Sleeping is for Losers: January 2014

Valentine's Gifts for him (and a STAPLES CANADA GIVEAWAY!)

My husband is awfully difficult to buy a gift for.

AWFULLY DIFFICULT.

He never needs anything, he rarely wants anything, and frankly it's a pain in the butt to try to shop for him!

(I, of course, am a dream to buy gifts for. Diamonds and roses, for the win!)

The catch? I really LIKE buying him gifts. Especially for Valentine's day.

Yes, it's a "Hallmark holiday" - I know - but I love Valentine's day and I love trying to find the perfect (unexpected) gift...sometimes from the most "unexpected" of places.

This year, he's getting a gift from Staples.

Yes, you heard me... Staples. I know, I thought the same thing too. Paper and toner for Valentines?

But look what Staples has for the man in your life!:

Yes- all that is available from Staples.

We're not talking paper, pencils and toner for your printer anymore folks.

We are talking "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GOT ME THAT FOR VALENTINES DAY YOU WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING!" gifts.

Staples isn't just an office supply store after all.

And, while I won't tell you what I am getting my husband off of that list (or what I'm hinting for him to purchase for me!), I will tell you that Staples Canada is giving away one item from the above list (winner's choice!) to a lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader.

Contest time:

Want to win a tablet? A telescope? A SmartWatch? An e-reader? A cooler rack (so genius!)?

Canadian residents only- enter below (using Rafflecopter) for your chance to win! Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog (mandatory), telling me what item you would choose if you were the winner!

Good luck:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

So You Need Some "Me Time"

A year ago I met a mom in my neighbourhood who was living the life I (secretly) dream about. Once a week she dropped her FOUR kids (that she home schooled) off with her mom and spent 4-6 hours just on her. She didn't grocery shop or run errands for the family. She didn't even turn on her cell phone. She dedicated that time to her and her alone- getting her hair done, nails, having uninterrupted coffee, a nap, a massage- whatever she needed to recharge and feel like she could be a good mom again.

I envied that mom then.

I still do now. Because "me time"- that selfish time where you only think about yourself and what may make you happy, relaxed and whole- is something I just never get around to on a regular basis. It's probably because my time is so saturated, my kids are still so young, and I feel the (unrelenting) need to prove how busy I am.

As females (especially as moms!) we spend a lot of time "out busy-ing" each other, don't we?

I get up at 5:30 a.m., I hit the ground running- working until my kids wake up, getting them ready for what the day holds, driving my oldest son to JK, keeping my youngest son occupied (in, of course, the most "educational" way possible), making meals that no one likes (ever!), cleaning up after what - I swear- is a million dirty gnomes that live in my home, wiping noses and bums, making beds, vacuuming, meeting deadlines, breaking up fights, pitching new stories, looking presentable enough to meeting prospective clients or even (occasionally) appear on TV, reading stories, doing "homework", tucking in, and soothing during the inevitable nighttime wake-up.

Are you nodding your head? Probably!

Your day may play out differently than mine, but we are all busy. Our lives are ruled by the clock and that little thing called "me time" is often no more than a pipe-dream.

Whether you're a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a co-worker. Whether you work at home, part-time, at your dream job, or 60 hours a week at something you wish you could love more. No matter where you are in life- you deserve "me time".

I'm learning that- slowly but surely.

Someone will always be busier than you. Someone will always make your existence look not full enough and, honestly boring ("um, when do you have TIME to watch TV? I'm always so busy writing my book/baking cookies/teaching my children advanced algebra/volunteering on eighteen boards"- you get the picture.).

So I'm challenging you to some "me time"- and I'm taking up the challenge too.

My first "me time" stop- using my WaySpa gift card.

What I love about WaySpa gift cards, and what you will too I am sure, is that they can be used at over 2,000 spas across Canada.

We'll just imagine this is what I looked like while being pampered.
I'm sure I was drooling a whole lot more- and maybe snoring a bit?

I used mine at Lavish Salon & Spa to get the most indulgent, amazing 60 minute massage (best one I have ever had!). Just me, delicious oils, tranquil music, and a massage- it was 60 minutes of head to toe bliss. My WaySpa gift card paid for my entire massage (minus the tip), I booked my treatment online in my pjs (same day service for the win!) and I didn't even feel a smidgen guilty.

