Nothing says springtime in Canada like fresh asparagus. Delight in the tastes of the season with this nutrient-rich and refreshing salad. The apple honey lime vinaigrette is fruity and delicious, and using Mott’s Fruitsations apple sauce reduces the amount of oil needed and helps to coat the lettuce. For people who love salad dressing and hate skimping – rejoice! This recipe promises to be a new favourite that is sure to mix-up your “fruit-ine”!
Was that Jen Aniston? Maybe – if her people are in the know. This place rocks. Beautiful clientele, superior staff and the most gorgeous views on the Riviera Maya. (But without the paparazzi.) Located in a stunning gated town south of Playa del Carmen, the Omni is the gem of Puerto Aventuras, and is steps away from the dolphin lagoon that flanks the marina. Yes – you can swim with the dolphins. Or just watch the free show every night. Be sure you feed the sea lions and manatees too (did you know they eat lettuce?).
Upon check-in to the Omni, you are greeted with a cool towel and royal welcome. Rooms sport outdoor bathtubs, natural stone finishes and pass-throughs for your breakfast which can be taken on your private patio. Linens are soft, the complimentary water is lovely (after a few margaritas) and the lobby is one of the most romantic places you could possibly be in the evening. Illuminated coconut shells hang from the bar as spa-like music wafts from the rafters.
For children, there are a few attractions that are guaranteed to excite. The kid’s pool is warm and shallow, and friends are in great supply. The beach boasts some of the softest, whitest sand imaginable, and canopied beds and large round sofa-chairs invite you to flop around the pool deck. Naptime made easy. BTW, you can hang at the pool bar with it’s grand staircase to the beach while you watch the kids play. The staff never neglect placing a hyacinth in the curtain tiebacks, and pineapples are placed on the hot tub bar tables – complete with funny faces made out of fruit.
The MG Gym & Spa is exceptional and overlooks the crescent beach and blue-green waters. If you hit the gym early, you beat the heat and stay in bikini shape. Make sure you ask for Tarzan as a trainer. (Yes. That is actually his name and he is the spitting image of Fabio. Honest.) Even if you’ve never seen the inside of a gym, he’ll run through the machines and tailor exercises to your body while entertaining you with his endless wit. You’ve actually done 12 reps already and didn’t even notice.
Dive Aventuras, the scuba shop, is located right on the premises and is more spa than dive outfit. Your tanks and snorkels are carried the short walk to the dive boat, and you have the opportunity to see incredible sea life and be back before the kids even miss you. The stunning reefs are so close that your spouse won’t be ticked off at how long you’ve been gone. Turtles, moray eels and tiger fish are easily found by the dive masters. The best news? Andreas is always very happy to oblige the little people who want to try on ‘tiny wetsuits’ and watch the pool divers practice.
Strolling around the Puerto Aventuras marina, there are many restaurants and great shops (corona bikini or wrestling mask anyone?). Residents favour golf carts as a means of transportation, and deep sea fishing charters leave the marina regularly. Both sights provide constant amusement for the kids. Sun, great food, white sand, dolphins, five-star hotel and an endless stream of amusement for children. The perfect Mexican vacation.
www.omnihotels.com
www.puertoaventuras.com
www.diveaventuras.com
When it gets that cold in the winter, there’s no excuse for laziness during the good weather. Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and has so many activities and special sights to offer for children. Kids in Toronto have lots to choose from. You can pick any corner of the city and education and experiences will abound. Here’s a fun list of stuff to do while you’re in the Big Smoke.
Serves 2 as an appetizer, 1 as a lunch dish
From “Lidia’s Family Table” (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon butter
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
Whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and fresh herbs until just blended together.
I took my girls to the beach this weekend. It was a chance to reconnect and recharge from the insanity that goes along with selling your house. L needed a break from me hounding her about tidying her puzzle pieces and I needed a break from artfully staging dish soap and books.
With the help of my Mom and Auntie babysitting I was able to go for my most challenging training run to date. For 60 minutes I ran with the sweet smelling ocean wind pushing on my chest. Nature made resistance training at its best. Somewhere in the middle I took a one minute walk break but at this point the break is needed more mentally than physically. My pace was brisk at the start and a toddler could have passed me near the end. But I kept on moving. When my mind started to drift to thoughts of walking I would remind myself that if I could run this then the Sun Run would be a cinch.
Sleepy Sundays… It is mornings like these that I wish I were still a couch potato. It is Sunday morning and time for my regular training run. I look forward to running with my group. It is usually my most challenging run of the week but it seems painless when running with interesting people and doing one of my favorite things, talking.
If chips make there way into my house they will be devoured. A sealed bag can maybe avoid be munched on for 3 days max. Once the seal is broken I give those chips about 3 hours. My palette craves the salt but my mouth desires the crunchy texture. My hips do not need the fat. After finishing off a bag of whole wheat tortilla chips, much to my husbands dismay this week, I decided to revisit my arsenal of healthy recipes to find an alternative.
Roasted Chickpeas are my solution. Chickpeas are a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Roasting them gives them the crunchy texture that tricks my body out of its cravings.
It would be cruel for me to not share the recipe with you.
1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed.
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1-2 tbsp spice of your choice. Options include oregano, cumin or cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 375˚ C. Toss chickpeas in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper and spice. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place in oven on middle rack. Shake pan every 10-15 minutes until desired crispiness. About 50 minutes total. Let cool and transfer to air tight container. Keep at room temperature in sealed container for up to 5 days.
I recommend setting a kitchen timer to ensure your chickpeas don’t smell like burnt toast. L loves these chickpeas as a snack and I love not feeling guilty giving them to her. If you don’t have time to make them I found them at Bosa Foods ready for your eating pleasure.
If you like what chickpeas can do for you check out what else you can do to them, starting with this easy and fast hummus recipe.
Happy Snacking!
– Stephanie Raposo
Wide open
Exercise is my drug of choice. My withdrawal symptoms include extreme crankiness, a short fuse and waves of resentment. When I get my fix I feel euphoric, confident and proud. I have never been one to consume caffeine. I drink decaf herbal teas and a lot of water. Peer pressure has always had an opposite effect on me. As a result I have never smoked….anything. Shopping serves its purpose but I prefer sewing presents over buying them. For years I have felt like a misfit for the lack of addiction in my life.
Make it work: You got an excuse? I have a solution! MAKE IT WORK
My last few weeks have been filled with its fair share of hiccups. I lost a wonderful uncle to cancer, decided to get our place ready for sale, entertained out of town house guests, and battled a stomach bug outbreak. These are just the things that my mommy brain can remember at this moment. Life is unpredictable at the best of times. I would get nothing completed beyond changing poopy diapers and pouring cheerios if I didn’t attempt to make the best out of my circumstances. Most women I know are lucky to fit a shower in to their day, let alone a workout. Despite the chaos I made a lot of effort to continue with my workouts…and here is how I did it.