Balance My Life

I did it..... 1 year . 365 days, 52 weekends, 1 year alcohol free. . I lost 40 lbs, saved about $10,000, made new friends and had the best year ever @kiwibcreative ... . I am glad I got the first few months under my belt before the pandemic started because if I was drinking during this shit show I know it would all feel much more overwhelming. . I want to thank @helloclarityvibe for your posts that I quietly stalked to @holly for writing that book that got me started on day one, for @recoveryisthenewblack_ and @sobergirlsociety for your daily inspiration on social media - and finally thank you to my friends that would reach out with inspiration.... comments and kudos. . My plan was not to document being #alcoholfree but as more and more people reached out to me about my why and how I decided this was my way of paying it forward. Help others see that there is more to life then 5 o clock that you can get through a bad day without reaching for a glass of Chardonnay . I was a grey area drinker (look that up) and now I am a connoisseur of soda water . 2020 my goal was to get healthy.....2021 I have one goal, and that is happiness . . . . . . #alcohol #bringiton #balancemylife #sobercurious #sobercuriosity #healthylifestyle #healthylife See more

JOMO. . FOMO (fear of missing out) has turned to JOMO - The joy of missing out.... . This will be my first New Year’s Eve for as long as I can remember (except when pregnant) that will be #alcoholfree... . I won’t start the New year feeling tired and anxious, in need of bacon and eggs . My evening will be spent drinking #mocktails like this, eating lots of yummy food and binging Bridgerton on @netflixca . 2021 will start off the same way 2020 is going to end - so I want to continue to be as healthy and present as possible to be there for those that need me and those I need #putyourmaskonfirst . Today is day 364 of my one-year alcohol free challenge and it has been incredible in many was - and eye opening others. . Do you have any goals going into 2021? . . . #Repost @thebestmocktails with @get_repost Mocktail Photo & recipe @cahanwick 4 cups mineral water 4 Tbsp. unsweetened cranberry concentrate 1 orange, quartered 4 Tbsp. pomegranate seeds Ice (optional) Rosemary sprigs . . . . . #thebestmocktails #mocktails #mocktailrecipe #cocktails #cocktailrecipes #mixology #mixologist #mixologyart #drydrinks #alcoholfree #nonalcohol #drinkstagram #alcoholfreecocktails #virgindrinks #boozefree #zeroproofcocktails #sober #sobercurious #lowabv #spiritfree #oneyearalcoholfree #soberissexy #moctail #alcoholfreecocktails #balancemylife #jomo

Tasting my food again . Another thing I have noticed about not drinking is that all of my senses have become heightened... one of those senses being TASTE. . I had lost my interest in cooking because I didn’t feel great so sort of gave up on eating healthy because why bother... . Then the pandemic hit and I was 3 months into being #alcoholfree and I started to enjoy cooking again and started tasting my food again. . I seem to be pescatarian these days which means seafood is my only source of meat in an otherwise vegetarian diet and it really works for me. I feel better - less sluggish and bloated (not drinking helps with that too :) . This type of cooking requires a bit more creativity which has been a lot of fun and has really become a new hobby for me that I love . Some of my fav places to grab recipes from are @ambitiouskitchen @fraicheliving @crowded_kitchen @erinireland @acouplecooks @cookieandkate @chefcharitymorgan @gimmesomeoven @downshiftology . Cooking as a hobby is a great way to keep busy, eat healthy and stay on track. . . #balancemylife #cookingathome #quarantinelife #eatathome #homecooking #comfortfood #vegetarianfood #pescatarian #freshseafood #goodfood #cookingwithlove See more

WHAT I WILL BE CUTTING OUT OF MY DIET THIS MONTH? https://www.harperhealthandwellness.com//what-i-will-be-cu

