Friday, June 27, 2014

Home Sweet Home

I can't believe it's been three years since I moved in to my little house. (nope, it's not on the prairie)

I remember how I felt the first time I walked through it - like it was already mine. It took a bit of back & forth, a few offers, and a deal that fell apart just so I could make another offer and make it mine.

I love the Old East Village, my street and my neighbours. I can walk to work and the Farmer's Market on Saturday. There's a community centre and a library around the corner and did I mention how great my neighbours are? In the summer, people cut my grass. In the winter, they help shovel my snow. Yep. It's good.

My favourite thing about my little house is the front porch. I just love curling up in my Muskoka chair with a book and watching the rain come down. It's also a pretty great place to have coffee with a friend.

There weren't really any major projects that needed to be done when I moved in, but it's been fun to work on smaller ones. My dad has been my go-to guy for most of these ventures. He's helped me with my eaves troughs, painting my porch and assembling & hanging countless items. He just always seems to know how to do "stuff".

As I reflect on how I felt three years ago, not much has changed. Still lovin' it here in the Old East Village!

I should point out the 2011 is an MLS picture. I would never have such a hideous couch!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Fed Up

Last night I watched the documentary Fed Up. I'm convinced every family needs to watch this movie.

Have you paused to consider why people are exercising at an incredible pace yet obesity rates are on the rise? Think about it. Gym memberships, zumba classes and marathon runners are everywhere, yet waistlines just keep getting bigger.

This film explores the food industry and more specifically how much sugar is being added to processed food. It follows several young teens and their struggle with their weight. It's shocking to see what is being served up in high school cafeterias and some of the politics behind it.

Did you know this generation is the first expected to lead shorter lives than their parents? Did you know that by 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will have Diabetes? If we think our health care systems are in trouble now, imagine what it will be like when the children that are already obese become adults. Consider what health issues come with that.

When you walk through the aisles at the grocery store, don't be fooled by labels like "25% less sodium" and "fat free". These are crappy products that are marketing the fact that they are slightly less crappy. Instead of purchasing something that comes in a box, bag, bottle or can, visit your farmer's market and purchase REAL food. Cut it, slice it, cook it and enjoy it.

Take a look for yourself and when it comes to Netflix, be sure to watch it.