Proudly Canadian

Saw this on Oprah last week, made me so proud of our little country!




Don't forget to enter our Valentines Truffles Giveaway and our Green Beaver Giveaway!

Testing the Ol' Brain

Sorry - today's post is going to be super boring and super short.

I've started applying for jobs again. I dare not complain as I know there are many Moms out there who aren't lucky enough to get 3 months off with their babies, let alone 9 months plus. And, despite my heartbreak over leaving my sweetie pie, I am looking forward to getting back into the "real" world.

So, I've spent the last two days trying to write a cover letter. Honestly, 2 years ago, this would have taken me 30 minutes. Now, it's taking me two days. I'm hoping that my difficulties in completing this task are due to the fact that (1) I want it to be perfect and (2) I haven't done a cover letter in 4 years and NOT the fact that my brain no longer works properly! :p

Unfortunately, my master plan of becoming a bazillionaire over the past 8 months hasn't worked out... I don't know how? I mean I did... didn't even buy a lotto ticket - except when the winnings were over $40 million. To which I now say - what the heck?!?! Is $3 million not enough for me? Apparently, I'm a money snob and $3 million dollars is below me. Regardless, life is pretty fabulous and my family is so blessed and so lucky. So, I'll take my non-bazillionaire status and my taking-48-hours-to-write-a-cover-letter-brain-power with a smile on my face! :)

Ok, officially have to force myself to stop writing now as this could easily become an easy way to procrastinate...

Don't forget to enter my two giveaways this week - Valentines Truffles Giveaway (ending next Tuesday) and the Green Beaver Giveaway (ending next Thursday)!

Green Beaver Giveaway

Giveaway Number 2 for this week - WOOHOO!

After Jane was born, I quickly became aware of what I was using on her skin as, after a few months of using products whose ingredients I couldn't pronounce, she started to get mild eczema. Doing a little research, I learned that highly fragranced and complex products could be the culprit. So, I started seeking out more natural products for her and myself.

Lucky for me, I was asked to try some products from a Canadian company named Green Beaver. Green Beaver was started by two parents who, after the birth of their son, had the same epiphany as I... too much scary "stuff" in typical household products.

Green Beaver products are 100% natural, biodegradable, vegan and gluten-free.

I use natural not just because of sensitive skin but because, like most babes, EVERYTHING goes in Jane's mouth. I've been calling Jane a "self-dunker" lately as she gets in her bath tub and immediately starts trying to get a mouthful of water by either face diving into the water or splashing it into her mouth. Green Beaver believes that "if an ingredient is not safe for us to swallow, then it should not be applied on our skin". SOLD.

I started using the Green Beaver Jr Bubble Bath and Shampoo, in Boreal Berries scent, two weeks ago. Now, when Jane takes a big gulp of her bubbly water, I don't worry. Because Green Beaver's products are naturally fragranced (with raspberry and carrot oil for example), I didn't worry when giving these a go because I knew that they weren't full of nasty chemicals that would make her skin break out. Jane's had no reaction, except to smell delightful! Smelling like berries is not the be-all-and-end-all but her fragrance-free wash was BOOOOOring. Us girls like to smell pretty! :) Where's the fun in scent-free? Both products will last a while too as just a teeny bit (the size of a nickel) is all I use for super-bubbles or a good hair wash! The shampoo lathers really nicely - as opposed to my sensitive skin shampoo that barely lathers at all.

I've also been using some Green Beaver "big girl" products. Their Winter line is awesome - especially in the frigid temperatures of Eastern Canada! Their Apres Ski Winter Lip Balm sits on my bedside table, where I use it religiously every night. It's awesome - not sticky, not thick, just right. I've also been using their Apres Ski Winter Face Cream every day on my cheeks and eyes to make sure the dry air and cold wind doesn't dry my skin out. It smells kind of herb-y but I like that it's not greasy and keeps my cheeks super soft.

At first, the Winter Cheek Balm scared me a little - It looks like a giant glue stick! With that said, I remembered when we used to go skiing as kids, Mom would CAKE this thick, sticky cream on our faces so we wouldn't get wind burn. The Winter Cheek Balm is about 1000% better than this. It's not greasy (obviously I don't like greasy!) or too thick. Last week, Jane's cheeks were getting a little dry from swimming and the cold. Little light bulb moment - I thought "hmmm, maybe I'll try that cheek balm stuff on her" - I mean it is natural, so even though it's not a "baby" product, it'll probably be fine, right? Grabbed my "glue stick" cheek balm and it wasn't until after I put it on her rosy cheeks that I noticed the following on the label: "our products are safe for the whole family including babies". SOLD. Officially a Green Beaver addict!

