So, what do I know?
I know enough to want to share a few things before I forget them.
BAKING - I watched a skilful, frugal, 'please the crowds' baker my whole life, yes, my Mom. Her tasty goods were sought after in our little village of Johnville, N.B., home of the Johnville Picnic. There was always a line up to sit at her annual picnic table.
http://www.newirelandnb.ca/New-Brunswick-Irish-Trail-Cultural-Events/Johnville-Annual-Picnic.html
After becoming a wife and mother, I have racked up many 'woman years' of baking on my own. It was my youngest daughter, who recognized that after I read a recipe book, I make exactly what I want. I use less oils, salt, sugars, add fibre, spices, blend in healthier flours, more fruits etc. Even our traditional family recipes have been modified to be "smarter" without compromising taste. She wants access to what is now in my head. My sisters and friends also ask for my recipes, which I dutifully plan to give them but sometimes there is a serious delay. So... that is what I am doing with this blog, recording and sharing what I know. I did win a couple of "home Science" awards this past summer, 2010, at a local fair. I won 1st place in bread, and 2nd place in the pie category. That's it, well that's all I entered on the advice of my son, Hunter. He said, " Don't be greedy Mom, let some others win a prize too" :)
FITNESS - I became a fitness instructor about six years ago because I thought it would be fun. I was right. I am certified and teach Group Centergy, Group Active and Group Power offered through Body Training Systems. http://www.bodytrainingsystems.com/ I also have my Urban Poling certificate and teach walking with poles. I am passionate about trekking. I have trekked to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa, The Chilkoot Pass, from Alaska, USA to the Yukon, Canada, Machu Picchu, Peru, and just got back from Everest Base Camp and the summit of KalaPathar, Nepal. (The picture to the left is a Stupa along that trek in Nepal. That is not all!
BALANCE - As a professional Management Consultant I studied and developed methodology in the area of Human Change Management. I am certified in Professional Coaching and work as a Personal Change Coach. I started to Practice YOGA about 8 years ago. I have studied and practice daily "Conscious Living". I have married only once and am still with the same man, Alec. We have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. They say that they are happy! I am very proud of them but more importantly, they are proud of themselves.
As I said, one is never balanced, it is a work in progress.
BAKING - I watched a skilful, frugal, 'please the crowds' baker my whole life, yes, my Mom. Her tasty goods were sought after in our little village of Johnville, N.B., home of the Johnville Picnic. There was always a line up to sit at her annual picnic table.
http://www.newirelandnb.ca/New-Brunswick-Irish-Trail-Cultural-Events/Johnville-Annual-Picnic.html
After becoming a wife and mother, I have racked up many 'woman years' of baking on my own. It was my youngest daughter, who recognized that after I read a recipe book, I make exactly what I want. I use less oils, salt, sugars, add fibre, spices, blend in healthier flours, more fruits etc. Even our traditional family recipes have been modified to be "smarter" without compromising taste. She wants access to what is now in my head. My sisters and friends also ask for my recipes, which I dutifully plan to give them but sometimes there is a serious delay. So... that is what I am doing with this blog, recording and sharing what I know. I did win a couple of "home Science" awards this past summer, 2010, at a local fair. I won 1st place in bread, and 2nd place in the pie category. That's it, well that's all I entered on the advice of my son, Hunter. He said, " Don't be greedy Mom, let some others win a prize too" :)
FITNESS - I became a fitness instructor about six years ago because I thought it would be fun. I was right. I am certified and teach Group Centergy, Group Active and Group Power offered through Body Training Systems. http://www.bodytrainingsystems.com/ I also have my Urban Poling certificate and teach walking with poles. I am passionate about trekking. I have trekked to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa, The Chilkoot Pass, from Alaska, USA to the Yukon, Canada, Machu Picchu, Peru, and just got back from Everest Base Camp and the summit of KalaPathar, Nepal. (The picture to the left is a Stupa along that trek in Nepal. That is not all!
BALANCE - As a professional Management Consultant I studied and developed methodology in the area of Human Change Management. I am certified in Professional Coaching and work as a Personal Change Coach. I started to Practice YOGA about 8 years ago. I have studied and practice daily "Conscious Living". I have married only once and am still with the same man, Alec. We have 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. They say that they are happy! I am very proud of them but more importantly, they are proud of themselves.
As I said, one is never balanced, it is a work in progress.