Freedom. . I have been alcohol free for almost 11 months which is 334 days, 44 weeks, 8000 hours . I have saved approx $8000 ... . I have lost 40 lbs and can run again . Oh and my health....have added on a few years to my life for sure . . Just think how much more good food you can eat if you quit drinking! My estimate. 3 bottles of wine a week on average was what I would drink. 700 calories on average per bottle 2100 calories a week 8400 calories a month 2.5 lbs a month of empty wine calories I was drinking a month . Freedom is not having to worry about that anymore . . . . . #alcoholfree #freedom50 #balancemylife #soberissexy #soberlife #soberishealthy #healthylifestyle #greyareadrinking #hangoverfree See more

Rode all the way to @springridgefarm today for coffee and a butter tart with @hauberloralee but there was no coffee :( . You can’t have a butter tart without the coffee . Another gorgeous day to be out and #trainingforlife - you can’t help but smile on days like this....... . What are you doing today? . . . . . . #fitforlife #training #roadbike #roadbikelife #thisis50 #balancemylife #mybalanceis #clearhead #lovetocycle See more

It just feels good.... and this year I have finally realized I am SO WORTH IT . A year ago today I probably woke up feeling tired and a little cranky - today the sun is shining the coffee (sans baileys this year :) is kicking in and I am looking forward to a very long walk, some paint by numbers and movies with the girls. . The LOCKDOWN has begun...and my only goal for the next 28 days is to keep moving - stay motivated - get outside as much as possible and hopefully that w...ill keep my girls motivated too . At first I worked out as my way of relaxing, instead of reaching for a glass of Chardonnay. Now I workout for my mental health and for the mental health of everyone around me . What are you doing for the next 28 days? . #boxingday #weighttraining #keepmoving #balancemylife See more

Fresh eggplant from the market - means eggplant PARM for dinner. . Only a few more weeks until my local market shuts down for the year so making the most of it while I can. . Click on the link in profile for my PARM recipe that uses cashew Alfredo for the sauce.... . And leftovers are even better the next day. . . . . #eggplantparm #vegetarian #vegetariancomfortfood #eggplant #farmtotable #cookathome #eatathome #healthyfood #eatingwell #fromthefarm #cashewcreamsauce #eatingfromthegarden See more

I always try to plan my meals around what is in season so that I can get it fresh and local and often much cheaper . Swipe left to see what is in season in November from @foodlandontario and try to cook only with those items whenever possible. . It’s amazing the meals you can make with a head of cauliflower ... . The market I go to in Oakville is open until the end of November so I plan on taking full advantage . . . . . #marketfresh #shoplocal #cookathome #healthyfood #cauliflower #foodlandontario #ontariofarmers See more

Eating vegetarian is really beautiful. . I was brought up as a meat and potatoes girl - every dinner included an animal protein...and a white starch of some kind . So trying to move to a more plant based diet was a little tricky at first. So here are a few tips.... . Follow great accounts like @rainbowplantlife for beautiful inspo! . Stock your pantry with lots of beans, rice, nuts, and quinoa . Search up vegetarian comfort food - that is where I find all of my favs . I still eat eggs, fish ans meat substitutes like @beyondmeat (my fav so far) - but I have come a long way baby . . . . #Repost @rainbowplantlife with @get_repost If you are very much into Indian food but also want an easy and fuss-free weeknight dinner option, then these Tandoori Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are for you! They’ve got the aromatic Indian spices and flavors you love but in a very approachable package: tandoori-roasted chickpeas get nice and crunchy, then stuffed into soft, sticky baked sweet potatoes. Add a quick cilantro sauce, a vegan raita (Indian yogurt dip with mild spices, fresh herbs, and cucumber), and a couple of crunchy veggies (tomatoes, red onions, or cucumber) in there. Gourmet and packed with flavor but not at all complicated. Recipe is on the blog! The recipe link is in my Stories today, or you can click the link in my bio >> then click on this exact photo. If you try out my recipes, remember to tag me in your photo (not just the caption) so I can find it later. Or tag #rainbowplantlife (I just started following this hashtag yesterday lol, so I will now see your recreations there too)! https://www.rainbowplantlife.com//tandoori-chickpea-stuffe . . . , . #balancedlifestyle #balancemylife #plantbasedfoods #plantbaseddiet #healthyeating #vegetariancomfortfood #thisis50 See more