They actually have some baby care products (seriously? I'm going to be broke!) including massage butter (with a guide for baby and toddler massage) and nursing balm (lanolin free). I've got both if anyone who lives near me wants to give them a try. Jane's passed that baby massage period... as soon as she's naked she flips onto her belly and wants to mosey around. No time for relaxing anymore!

Pricing is insanely reasonable, especially considering natural products are usually more expensive. For example, Green Beaver Nursing Balm is $10.99 (www.healthtoyou.ca) whereas Lasinoh Lanolin Cream (commonly used) is $12.49 (www.well.ca). If the fact that it's cheaper and natural doesn't sell you, then I give up! Click here to see where you can purchase Green Beaver products online or for a store listing.

Here's the GREAT news! After I became addicted to the Green Beaver Jr products, I emailed my fabulous rep, Brianne, and begged for a Giveaway. I am such a supporter of this company now and a HUGE fan of their products that I really want everyone to give them a try. So....

Here are the details on MB's Green Beaver Jr Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive a Green Beaver Jr package including the Boreal Berries Shampoo, Bubble Bath and Hand Wash. You would be absolutely crazy not to jump on this one ladies! These products are amazing and the company is definitely one we should be supporting!

Here are your hoops: (1) Visit Green Beaver Online and tell me a product you want to try out. Comment about it (not anonymously, as usual). (2) Vote for MOmMy bRaIn on TopMommyBlogs.com (all you have to do is click the button to the left). This is a little confusing as the site should have a "thank you for voting" message but they don't. Once you click, that's it. Thanks!

If you want extra entries, feel free to:
(1) Tweet about this giveaway
(2) Post it to your Facebook profile (as status)
(3) Blog about it The winner will be posted next week under Giveaways. If the winner doesn't claim her prize within a week, another winner will be selected - so be sure to check back!

Even if you're not a Mom yet or have kids passed the age of Jr products, it's worth entering - these would make a great shower gifts!

*** American girls, stomp your feet again if you want to. Because GB is a Canadian company, this giveaway is open to Canadian residents only. My apologies. If it makes you feel better, you have Target and we don't. There. We're even. :p ***

PS - Ok, totally fessing up, after I read the quote from the founders about if you can't eat it, you shouldn't put it on your skin, I got a little curious.... so I taste-tested my Winter Face Cream. Not bad. I wouldn't be smearing it on my chicken anytime but it didn't taste like face cream. Y'all know what I mean. Y'all have accidentally gotten cream or something in your mouth before and it tastes like it's burning your tongue. This by no means tastes like it's bad for you. After that, I tried Jane's bubbles too! :p

PPS - If you're looking for an alternative to your Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer (although one of my fav products) or just wanting to support a Canadian company, Green Beaver Lip Shimmer is awesome and only $4.99!

Weigh-in Wednesday

I've been doing "the shred" for two weeks and two days now... I can't lie. I've missed two days which, in my opinion, ain't half bad. Two days out of 16 straight is a record for me by far. I've never worked out every day in my life! At the most 5 days a week and that was pre-wedding. Regardless, sticking to it and enjoying it (my lip curled a bit when I said this). I hate having to do it but when I'm doing it and afterward, I am enjoying it. I'm still on level 2 and think I will move up to level 3 next Monday. I actually find level 2 easier than level 1 but there's a lot of plank-ish stuff that I find hard because my arms suck. Honestly, maybe that's why I've had two days off on level 2, because there's a lot of arm stuff. I don't give a dang about my arms.... abs yes, legs yes, buns yes, arms bleh. As long as they aren't severe Oprah-arms, I don't really care. :p

Eating is going a lot better since I started working out, aside from the odd day where I eat a treat or two. This last week was a little challenging - Dan's birthday with the whole ice-cream cake, Superbowl Sunday where I tried to not get a treat but ended up eating a cupcake, bag of chips and a nanaimo bar :p (FAIL) and then Monday, where for whatever reason (my 8 month old daughter - not pointing fingers though :p) I was exhausted and ate about 3 more pita than I should have. Not a big folly but enough to make it a weight-neutral day vs. a weight-loss day. Who pigs out on pita? I love pita. Pita and cheese. Pita and peanut butter. Plain pita. Everything pita. Then Dan has the nerve to say, after I confessed about my excessive pita eating, "well, there's a lot of carbs in pita - maybe you shouldn't eat as many" - to be clear, my hubby doesn't want me to lose weight, he just tries to be helpful and instead ends up getting himself in deep **** because of the less-than-smart things he says (stupid is not a nice word :p). Remember my top 10 list from pregnancy... priceless.