That's the beauty of a gift card, right? You have to use it- you're forced to pamper!

Maybe you will give a WaySpa gift card to a woman in your life who is in need of a gentle nudge to get a bit of "me time" during her-busy life. Maybe you'll receive one and use it for a massage (like me!!), a pedicure, a manicure, an indulgent facial or a body scrub to make you sparkle.

Whether received or given, there is no better gift than some time to yourself- "me time" if you will- and truly no better way to spend that "me time" than indulging in yourself.

Live Blogging The 2014 Grammy Awards

It's Grammy time!

In 2012, I live blogged The Grammy Awards.

To recap 2012's adventures: LL Cool J was the host (ugh). Some people won awards. I was convinced that Fergie was going to divorce Josh based solely on her dress choice.

Here's hoping 2014 is a bit better… LL Cool J is hosting again. Macklemore deserves to win everything (in my humble, Britney Spears-loving opinion), and the dresses this year are STUNNING!

Rita Ora and Taylor Swift are killing it in the dress department. Katy Perry looks oddly ethereal even though I don't like her dress at all. Pink is beyond beautiful and so confident in that red dress. To be fair, even the worst dressed on the carpet (Madonna) looks better than I tonight:

I'm rocking an Ohio State hoodie and day old crunchy hair with no make-up.
Limit your pictures and compliments, ok? My ego doesn't need it.

And here we go:

Oh Queen Bey. I worship you. Seriously. WORSHIP this woman. She looks unbelievable- if only my body looked better post-baby than pre!

Did they just censor B? What lyrics am I missing?

LOSING MY MIND. JAY & BEY. There is nothing better. As if every mom sitting at home watching the Grammy's isn't practicing her "surfboard" move now. Thanks B.

And now, my favourite host EVER, LL Cool J.

Hey Taylor Swift. I'm sure we will be seeing you all.the.time.all.night.long.

I'm really confused about how Daft Punk breathes. And there's two of them. REally? Because I was sure Daft Punk was one guy. Hm.

Listen, I love Pharrell but that hat. That hat.

Best New Artist: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis So, so deserved. Kacey Musgraves giving major stank face. I should be fair though, and admit that my face looks like that all.the.time. so I'll cut her some slack on that.

Lorde performs. So hopeful she can be more than just "Royals".

We're back from a commercial break with Hunter Hayes. My sister adores him. I have no idea who he is.

Best Pop Duo/Group: "Get Lucky" Daft Punk BLURRED LINES WAS ROBBED. ROBBED!!!!!!

I am so creeped out by these Daft Punk guys. They could be anyone. How did they get past security? I am spending too much energy thinking about this!

And now, here comes the performance I have been waiting for - Katy Perry & Juicy J.

This seem creepy but the dancing going on during this "Dark Horse" performance is EXACTLY how I choreograph this song in my head (or room, while raging all on my own). The performance (and Katy's singing) is disappointing but I'll let it slide. Love this song.

And, another performance. Robin Thicke and Chicago. Weird, weird, weird pairing. You all find Robin Thicke super creepy right? It's not just me? My skin actually crawls when I see him perform or (MUCH WORSE) being interviewed.

YAWN- much too early for this show to get boring but Keith Urban is bringing the snoooooooooooooooooooze. I'm taking a bathroom break, and getting a snack, and texting my sister, and this performance is STILL GOING ON!

OK, I get that everything is all #hashtag #socialmedia but do we really need to have a #backstage #socialmedia #reporter who doesn't really have anything to #report? #I #think #not.

And we're back, with ANOTHER performance that is low-key and melodic and has very little entertainment value. That being said, I ADORE Jon Legand. He's the real deal. And his wife is hysterical on twitter (@chrissyteigen).

Best Rock Song (YES, we finally got to another award): "Cut Me Some Slack" Dave Grohl and Paul McCartney

Hurray, another performer. Taylor Swift is about to take the stage. Did you know she's good friends with LL Cool J? (he wants us to know that). Taylor is doing this crazily uncomfortable thrashing around at the piano. This performance is just missing the glitz, glamour, magic that the Grammy's should have.