Where I look for inspiration.... . When I first started trying to add less and less meat to my diet I needed to find inspiration. . I had been brought up in the meat and potatoes era and had no clue how to eat any other way ... . I didn’t know how to put a healthy, satisfying meal together that didn’t include an animal protein . I came across @erinireland it started with one simple lemon Greek potato recipe from her and now I am mesmerized by how she can so quickly and easily put a meal together.....with basic non-animal protein ingredients . Follow her - watch her stories and be inspired . I am not vegetarian but pretty close and getting closer with every meal I make. . . . #Repost @erinireland with @get_repost Last night’s I-don’t-know-what-to-make-for-dinner dinner: tofu scramble (great recipe from @schoolnightvegan) on vegan mayo-lathered toast with tomatoes, a lightly dressed red cabbage slaw (apple cider vinegar, vegan mayo, dijon, s&p), quick-pickled red onions (I just thinly slice onions, add to a jar, cover 3/4 of the way with white pickling vinegar and the rest of the way with water ready in 20 then you can store in the fridge for weeks), microgreens from the @urban.cultivator, hemp hearts, fresh pepper. Felt like a cop out but was really delicious and even snuck five plants into the meal. When in doubt, put it in toast. What’s your go-to / easy / wingin’ it kinda dinner? #veganrecipes . . . . #balancemylife #thisis50 #foodinspo #healthyeating #tofuscramble #foodinspiration #erinireland See more

I have been getting many DMs and emails about my recent #sobercurious post. . Questions like Why? Did you have a problem? I really want to do that but don’t know where to start... my spouse thinks I am crazy for quitting - I won’t have support tell me how you did it I want to get there too - I don’t want to live in a fog FOMO - fear of missing out and what will my friends think. . All I can say is do it for YOU!!! Not for anyone else.... . Do it because you want to feel great ALL THE TIME not just on Monday to Thursday when you don’t drink . I had a problem... and that problem was thinking about it, doing it, recovering from it and talking to myself saying okay NEXT WEEK i will only drink on Friday and Saturday’s (I know you have been there before). Drinking took up way too much time and energy....it was everywhere. . . Yes you may find that some friends stop inviting you... yes you may feel a little isolated at first but trust me you get over that pretty quick the next time you see someone drunk at a gathering, or hear someone say I don’t feel great . No it’s not for everyone... and not everyone needs to do it. But for me I just wanted to have complete clarity, remember every moment and wake up EVERY morning feeling like a million bucks.... because life is way too short . If you are curious get the book Quit like a woman by @holly - I read it cover to cover in DAY ONE . And feel free to ask me anything had it not been for @helloclarityvibe I would not even thought about it - check her out for more inspo and motivation . Here is a link to that original post if you are curious https://www.balancemylife.ca/2020/09/27/my-sober-curiosity/ . . #feelinggood #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelife #mentalclarity #clarity #tuesdayvibes #tuesdaymotivation #thisis50 #trainingforlife #balancemylife #feelingfree See more

Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls. . This is the meal I usually go for when dining out if available, so I had to find an easy way to make it at home when restaurants closed down in March (you get creative when you have to). . A few ingredients - super healthy and made literally in minutes. ... . The most time consuming part of the meal is making the rice but I always make sure I have a large bowl of that made in the fridge at all times . . Click on the link in profile - give it a try and let me know what you think. . . . . . . . #makeathome #cookathome #pokebowl #spicytuna #tunapokebowl #homecook #balancemylife #healthyeating #healthycooking #recipeoftheday #recipes #foodinspo #foodinspiration #foodislife #foodishealing #thisis50 See more