So, here's the deal. I'm down a pound this week. After last week's disappointing results, this makes me half-smile. Not quite the excessive weight loss I was hoping for. With that said, I put on my pre-pregnancy jeans on Sunday morning, buttoned them up and wore them around the house for 30 minutes. As long as I'm standing, we're good! Soon as I sit I risk a major button blow out or severe internal injuries from excessive pressure applied to the abdomen. :p Oh yeah, and they are so tight in the legs they look like they were painted on. Big whoop. They were on, I was wearing them and that it's the point!!! Unlike previous weeks, I didn't have any muffin top after they were buttoned, so that's a change and change is good.

Here are the specifics for those who care:
WIW starting weight: 157 lbs
Current weight: 144 lbs
Pounds lost: 13 lbs
Pounds to lose: 7 lbs

If you don't have the $$ for Jillian's 30 Day Shred, try the workout video below (tip: don't lift from your back, lift from your thigh-roid) :p



In the fabulous words of Meryl Streep, Devil Wears Prada (best movie ever)... That's all.

Valentines Truffles Giveaway

Roses are red Violets are blue Chocolate's my fav Here's some truffles for you... I am AWESOME (500% sarcasm)!

Here's a sweet Giveaway for Valentines Day...

Truffles Valentines Giveaway:

Upper Canada is a fabulous Canadian bath and beauty company that is focused on creating natural products free of harsh chemicals and preservatives. I am currently addicted to their Whipped Hand Repair Balm. With all the nonsense going on with the Flu and the fact that I'm a cleaning machine, my hands have seen better days. This hand cream is awesome! It makes my hands super soft and isn't so greasy that I can't use it regularly throughout the day. I also love their All About Feet Warming Foot Scrub - I received it to try out a few weeks ago and have used it every few days since then. I've always been a bit of a nut about my feet - taking good care of them and taking pride in my un-cracked heals and smooth soles. Obviously, like many other things, this fell by the wayside once Jane arrived. However, combining this warming foot scrub and my Burt's Bees Mama Bee Leg and Foot Cream, my feet have never been prettier!

Upper Canada has a Truffles line of products that is modeled after one of my favourite things in the world - chocolate. Personally, I've tried their Body Souffle and Melting Body Bar - these are definitely products for your "spa days". I don't use mine everyday, I save them for "special" occasions (i.e. the nights I stay up past Jane's bedtime and decide to take my alone time in the bath - picture wine, candles, face mask, etc.). I have the body wash and lotion in my guest bathroom - honestly, it's never been used but it's wrapped up so nicely that I can't bare to take it all apart so it's become part of the decor. :p Anyways, the products are awesome - they smell like heaven (if you're a chocoholic like myself), work really well and the way they are packaged is really fun and unique!

So here's what Upper Canada is offering one lucky MOmMy bRaIn Canadian follower (sorry US girls): One on their fabulous Truffles Melting Body Bars to try out! This product is really unique. First of all, it comes packaged like a chocolate bar - scored into "pieces" and everything. It moisturizes like crazy - a little goes a long way! You break off a piece of "bar", rub it between your hands to "melt" it and then rub it on your dry spots. Bonus - it smells like chocolate, so if you're man is a chocolate lover you might want to break this one out for your couples time! Or just keep it for yourself, whateves! :p tee hee hee.

Here's what I need from you: (1) Visit Upper Canada's website, choose another product or product line you'd like to try and comment about it on this post. (2) Become a follower of Upper Canada on Facebook by clicking here. (3) Follow MOmMy bRaIn and vote for for us on TopMommyBlogs by simply clicking the button to the left.

Ba-dee, Ba-dee, Ba-dee, that's all folks!

Sorry to my American girls - because a few of these skin care companies are Canadian, they are only allowed to do giveaways within Canada.

The winner will be randomly chosen next Tuesday and post in the right-hand sidebar under Giveaways as usual.

Good luck!

Lovin' Lena

Hey Gals,

Lena's got another fabulous giveaway this week - Parenting On Track - an amazing reference for your family (and a $350US value)!

Check it out by clicking here.

MOmMy bRaIn Monday post below! :)

MOmMy bRaIn Monday

I've been saving up a few for today... which would suggest my MB moments are decreasing in frequency. Not the case. These are just a few of the more standout ones (i.e. the ones I can remember).

