When I was in university during a stressful time I would colour to help me to relax. There are so many different colouring books out there from adult ones to inspiration quotes. My favourite are kids Christmas ones lol I am weird like that!

Cauliflower "Potato" Salad

Yes! Yes, I did. I made cauliflower "potato" salad..... and it was a win! I was quite impressed. Even the family gave it a try!

You will need:
1 head of cauliflower
4 boiled eggs cooked and chopped
1 cup helmans mayo
1/4 tsp mustard
1 tsp stevia
salt and pepper to taste


Directions:
Chop the cauliflower in small pieces and cook until fork tender. Do not cook any longer as its kind of mush. Then cook the eggs, peel and chop. Put eggs and cauliflower in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl mix mayo, mustard, and stevia. Then put in cauliflower mix. Then add salt and pepper to taste. Put in fridge until ready to serve.

** you can add bacon and onions to this if you want.**

Diabetic Broccoli Salad

Its been almost a month since I have started my "new normal" and its been quite the journey. I use to love grocery shopping and now I dread it because I am constantly  reading labels and trying to guess if its something I can eat. So if you see me in the grocery store crying you know why! I had a melt down at walmart the other day because I just wanted to buy whatever and I just couldn't.  Its all a learning process.
Well this weekend was a learning curve for me. We had our family over for a BBQ. All my favorite things had sugar or something I couldn't eat. So I made my family's favorites with a little twist. I love broccoli salad. So I had to figure out a way to make this "Diabetic" Version.  The family tried it and they couldn't even tell the difference. Win for Paige!

You will need:
3 cups raw broccoli
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
4 slices of bacon chopped
1 cup helmans mayo
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp stevia or another sweetener

Additions: almonds, pecans, cranberries, raisins

Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine broccoli, onion, cheese and bacon toss together
2. In a small bowl mix mayo, vinegar, and stevia
3. then take the mayo mix and mix it in the broccoli mix
4. Refrigerate until needed

My stay at Crowne Plaza Moncton

The last few weeks have been full of travel for work. I enjoyed it though. I enjoy getting away and just relaxing. When I travel for work I usually stay at the Crowne Plaza. They are a great hotel situated in Downtown Moncton. Actually its right across the street from the new entertainment center.

My first weekend that I arrived here at the Crowne was a busy weekend for them. But you would have never known. They kept going out of their way to make sure that I was taken care of. I love the staff here they always make you feel special and that no one else matters but you. My room wasn't quite ready, I just had to wait a few mins and because I had to wait they gave me a coupon for their in house restaurant, Tbones. I arrived at  my room and it was gorgeous! I haven't stayed at the hotel since they had renovated their whole hotel. The room was very modern and I had a whole queen size bed all to my self ..no hubby snoring and pushing me and no dog. It was wonderful!! Despite the hotel being super packed the hotel was very quite. I didn't hear anything. I did go have their breakfast buffet the next morning. What didn't they have in their buffet should be the question? It was great for me because I can only eat certain things and certain portions. It was so good and the waitresses were always checking to see if I needed anything.

About a week later I had to come back for work for a few meetings. I contact Elisabeth at the Crowne Plaza  and told her about my wonderful stay last time and that I couldn't wait to come back to stay again for another getaway. During my stay this time and last time I have been really sick and really just couldn't wait to come here and relax. Elisabeth was just so sweet. She made sure that I got pampered this trip to the Crowne Plaza. When I arrived at the hotel to check in I had such a warm welcome and my room was ready. The told me that I had been upgraded to the Jacuzzi room. Then I got to my room on the 8th floor. When I walked in I was in shock. The Crowne HAD REALLY spoiled me!!

My first night I just had to try out the Jacuzzi. Then I couldn't wait to get into my king size bed ALL TO MY SELF! I started sleeping just on one size... then I said screw this.. I got into the middle of the bed and had the best sleep of my life! I woke up feeling so fresh and relax. I couldn't wait to start the day!

My meetings were in the Kent Room located on the first floor. Their conference/banquet rooms are always so nice. The staff do a wonderful job making sure the rooms look amazing. The lunch we had was a buffet. Again it was soooo good!! They always have delicious food! I couldn't eat some of it but I had a the chicken and Greek salad.. I dont even really like Greek salad but man this was good!

I also had a chance to try out their fitness centre. They had a wide arrange of treadmills, bikes, weights, and exercise ball. I loved that there were TV's with Cable on each machine. I watched TV and totally forgot I was working out. They do have a pool but I never got a chance to try it out.

I went out shopping after my meetings for a bit but to be honest I really didn't want to go shopping. I just wanted to go back to my huge room and stay in bed and watch TV... oh yeah and sit in the Jacuzzi again!

If you are staying in Moncton and need a place to stay I HIGHLY recommend the Crowne Plaza. There rooms are affordable and they have Government and First Nations Rates. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed!! Their staff are always going above and beyond to make your stay more comfortable!

A picture of their breakfast buffet.

Lasagna Stuff Peppers

I am having so much learning new recipes and a new way to eat. I have been trying new foods and experimenting with other foods to make them healthier for me. My hubby wanted to try stuffed peppers. But after reading the ingredients many of the recipes called for rice in them. I would really prefer not to eat rice if I can because if I eat one serving then I will want much much more lol So after  checking out pinterest I found this recipe and had all the ingredients so I thought I would give it a try. I really liked them and will make them again.