How are you balancing your life these days? . The balancing act has a whole new meaning during Covid. With the kids home, working from home can be hectic can’t it no matter how old they are! . Pre-covid we ate out a lot....I would sit at my desk for hours and when everyone got home it was time to race around to get everyone where they needed to be....no time for a proper meal or the joy of cooking ... . . Now there is no rush I am more relaxed, have more time to take care of myself and more time to cook.....which I love to do and there is MY PERSONAL BALANCE! . So I am taking my love of cooking, photography, eating and making memories to @balancemylife.ca #liveworkplay . . When my mom passed away I got all her cookbooks and recipe cards. So I am taking this extra time to compile her recipes (and others I love - or have made up) so they are all in one spot for my family and others to enjoy for years to come. . I have built hundreds of websites for other people - so now I am building my own for fun, I hope you will follow along . . #balancemylife #blogdesign #logodesign #lovecooking #lovetoeat #creativeoutlet #workingfromhomewithkids #workingfromhome #blogger #balancedliving #thisis50 #cookingathome #lovetocook #cookingwithlove See more

Next time you are in @downtownguelph - try @lareina_519 - great tacos, churros, and margaritas (virgin ofcourse) . While there check out the @guelphfarmersmarket farmers market on Saturday’s until noon . .... . #yumyum #foodie #tacosandtequila #margarita #roadtrip #foodinspo #balancemylife #saturdayvibes See more

Korean Meat and Cabbage bowls....without the meat . We have been trying to eat less and less meat. When @BeyondMeat was introduced I jumped on the bandwagon first with their burgers which have become a family fav. . The texture does take a bit of getting used to, especially if you are a meat and potatoes family like we werebut onced cooked you can’t tell the difference try this recipe, you will see what I mean. ... . . Link to recipe in profile . . . #eatlessmeat #eatinglessmeat #balancemylife #beyondmeat #recipes #healthyeating See more

It’s Friday, which means... . Lots of food Lots of drinks Lots of fresh air ... . My fav snack these days are roasted chick peas...they are my new chips. . Just drain and rinse a can of chick peas, pat dry and lay on a cookie sheet with some olive oil and salt. Cook at 450 for 10 mins.... flip for another 10 - eat right out of the oven . My new weekend drink is @remedydrinks raspberry lemonade - even though I don’t drink wine anymore doesn’t mean I don’t still love drinking everything in a wine glass . And I got myself new kicks to start the weekend, because since March I have put about 2.5 million steps on my old ones....and they were literally worn through . Have a fantastic sun-filled weekend everyone . . . . . #remedydrinks #chickpeas #roastedchickpeas #weekendvibes #foodinspo #highfibresnacks #oakvilleontario #balancemylife #thisis50 #weekend plans #tgif #healthylifestyle #fridayinspiration See more

Great deal and now extended until September 21st. #shoplocal

Benjamin Franklin once said, Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. It's good advice for all of us. . . 11 years ago I quit smoking; when I was 40. .... I know DISGUSTING right! . Even today when I see photos of me in a an album with a smoke in my hand I do a double take because it looks so unreal. . Every time I see someone smoking, or get a smell of it when I am walking down the street I THANK GOD that I quit when I did....doesn’t look like me . . I am thankful that at that moment on Fathers Day 2008, something clicked - I was done, I decided I can’t do this anymore! . Like any addiction or habit it wasn’t JUST LIKE THAT, I tried may times, I used the patch, the gum, and ate my way through the cravings - but in the end it stuck and here I am today with PINK LUNGS smelling like a rose . . Both of my parents have now had strokes, so I am going to do EVERYTHING I can to NOT follow in their footsteps. . . Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. - that goes for so many things, from quitting smoking, drinking, a job, a relationship, an unhealthy lifestyle... . . Thinking of starting something? Trust me - start today you will NEVER be sorry you did. . . . . . . . . . . #starttoday #dontputitoff #justdoit #youcandoit #wordsofwisdom #thursdayvibes #thursdaymotivation #thursdaythoughts #quitsmoking #balancemylife