(1) I wear a mouthguard at night because I grind my teeth. I thought it could use a super clean one day. So, I was going to "sterilize" it, like I've been doing to my bottles, pacifiers, etc. Boiled up some water, threw in the mouthguard and left it. Later on, I picked my gleaming, 6 month old, $300 mouthguard out of the bowl. Satisfaction. It had never looked cleaner! Popped it in my mouth. Hmm... a lot tighter than I remember. Ouch. F. I can't get this off! After a little maneuvering, mouthguard was off. Can somebody tell me what I was thinking? Most mouthguards are made my heating plastic or whatever they use, moulding it and then cooling it. So, in my attempt to super clean my mouthguard, I totally eff'd it up. I thought it was going to be stuck on my teeth permanently. Thinking, oh Jen, that's not so bad? Well, then, I wanted to fix it. So, I thought (this is always my mistake - "thinking" as if my brain still works properly!) - if I boil it again and put it in my mouth while it's still hot, leave it on my teeth and let it cool, then it will fit again - right? Yeah, it was stuck again. Worse. It took me like 5 minutes to get it off and I was convinced I had permanently misshapen my teeth because it squeezed them so hard. Awesome. I'd like to have a reality show that's taped inside my brain... instant hit, comedy of the year.

(2) Took Jane to the mall. Of course, living in a dream world, I brought her stroller hoping that she'd be happy staying in her car seat for the hour I planned on checking out the sales. She ended up in the Snugli on minute two of the mall trip. As the trip came to an end, I passed the coffee shop. Mmmmmm, Chai Latte. Sold. Because I had my little monkey on me, I put the latte in the cup holder of the stroller until we got to the car - I don't drink anything hot around her, ever. I took Jane out of the Snugli, snapped her into the carseat, put her in the car, folded down the stroller, put it in the trunk... F. Yummy, tasty, warm, soothing, Chai Latte all over stroller. Oh yeah! Take the coffee out of the cup holder BEFORE folding stroller down inevitably smushing latte cup and pouring my yummy $4 drink all over the stroller. Boooo.

(3) Dan's sleeping in the bedroom with me again now (he started just before Christmas). I have to admit. I kind of enjoyed having my own bedroom! But, it's good to have him back (I have to say this or else I look bad)! :p ha ha ha. Just kidding honey (don't even know why I'm saying that because I know, right now, Dan is thinking "yeah right you're kidding"). Ok, so now that he's back, he's more aware of when Jane's waking up because rarely (and he'd say he wakes every time) but rarely it wakes him as well.
Here's a conversation we had one morning:
Dan: "She had an Ok sleep last night eh?" (yes, American girls, we do, in fact, say "eh" up here in Canada, just not as often as advertising would suggest)
Jen: "Ah, yeah... I guess it was Ok"
Dan: "Well, a medium night"
Jen: "I don't know about that. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being best night she ever had and 1 being Zombie Christmas sleeping, she had about a 5"
Dan: "Yeah, that would be a medium..."
Jen: "OMG!! I'm an idiot"
Followed by us both cracking up. What was I thinking? Likely - "Geez, Dan, you don't know much. It wasn't a medium night at all, it was MUCH WORSE, it was a 5 out of 10!!!". :p

(4) Only the football followers will get this one. Last Sunday, AFC and NFC championships. I posted, in both Facebook and Twitter: "Colts-Ravens Superbowl would make me very happy". I love football. Giants are my team. Colts are a close second (I'm a Manning fan). After than, I really like Favre, so I will cheer for the VIKINGS when they aren't playing my teams. VIKINGS being the key word, not Ravens, Vikings. Stupid. I left the status there and just commented about my own stupidity before anyone else had the chance.

(5) Made a pot roast the other day... never made a pot roast before. Regardless, I was following a recipe from my fav magazine, Cooking Light, so I thought it couldn't go wrong. I 100% realized that I had bought a much smaller piece of beef than the recipe called for, seeing as it was just for Dan and I. Got everything ready, threw 'er in the oven... an hour later the house smelled like heaven. Mmmmm pot roast, mmmm smell of a yummy red wine au jous. An hour and a half later, hmmm... not smelling as good. Time for supper. Take the pot out of the oven. Pot roast is fried. Although I halved the recipe because of my smaller piece of beef, I didn't adjust the cooking time AT ALL. Wicked. To make matters worse... I burnt my hand TWICE picking up the lid of the pot (that just came out of the oven after 3 hours) without an oven mitt. Literally, within seconds of each other. I think I cried.

If you have any MB moments of your own to share, please do. Half of the reason why I love this blog is because y'all make me fee like I'm not alone in my nonsense. Hmmm... maybe not half, maybe like 50%. :p ha ha ha.

PS - Picture of Jane is "through the jail bars" of the crib. Whenever she wakes up from a nap/in the morning, she is always playing around, cracking up laughing and so on. Brought the camera with me one day to capture it.