You will need:
1lb of ground beef
1 small onion chopped
1 tsp of garlic
1 can of spaghetti sauce
1 can of mushrooms
1 can of diced tomatoes (optional)
1 tsp of Italian seasoning
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg lightly beaten
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese
4 peppers haled and seeds removed

Directions:

1. Add ground beef to a non stick pan over medium heart. Break apart and once its almost cooked add onions and then add mushrooms. Then add garlic and cook for 1 min
2. Then add tomatoes sauce, tomatoes, Italian seasoning. Stir and mix well and let cook for about 10-15 mins.
3. In a small bowl stir together cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
4. Place pepper halves in a 9x9 baking dish. Spoon spaghetti mix on the bottom then add a layer of cheese mix. keep layering until the peppers are full your last layer must be the meat sauce.. if you have sauce left over you can put it on the bottom of the baking dish.
5. Then top the peppers with the rest of the cheese. Cover baking dish with aluminium foil and bake at 400 degrees for about 15-20 mins until peppers are slightly soft.
6. Then take off the foil and let bake for another 5-10 mins until cheese is bubbly!
7. Let cook and serve!

Paige's Taco Salad

I love food.. Like all kinds of food.. good and bad.. When you are told that you can't eat your favorite foods.. you try and find new ways to eat them. I am starting to get sick of salads! I had hamburger and some lettuce so I thought I must be able to make some sort of Taco salad with this. I am not saying this is the healthiest option I am saying I can eat this.

You will need:
1 lbs of hamburger
2 tbsp of low sodium taco seasoning plus another 1tsp for sauce
a head of lettuce
1 tomatoe
1 cup cheese shredded
2 tbsp of Mayo
1 tbsp of Catalina dressing

Directions:
Cook hamburger. Once brown drain off the fat. Then add your taco seasoning and a little bit of water. Let that cook. then cool.
While that is cooking assemble salad. Cut up lettuce and tomatoes. I also added mushrooms, cucumber and onion. You don't have too I just wanted more veggies. and add the cheese. Then add the hamburger.
Then put the sauce together. Mayo, taco seasoning and Catalina dressing. Pour on top of the salad and mix it all together.

** you can add dortitos to this if you want. I can't eat them so I can't add them

Beef Broccoli

We make beef broccoli a lot in our house. Its quick, easy and filling. I serve it with Brown Rice but you can serve it with whatever you want.

You will need:

1 lb of steak cut in strips
1 onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 package of mushrooms chopped
2 tablespoons of corn starch divided
1/2 cup water
1 tsp garlic powder divided
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cups broccoli
1/3 cup low sodium soya sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ginger


Directions:
Cut up steak in strips. Then in a bowl mix water and corn starch. Then put steak in the mix and coat it with corn starch. Heat frying pan over medium heat and put in olive oil. Then place steak. When its almost cooked put in onion, green pepper and mushrooms. Cook until soft. Then place in another bowl or plate. Cut up broccoli and place in frying pan. While its cooking mix together soya sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar and ginger. Then add to pan. Once the broccoli is starting get soft add beef and veggie mix. Cook and stir or another 5 mins or so. Serve with Brown Rice.

Whole Wheat Bran Muffins

I really love to bake. When I am stressed out baking and cooking are my go to. I think its because I have to stay focused and concentrate. So I forget all my worries. Since becoming a diabetic I am being challenged to find recipes that are good for me. I am really like this challenge. I am always looking and reading recipes trying to find the best ones for me.

I really wanted some muffins. But I know I am limited. So today I made Whole Wheat Bran Muffins. They have no sugar in them besides whats in any of the ingrediants. I made these ones with Molasses but I think next time I will make them with honey I think it will make them a little sweeter.

You will need:
1 cup of wheat bran
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup molasses or honey
2 tbsp oil
1 egg

*** you can add raisins or blueberries or anytime of fruit if you want ***


Directions:
1. preheat oven at 400 degrees
2. stir together bran, flour, baking soda, and baking powder.  Then stir in raisins (if desired)
3. then stir together milk, molasses/honey, oil and egg
4. then combine the dry and the wet ingrediants
5. divide into muffin tin and bake for 15 mins.

Hamburger Soup

Its been a week since I was told the news that I was a diabetic. Its slowly sinking in that this is my new normal. But in a week my sugars have gone from a very scary high to almost normal. My doctor said that she wanted to see me every 2 weeks until my sugars were normal. I guess I will only get one visit with her! I have given myself a strict routine and a even stricter meal plan. Its been a busy week so I have been eating salads and salads and more salads. But I eat some pretty good amazing food! I am learning to read labels and read ingredients. 

It hasnt been easy. I have melt downs. Many melt downs. Like this weekend I am in Moncton and I want so many different foods that I can't have. But thats ok.. I get to try other things. I have sad in the car and cried because I really want a Wendy's Baconator, a poutine, and  frosty. But as much as I want it I think about my sugars and my waistline! My medicine is still working its self out in my body and that hasn't been easy either. I have been in so much pain and sometimes I want to cry but I know its doing its job and helping me get better. 

Its only been a week and I feel like I have conquered my Goliath but I know that it takes 21 days for habit to become a lifestyle. Its just the beginning but I can do this. 

The other day I was in charge of supper at my moms. She usually does the cooking for me so it was nice to cook for her for a change. I had no idea what to make. I was craving hamburger and thought I could make this. It was delish! 

Super Easy Hamburger Soup

1 lb of ground beef cooked (you can use turkey or chicken to if you wanted)
1 onion chopped
1 can Heinz tomato soup
1 box of beef stock
3/4 cup whole wheat macaroni 
1 cup frozen veggies
salt and pepper to taste


Directions:
1. Cook ground beef and put in chopped onion. Drain 
2. in a sauce pan add soup and stock together. 
3. then add ground beef and frozen veggies
4. bring to a boil 
5. then add macaroni right before you are ready to serve and cook until almost tender