I hate food waste . I had a whole bunch of tomatoes, peppers and some onions in the crisper that were passed their prime so I made roasted tomato veggie soup from @fraicheliving . Just roughly chop veggies - toss in salt and olive oil - roast 20 mins (flip once)... . Sautée a tablespoon of garlic in a pan.... add in the roasted veggies - a handful of fresh basil (dry is fine too). . Add in chicken or vegetable broth and simmer for 30 mins. Add salt and pepper to taste and then blend with a hand immersion blender. . Voila - sprinkle with some cheese if you like....I used feta, some more basil and lunch is done . . . . . . . #roastedtomatosoup #fraicheliving #souprecipe #sheetpanmeals #leftovers #fallsoups #nowasterecipes #nowastedfood #nowaste #healthyfood #balancemylife #realfood #plantbased #vegetarianrecipes #thisis50 #easyfood #cookathome #homechef See more

I schedule my day around my walks, not my walks around my days. . Some days I go solo, other days my hubby or kids join me. . Priorities...we all have them and since December I have made mine walking.!... . I started with 15 mins at lunch to get a break from sitting at the computer all day, and now I do an hour every day! No fail! . I book work, meetings, friends, and appointments around it - walking is easy to do, it clears my head and has been a great outlet for me...physically and mentally. . If you say you are too busy then you need to give your head a shake If I can find the time... so can you. . . . #walking #metime #exercise #balancemylife #exercisedaily #activelifestyle #walkingmeditation #healthychoices #thisos50 See more

Better then take out . A family fav and always better the next day for lunch - make lots, it will go quickly . Thai Basil Cashew Chicken with Coconut mango curry rice ... . Triple the batch of cashews.... makes for a great midday snack . . . . #homechef #homecooking #healthycooking #healthyfood #easyrecipes #cookathome #coconutrice #chickenrecipe #thaichicken #roastedcashew #foodfun #basilcashewchicken #cashewchicken #mangocurry #balancemylife See more

What is your secret? . I have been asked that alot lately. No it’s not a new fad diet or exercise . I quit drinking! I know that’s not fun, glamorous, or boomerang worthy - and it’s probably not what you wanted to hear....but it’s been almost 9 months now and I feel so good and apparently it is starting to show...which has been a great side effect of being alcohol free.... . No I didn’t drink in the mornings (except when flying - liquid courage :), or pass out during the day, or wake up in Thailand...but I did look forward to 5’oclock on a Friday and sometimes on a Monday, and I did over-indulge at times which wasted many a weekend in the last 30+ years. . I didn’t want to waste anymore time thinking about it, doing it or recovering from it. I broke-up with Chardonnay . I write more about being #sobercurious on the blog - link in profile if you are also curious . Follow along with @helloclarityvibe - she is the one I owe my curiosity too Thank you for putting your story out there . . . #sobercurious #waternotwine #mocktails #mocktails #soberissexy #thisis50 #lifeisgood #balancemylife #happyagain #alcoholfree #hangoverfree #livingalcoholfree See more

Pizza without the bloat . Picked these @whollyveggie cauliflower crusts up @organicgarage and I was pleasantly surprised by how good they were . .... Our toppings were pesto, arugula, goat cheese, turkey bacon and sautéed onions and mushrooms . Next time I want to try making my own cauliflower crust - any good recipes? . . . #pizzatoppings #whollyveggie #cauliflowerpizza #cauliflowercrust #toppings #balancemylife #healthyfood #healthyfood #healthyeating #recipeshare #recipeinspiration See more

Happy hump day

Coffee. Move. Relax. Repeat. .... A fun week with a great group of girls, but time for this mama to get back to reality and I am not really good at the relaxing part for too long . I always look at September as a new start...this year will look different but still plan on putting some new plans in place . . . #cottagelife #downtime #laketime #cottage #feelinglikefall #jackieoh #rayban See more