And….another bathroom break. You've got about 5 minutes to catch up. This show has got to get better, right?

In no way am I knocking this Pink performance, but we have seen it before right? The whole hanging from the ceiling and doing Cirque-esque moves. She's done this at an award show…tell me I'm not crazy…

Hey- another award! (BTW, my sister is so in love with Ariana Grande!)

Best Pop Solo: "Royals" Lorde There's a real goth vibe going on at the Grammy's this year which I'm not loving but Lorde is lovely and so young and so talented. I really hope she hasn't peaked too soon with this song!

*I feel like everyone should know that there's a live Bachelor wedding going on right now that I am absolutely not watching*

Now, we will pay homage to some of the greats. And, while I am not meaning to be irreverent in any way, this is generally the most snooze-worthy part of the evening. Long and drawn out.

Here's Jamie Foxx to present an award (yes, we may make it to 6 awards tonight!). While pregnant with my first kid, "Blame it on the Alcohol" was my JAM! But seriously, Jamie Foxx needs to stop talking and just present the award.

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: "Holy Grail" Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake. Jay-Z, I love you. I LOVE YOU! Baby Blue has a gold sippy cup. Man, way to make all the mom's in hoodies melt!

#DefJamForever (then lick your lips)

Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons. This performance. THEY ARE KILLING IT! Kenrick Lamar is amazing. Reminds me of when Jay Z & Linkin Park were collaborating. BUT TAYLOR SIT DOWN!

How awful for Kacey Musgraves to have to follow that AMAZING performance. I mean, I'm sure this would be a lovely performance (although slightly off-key) had it not had to follow THAT LAST ONE! Thank you Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons for saving the Grammy's tonight.

FYI- there's another hour. ANOTHER HOUR. Just drop the mic and walk away Grammy Awards! Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar just owned the night (I'll stop now but really!).

Wow. Who knew Julia Roberts was here? Not me. She must be stomping really, really hard for her new movie. #promo. She's introducing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. I am very sad to report that I don't know a single word to this song (and neither does the audience it appears but Yoko is getting down!).

Oh man, I just love Gloria Estefan. Really, really, really. "Come on shake your body baby do that conga"

Best Pop Vocal Album: "Unorthodox Jukebox" Bruno Mars He deserves this. Really, this guy is a master songwriter and a fantastic singer. Love that he dedicated it to his mom.

PHEW- so glad that #socialmedia reporter is back! I mean, we needed that am I right? (Blake Shelton was looking fine as always though!)

And for your listening pleasure, the BEST cover of "Royals" from Walk Off The Earth. Go listen now (even skip part of the Grammy's if you have to, it's worth it): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgD5p1XiVT0&app=desktop

Oh, looks like a leather tuxedo. Fitting to introduce the country portion of the program (also known as "oldest men we could find and get on stage"). Although, the audience seems to be raging to "Okie from Muskokie" (highly doubt I spelled that right)

AHHH. Kacey Musgraves just won something (I'm guessing for Country Album?) but I was busy folding laundry and not listening.

But wait, here's Neil Patrick Harris to introduce Daft Punk, Pharell and Stevie Wonder. I'm hoping this is impressive… but sadly this is just BRUTAL. BRUTAL. Also, Katy Perry shouldn't dance, me thinks.

We're back with a new performance. Carole King and Sara Bareilles. Sara's song "Brave" was released before Katy Perry's "Roar" and they sound suspiciously similar…I find it interesting how much attention "Brave" suddenly started getting (it was barely played pre-Roar, for what it's worth) once Katy started denying that she had ripped off Sara Bareilles. Feels like the Grammy's are trying to make up for Sara getting obviously ripped off.

Song of the Year: "Royals" Lorde. Thank God Sara Bareilles didn't have to announce Katy Perry's "Roar" as single of the year! The hair pulling and name calling that may have ensued!

Commercial time. Since when was Katy Perry a Cover Girl? Also, the Egg McMuffin is 290 calories. WHAAAAAAA?

