A Month In(spiration)

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I'm about a month and a few days out from leaving my nonprofit job and settling back into life in Canada.  I won't say the past month has been easy...there has been a lot of "letting go" and "settling in" and getting used to a new routine that doesn't involve a 9-to-5.  It has, however, been one of the best decisions of my life and, the more time I have to reflect on it, the more I know I am doing the right thing and truly beginning to live the life I love.

It's a crazy concept to leave your steady, comfortable paycheque.  To leave the benefits and the familiarity.  It's crazy to consider a different way of living/being/breathing.  But, that is exactly what I am doing.  

Dave and I are inspired by the stories of those who take the road less traveled.  People like those in the film "I'm Fine, Thanks."  A great little gem of a film created by a team of people who are doing exactly what they love.

We're inspired by Audrey Sutherland who wrote the amazing book "Paddling North" and Cheryl Strayed of "Wild" fame.  We are inspired by tiny homes and vegan-paleo food.  We are inspired by homemade almond milk and handmade goods on Etsy.

We are inspired by the food bloggers at Green Kitchen Stories and My New Roots, ultrarunners Krissy Moehl and this amazing mom, Kasie Enman, all showing that you don't have to do things "by the book."  Geoff Roes is also one who inspires us to slow down and take stock.

Recently, Dave has been inspiring with videos from the vlogbrothers.  Two guys who created something awesome by sharing information that blows your mind and gets you thinking.  

We've also been inspired by more mainstream fare...the photos on Pinterest and the goods at Huckberry.

In short...do what you love.  

We've got one shot on this rock.  

I'm planning on making it count.

Flashback to Denmark

During these cold days of winter, I always think it is nice to reflect on warmer days and summer trips.  Last year, Dave and I had the awesome opportunity to visit Denmark...Engesvang, Ebeltoft, Aarhus and Copenhagen.  It was a great vacation.

Here are some pictures to take your mind off the cold and get you motivated for your summer trips...whether they be long distance or close to home.

Enjoy!

Hey...Happy Friday! I love you!

Detox

A lot of people have been posting about detoxing from the holiday season.  I am in the process of detoxing from the last few years of my life!

Since I stopped working and returned home to focus on yoga, I've noticed that it is hard to let go of old patterns.  I still feel like I have limited time to do things and so I get things done quickly...as opposed to taking time and thinking them through.  That being said...it is all a process and I know it will take time to adjust to my new lifestyle!

Dave and I are in the process of detoxing ourselves as well...there is no time like January to do so.  Ah, the month of resolutions where the year is full of promise and opportunity!

Here are a few ways we are working on detoxing our lives...

Minimizing.  

Dave and I have been going through boxes and old papers, sifting through memories and deciding which old stuffed animal to keep and which one to give away.  We've made piles of things to sell and piles of things to donate.  We will be moving this year and this is one way in which we are preparing to get to our next destination.

Paleo-Vegan.  

We are experimenting with our diet as well.  No, we are not ON a diet, rather we are seeing what it's like to eliminate gluten, refined sugar, alcohol, beans, tofu, etc. to see how we feel.  We are in our second week and so far, so good!  I'm not missing anything and it's got us to be more creative in the kitchen.  In the past week and half we've made two batches of homemade almond milk and these awesome muffins inspired by Green Kitchen Stories (recipe here).

Yoga.  

I will be heading to Bali in April for my teacher training course and I've been spending a lot of time on the mat at The Yoga Loft in Moose Jaw to prepare myself.  I also treated myself to a much-needed deep tissue massage as I was struggling with some persistent pain ever since running the 50-miler last year.

Together Time.  

As you all know, I was on the road A LOT the past two years.  Dave and I are really enjoying reconnecting and being married!  Going grocery shopping together, sitting down at the table for dinner and holding hands whenever we can.  We're enjoying the detox from being apart for so long!

I hope your new year is off to a great start!  If you are in the process of your own detox, how are you making that happen?

Let's Talk About Canada Cold

I know the U.S. is experiencing a deep freeze at the moment.  I am sympathetic.  Many a winter was spent huddled next to drafty windows under blankets and multiple layers of sweaters in Chicago apartments over the last ten years.  I get it.  But...Canada cold...prairie cold...makes weather take on a whole new dimension.

This morning, we have a windchill of -48C.  I know for many in Canada, this is something experienced throughout their lives.  -2C, no problem!  Break out the board shorts!  -10C, let's go for an outside run!  -30C...perfect weather for hiking!

I jest.  

I am inspired and made happy by many a Canadian's ability to, quite frankly, suck it up and deal with the cold hand they've been dealt.  On the radio this morning, they spoke of ways to beat cabin fever and played music that reminds us that warmer days are still to come, despite the cold and dark of our long winters.

I am a fan of the cold.  I like to embrace it, and, from my perspective, it just makes being inside that much more cozy.  It's a great excuse to make some homemade hot chocolate (vegan spiced recipe below!) and snuggle under the warmth of homemade quilts.  It begs for candles to be lit and soups to be made, for twinkling lights and fleece-lined tights.  

In short, I'll take the cold over the heat any day.  Bring it on, Mother Nature...I'm still your biggest fan this time of year.

Vegan Spiced Hot Chocolate

1 cup of your favourite unsweetened non-dairy milk (I love almond milk)

1 tsp vanilla

1 pinch of cinnamon

1 pinch of allspice

1 pinch of chill powder (optional)

1 tsp of good maple syrup

Mix and heat over low-medium heat on your stovetop and enjoy!