When I was a kid our plate was divide into 3! . 1/2 - meat protein 1/4 - carb (usually potato) 1/4 - veg (usually from a can :)... . Obviously not a great way to eat and probably why it has taken me so long to learn how to eat well and maintain a healthy weight. . Fast forward to today and the majority of my meals are like this beauty....in a bowl. . Layers of goodness that taste good and are beautiful to look at . . Follow along with @harperhealthandwellness - I started following her a while ago for inspiration like this and now she is a client of mine. . Stay tuned @kiwibcreative for a new brand launching....when I get back from a much deserved week off #balancemylife . #repost @harperhealthandwellness with @get_repost When you are a Libra and can’t decide on cereal or a yogurt bowl......you have both . Seriously do you struggle with decisions? I have become better at trusting my gut and weighing the pros and cons. However, it can still be a struggle. Obviously I’m joking about food decisions (sort of ), but bigger decisions can be tough for me. I used to be so worried about everyone else when making a decision. I am getting better at considering myself more in the equation. To me, self-compassion and listening to your intuition are key. It is not selfish to think about yourself when making decisions. Trust your gut. Be kind to others in the process, but remember to also be kind to you. Those who matter will understand Anyone else struggle with decisions? I mean who can decide between cereal and yogurt ? Have a great day friends! I hope it is full of yummy food and easy decisions #holistichealth #holisticnutritionist #trustyourgut #gentlenutrition #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuitiveeating #foodfreedom #nofoodguilt #honouryourcravings #bekindtoyourself #miltonnutritionist #harperhealthandwellness See more

The photo does not do this meal justice....chicken and hummas. . . Got the inspo from a dish i order all the time @maros_bistro .... . I have also used vegan chicken in this layered chicken and hummas dish with un-chicken from @darnabati - both are equally tasty . . #healthyfood #healthycooking #quarantinelife #quarantinecooking #balancemylife #homecooking @ Oakville, Ontario See more

One year ago today. Camp pickup day....my fav day after camp drop-off day ofcourse . . Haven’t had the opportunity to miss the girls this summer but the longest March Break ever on record hasn’t felt as long it actually has been.... . . My fingers are crossed that September comes and goes without incident so these girls can get back to living the life See more

Made this yummy Crispy Orange Tofu last night from @jillian.harris . Not a huge fan of tofu, but the sauce was amazing which made the tofu amazing so if tofu isn’t your thing but you want to add it to your diet give this one a try. . If you are looking for more plant-based recipes check out @jillian.harris ... . . I consider myself more of a flexitarian - but with recipes like this I find I am leaning almost completely towards vegetarian...and I have to say besides the obvious benefits.....I feel fantastic! . I always thought I needed meat protein for energy - but YOU DO’T . . . #plantbased #plantbasedfood #vegetarianrecipes #vegetarian #flexitarian #oakvilleontario #feelinggood #tofurecipe #crispytofu #recipes #recipeideas #eatingplants #healthyeating #thisis50 #balancemylife #crispyorangetofu #plantbasedrecipes See more

Freedom.... . To come and go as we please is something I always took for granted not anymore . .... Boarding a train this time last year to take the tunnel from London to Paris....very thankful we were able to get that trip in before the world shut down #grateful . . I have been pretty upbeat through all of this but now I am really starting to struggle. We are doing so much to save people from one thing (Covid) and in doing so many other things and people are falling through the cracks. . . I feel that that balance is off Is anyone else feeling this way? . . . . . #justmythoughts #moodymonday #mondayvibes #balancemylife #offbalance See more

I use hummus for so much more then dipping.... . Spread on toast with avocados, a replacement for mayo in sandwiches, in wraps, as dressing for salads, and as a base for my chicken shawarma recipe - which I will post soon. . .... My biggest tip for eating healthy is to ALWAYS BE PREPARED with healthy options....then you don’t have an excuse to stray . . . . #Repost @crowded_kitchen with @get_repost Try one of these homemade hummus recipes & make a big charcuterie/snack platter for dinner! The four recipes include roasted garlic hummus, pesto hummus, roasted red pepper + harissa hummus & pickled beet hummus (how amazing is that pink?!) Recipe link in bio! #crowdedkitchen . . . . . . #plantpower #plantbased #plantpowered #foodphotography #healthylifestyle #vegetarianrecipes #veganfoodshare #nikon #feedfeed #f52grams #homemade #foodstyling #veganrecipes #veganfood #glutenfree #glutenfreerecipes #hummus #fridayfeeling #hummusrecipe #charcuterieboard