Here's Metallica. There's a pretty good chance I'm going to stop watching the Grammy's soon. I just can't take much more of this… although my twitter feed is going crazy over this song.

sadly, the rest of my Grammy night thoughts failed to save. Maybe that's a good thing because, despite my love for the meaning behind the Macklemore/Madonna performance, Madonna was really off-key, Macklemore wasn't as energetic as I would have hoped and, well, it was just LATE. Dear Grammy organizers- please, please schedule the strong, meaningful performances for the BEGINNING of the show when your audience is still captive and interested!!!

Thanks so much to those who followed along. I think it's safe to say that Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Ciara and Pink were best dressed. Imagine Dragons and Kendrick Lamar stole the show (despite what my dad thinks!), and the #socialmedia host was an epic fail. #mwah

When Martin Slept Over...

We had a very special guest at our house last week.

Meet Martin:

Sadly, there was no seatbelt for Martin. Don't worry, though, Z held on to him EXTRA hard.

As reward for good behaviour at school, my 4 year old got to have Martin as our sleepover guest for one night (he's the second student at school to "win" Martin- something he told me and everyone we came into contact with!). Martin usually lives at school, so it was an honour for Z to have him at our home.

Z takes everything quite seriously and his task- to make Martin feel welcome and happy in our home- was one he took extra seriously!

In order to show Martin a good time, we went on a (chilly) walk:

brrrrr- he needs a jacket!

Then we visited the library because Martin needed to know that "books are the best and the library is free":

Then we made blueberry muffins. Martin liked to help stir:

Then he watched and waiting impatiently:

(Who cleans at this house?? Look at that dirty oven door!)

And since the muffins took 20 minutes to bake, Martin watched some TV with his buddies:

Scooby-Doo for the win!

Muffins done! Martin, Z and W loved them!:

Notice W? He spent most of "snack time" trying to steal poor Martin's muffin!

Then Martin helped out with our household chores, including throwing out the recycling:

After bath time (Martin sat out of that one!), the boys all played charades:

He's a dog!

And then had an epic dance party!:

Then it was time for Martin's favourite book - Goodnight Moon- read by daddy and Z:

And then a really, really, cuddly, good night's sleep:

He's the cutest sleeper!

Thanks for hanging out with us Martin! It was sooooooooo much fun:)

Fear and Passion

Welcome my sister, Lizzy, to the blog today:) I don't know about you, but fear has held me back more times than I can count.

Lizzy has some wise words to share with us all!

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For the past few years life has been passing me by too quickly.

Between working two jobs, buying a house, being a wife, sister, daughter and friend I can’t keep up. I feel like I’m always failing at something and succeeding at nothing.

It occurred to me, I’m not even thirty years old and I feel so disenchanted in my life. How am I going to feel in 20 years? Am I going to look back and say, “I missed my chance to take risks and do something I love the rest of my life?”

Life’s responsibility has stripped me of the childlike fearless way to jump right in and do what truly makes me happy.

So many people have been sharing the same sentiment lately.

It’s sad that we live in a world full of possibilities but yet we can’t seem to find our passion and live a truly fulfilling life.

I think it comes down to what our ideal of success is and how we can achieve it.

Bill Cosby said, “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”

I’d suggest its fear that really drives us to stop taking chances and do what seems easy. Are you unhappy in your job, relationships or life in general?

Ask yourself, what it is that you fear the most in each area of your life that you are unhappy. Once you can identify the fear, you can conquer it. It may not be overnight, it may take years but at least you are doing something about it.

I made the decision to follow my passion.

What that is, I don’t know quite yet, but I know I want to find it again and follow it until I can truly say I am happy.

Take time today to start conquering your fears.

Find your passion and follow your heart.

At end of your life, you want to look back and say, “I lived!”

New Mom-On-The-Go Survival Kit!

Hey, you're a new mom! Congrats- it's life changing in every good and bad way imaginable.

Getting out the door will now take you at least 15 minutes longer than it ever used to (add another 15 minutes onto that if you live in a wintery climate like I do)

1. The Diaper Bag- Make sure it’s big enough to fit everything you might need (including your purse!), sturdy, wipeable/washable and not too expensive! (you’ll likely end up going through a few!)

