Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Just wanted to send out some good old Christmas love today. Although there is so much focus on our relationships with family this time of year, we need to remember that our primary relationship with ourselves is what comes first.

At the end of this whole life journey, our only regrets will be when we strayed from our true selves. Acting from truth will always keep our relationships nurturing. We have so much to give to others when we are at peace with who we are.

Sending all of you a big huge hug and thank you for being there for me and supporting me.

Love Jane

Monday, December 21, 2009

Tanya's Christmas Song

Friends,

I am sending you a link to Tanya’s web site. Tanya is a cousin of my daugther's and she just recorded a song that she co-wrote with her piano teacher.

It's a sweet song and we enjoyed listening to it. Tanya and her family are asking us to pass the link along to other family and friends.

Tanya has a dance teacher at Holly Hughes (a dance school in Guelph, ON) that is dealing with her second set of leukemia treatments. She wanted to help her some way.

We are hoping this works.

http://tanyaschristmassong.com

Merry Christmas/Holidays to all. Enjoy the song. Kids like it.


CY

No exercise for 7 days!!! OMG

I just got back from Mexico tonight and decided to take a full week off of exercise. Might seem like no biggie to some of you. To me it's a big deal. I need a break from the inside of gyms. Instead I likely gained about 5 pounds and didn't slip into any runners and instead slid up to buffets and the surf.

We all have things that we need a break from. For me it's a break from any work related activities. Plus taking a full week off of exercise can help our bodies recharge replenish and get ready for a whole new level of effortful exercise.

It's the very first time I haven't done any exercise while on vacation. The first couple days I was just itching to do some planks. By the end of the week, I get the numerous benefits of active rest (i.e. I still went for walks and swam etc.).

So rest assured, I am not one of those fitness people who do triathalons for fun while on vacation. I can lounge with the best of 'em!

Love Jane

Friday, December 18, 2009

Holiday bloopers

The holiday season is upon us... and it's hard at times to remain focused on the tasks at hand. Make healthy food choices, exercise, limit the alcohol intake. With so much time dedicated to socializing and entertaining, how are you still making time for you?

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Time to break free

Working on the Coke account, I spent a lot of time absorbed in the Olympic pillars (active living and the environment), inspiring Canada to set goals and achieve things we never thought possible. I am no exception.

Six months ago, my main source of physical activity was walking to work. I was inactive, out of shape and overweight. I couldn’t run a leg of the torch relay if I tried. But a part of me wanted to experience the Olympics in my own life. And I have a good friend and former colleague to thank for that.

It started with a small commitment - one bootcamp class. One became two, two became four. I started running. I reminded myself I held the power to make a difference and every little change I made had a positive impact.


That simple realization changed me. I approached my goals with the same vigour that I would my job. The excuses stopped. Running became easier. I put in the extra effort. I pushed myself harder and faster. I felt stronger, had more energy. I ran ahead.

Though I wasn't selected to carry the torch, I come out of this experience looking and feeling different. My goals still lie in front of me on the road ahead but now I run towards them. I’ve broken free from my stagnant lifestyle and there’s no looking back.

Monday, December 7, 2009

out of body

I had an amazing experience on saturday -- that I wanted to share.  Where exercise feeds my body, experiences like these these feed my soul! I had a "out of body" experience on saturday.  Those that know us, know we see a lot of live music, all genres.  Our life is surrounding by music.  On Saturday, Daniel and I went to the new Koerner Hall, at the Royal Conservatory to see Paquito Paquito D'Rivera.  Paquito D'Rivera is a clarinet and alto sax musician from Cuba, a phenomenal most jazz/classical musician.  We sat in the second row and got to listen to a very gifted musician play in a hall, so beautiful, words can't begin to describe.  Koerner Hall, and the newly renovated Conservatory is incredible.  I feel so incredibly lucky to live in such amazing city with so many wonderful things to see and do. Azeema

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Rostin Cake Co by Ava Roth

Ava is one of my oldest (in length of time training not age) clients and an incredible artist.
She just launched Rostin Cake Company and creates individual works of art and "hard to believe they are just cakes" cakes. And on top of the beauty and creativity they exude, Ava has ensured that taste and decadence don't take a back seat.

Check out this gallery of cakes and be blown away.

The newest edition is the King Tut cake...so very timely given the AGO King Tut exhibit.

These cakes make me want to meet whoever ordered these masterpieces. Only interesting people must be this plugged into culture to ask for art cakes like this.

http://rostincakeco.com/project/special-occasion-cakes

I know that Ava approaches each cake like a commissioned piece of art. And she takes the cake over the Cake Boss' over done, likely stale and often gaudy creations..

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Quest for the best Take Out Thai

Last night I'm sorry to say I tried Flip Toss and Thai on Harbord. I was routing for this restaurant because it's cheap and the people were so nice. I went on a recommendation from Shelby. Maybe I got them on an off night. But man oh man. It was the most bland thai food I've ever eaten. And the peanut sauce was like watered down peanut butter with a dash of vinegar.

Then Azeema sent me a link to her fave thai. This one I will try next. It's partly because Andrei is always asking for shrimp cold rolls. Who would've guessed this would be his food obsession.

So next up we will try Sukho Thai.
http://www.torontolife.com/features/sukhothai/

Anyone else out there have any fave Thai places in Toronto? Fire away and post 'em.

And if anyone is wondering if you can eat healthily at thai restaurants the answer is yes!
Just go easy on the rice (half cup is a full serving) and stay away from the fried spring rolls. It's all about enjoying yummy food but not stuffing yourself to the brim. And of course make sure you order at least one dish packed with veggies. When loading your thai plate up, leave one quarter or less for rice, half for mostly veggies and the rest protein (even saucy curry is ok if you don't go loca!).

Jane