Get a good diaper bag, big enough to fit your purse AND all the baby essentials you will be hauling:)

2. The Baby Changing Kit- Gotta change a bum on the go? Be prepared!

Stock your "baby bag" with a few onesies because you are guaranteed to have at least one diaper explosion/unplanned spit up during your travels.
Keep a travel sized package of wet wipes and diaper wipes in your bag (the wet wipes are for messy hands, cleaning spit-up out of your hair, etc.; the diaper wipes are self-explanitory…I hope!)- even if you cloth diaper, a few disposable diapers are handy!
A small, travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer stuck into the side pocket of your diaper bag for all those times you end up changing a diaper in the backseat of your car and have no where to wash your hands!
Vaseline for those cute baby bums:)

3. Burp Cloths- I never knew the importance of these until I had my first son, who spit up EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. Keep a few fresh, clean burp cloths on hand at all times.

4. The “Keep Baby Busy” Kit- Once your baby starts moving and noticing things around them, sneaking in a coffee or chatting with a friend will become much more difficult. Include a few different items that your child likes such as:

colourful, stroller-safe toys
mum-mums or Cherrios to munch on
sensory books
shatter proof mirror
anything that jingles and is bright, colourful and fun:)

5. Mommy Kit- Listen up, you are important too! Make sure you have some essentials in that bag, including:

pack a few healthy on-the-go snacks that can STAY in your bag (no refrigeration required) such as: protein bars (my favourite is the LaraBar- all natural, non-GMO, vegan friendly), granola bars or an apple.
include some travel sized deoderant, mouthwash, gum, and hair ties- anything to help you freshen up (just in case you forgot to, ahem, shower that morning!)
lip gloss/chapstick/anything else you can apply in a pinch!
don't forget to throw in a magazine or something to keep you busy while you're waiting for your baby to wake up from that inevitable car nap!

Everything you need: all packed into zipper bags so they are ready to go at a moment's notice!

6. Zipper Bags/Plastic Bags- For all those times you end up changing a diaper on the park bench or mopping up spilled milk with your burp cloths, keep a few sealable bag or old plastic bags (from the grocery store) on hand. They make the perfect protective carrying case for any item you may need to wash/dispose of once you get home!

7. Coffee Card! –Self-explanatory, no? Just make sure you keep it loaded up:)

2013- How Did I Do?

So, I wrote out some goals in 2013.

Check them out here.

How did I do?

1) Become a Better Partner- Um, well, I asked my husband and he shrugged and said "Sure" and then fell asleep. I'll let you decide if that's a win...

2) Get Back to a Size 4- Nope:)
I had wanted to lose 10 more pounds in 2013 but it didn't happen. Why? I was too busy living a really amazing, awesome life. And I overheard the most life-changing conversation (completely by accident):

Two girls in their early 30s were discussing their weight. Both were average weight.

One was complaining about how hungry she was all the time.

She was always dieting and never felt happy anymore.

Her friend (who was indeed slightly heavier) asked her why her life revolved around her size. She was married (and liked it), had kids she adored, had a career she loved, had friends who loved her, had hobbies and goals and dreams.

Why were her preconceived notions about her WEIGHT holding her back from enjoying all that life was offering?

I left after that part of the conversation but it just struck me- TEN POUNDS was consuming me and holding me back from enjoying the amazing-ness that was my life. I am healthy and happy and that's ok.
I'll still work toward improved fitness and health (and yes, I still would love to lose 10 more pounds) but not at the expense of enjoying my life.

3) Allow Myself to Feel Truly Happy- See above. I'm working on it.

I have started to just say no to events/people/work that makes me feel awful. It isn't easy and I'm not always the best at it, but I'm working on it. I like goals and I like having things to strive for, but I also like being happy!

4) Transition Our Household to a (Mostly) Chemical-Free Environment- I am making my own daily cleaning products (namely vinegar and water to spray down the countertops) and have a steam mop (chemical free) that I use on our flooring, but I am also using store brand cleaning supplies that are often not green. In April, I confessed to using Lysol again. I'm still using it.

5) Love My Boys to Bits- An attainable goal! Phew!