Overnight Oats (you’ll actually like)

by Angela

With 12 hour shifts slowly consuming my life schedule and balancing two part time jobs, fitting in a nutritious breakfast has become something of an issue. It either hits before my day shift or on my way home from nights before passing out all afternoon. There is no set break in the day for this meal but if I miss out on getting a good breakfast in I am one hangry individual!

This recipe isn’t something new and exciting by any means. Overnight oats have become popular over the last while for their convenience and taste. Wrong. For me,  I have tried all kinds of overnight oats recipes and the outcome was always the same.

They were soggy and gooey, and not in a good way, with  a chewiness from the uncooked oats that just didn’t quite suit the rest of it. The oats just craved to be boiled or zapped in the microwave while I choked back each bite.

Needless to say, no matter the hype, I have had a hard time to jump on the overnight oats bandwagon. But even with a love of stovetop oats, I hardly ever have enough time to cook myself a warm bowl of oats for breakfast, let alone the time to eat it. So, I set out on a quest to solve my oatmeal dilemma and I have successfully come up with a recipe to satisfy those like me left in the dust of the overnight oats trail.

When you hit a period of “Less Sleep More Coffee” I strongly encourage you to follow this recipe for overnight oats. The key for me to solve the slimy chia seed vs. chewy oats dilemma was to add the fruit before consuming so it doesn’t go soggy and to add more crunch. With added texture this easy recipe is palate satisfying and stick to your ribs good for you.

What you’ll need

• 1/3C oats
• 2/3C liquid (milk, water, unsweetened almond milk)
• Sweetener to taste (date paste, maple syrup, honey, sugar)
• 1-2tbsp chia seeds
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger)
• Fruit (any kind chopped or pureed)
• Crunchy toppings to taste (nuts, unsweetened coconut, granola, cereal, hemp seeds)
• 1-2tbsp any nut butter for added heartiness

Directions

In a glass jar add oats, liquid, sweetener and chia seeds. Place in the fridge and leave to soak overnight.

In the morning, chop up your fruit and stir into the soaked oats along with your crunchy toppings. Add in extra liquid to desired texture.

Make a few in advance and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can store longer it just might get a little soggier!

While you’re at it, prepare some toppings in advance so you can just toss it on the morning of.

Notes:

*Find the oats that suit your taste buds. Quick oats and instant oats will dissolve more while large flake or regular old fashioned oats will stay more intact and chewy.

*My favorite recipe is date paste, cinnamon, small banana chopped, and half slivered almonds with large flake unsweetened coconut for my toppings.

*Second favorite is unsweetened apple sauce, cinnamon and nutmeg, slivered almonds and granola.

Bon Appétit!

 

A Bachelorette Pad Please?

by Melissa

I recently made the decision to find a place for myself. Note, that I have not actually found anything, but I’ve realized that it’s time to live on my own. I have had more or less eighteen different flatmates (mind you, I have moved around a lot), and I would do it all over again if I had to.

But I don’t.

There are so many upsides to living with other people, mainly having amazing company and always having someone to have a laugh with. On the other hand, living with someone comes responsibility… a shared responsibility of paying the bills, household chores, and being mindful of someone else’s schedule and personal space. This is where things can get a little tricky.

People have their own way of living and depending on the amount of flatmates that occupy the shared space, you have to adjust and be flexible to each person. People wake up at different times, have their own way cleaning, have an opposite schedule, the list goes on and on. After eighteen different flatmates (more or less), there comes a point where enough is enough and let’s trying this whole living alone thing.

I have chatted with many people about how they enjoy living alone and what it’s like. Some love it, some get kind of lonely, but mostly everyone is happy they made the decision to live alone. To me there seems to be a sense of control and although remembering to pick yourself up toilet paper or cleaning the house is annoying, everything is on you and there’s no one to put the blame on but yourself.

Although I am on the quest for a place of my own, I will impart with you my top three tips for living in a shared space.

Scheduling Responsibilities
When I lived in a flat of six people, we had a contract that we signed that every week one person would do a big house clean, pick up toilet paper, pay the cleaning man, and take out the rubbish. It worked on a rotating schedule so each person only had to worry about household chores every six weeks.

Bills
Keeping a list on the fridge of who’s bought what for the house and the amount is a great way to keep track of household spending. At the end of every month you can tally up who’s spent what on the house and see who owes who money.

Communication is Key
Communication is key to any successful relationship, including the relationship with your flatmate(s). I have learnt over the years to let someone know immediately if something is bothering me regarding the flat. I have learnt the hard way that keeping things in is not a good idea. If there are many people in the flat on different schedules, having a group text is a great way to communicate with everyone. This way nothing is left unsaid and things can be resolved as quickly as possible.

Hope these little tips help, but if finding a place on your own sounds appealing (and financially feasible)… give it a try!

From Point A to Point B: The Bar to Your Bed

by Melissa

When the night is ending, last call has been served, all I want to do is to be teleported to my bed. This is usually done with the easy task of calling an Uber or going out on the street to hail a taxi. At most, I’ll spend about $15 and probably less if I split fare the Uber with a friend.

Say, I’m doing this once every weekend… There is more or less $60 a month going out the window just on a ride home after a night out… (eek!!!!!)

I am a huge fan of Uber and think it’s a brilliant app, but it can add up. When there is a serge sometimes the prices are 2x – 4x of the normal cost, example: NYE 2016. This can easily be remedied by using my monthly travel pass and looking up night buses. If the weather isn’t too bad, walking home is always an option, a free option.

Sometimes, for big late nights such as NYE or Nuit Blanche, cities will have their public transit running all night and for free. This is something to definitely take advantage of as it will probably be a hassle to get a taxi.

If you don’t live in a city where public transit is as accessible, but you have access to a car, it’s always an option to assign someone as the designated driver. It’s a safe, responsible, and inexpensive way to get home…. Apologies to whoever gets the short end of the stick, but you’re all saving money in the end!

To sum it up, we all have our own route and various ways to get home after a late night out, but consider the following options:

• Night bus
• Catching the metro before it closes
• Walking home
• Assigning a designated driver
• Split faring an un-serged Uber with 2 or more friends

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Be safe getting home and take advantage of your feet and public transit… your bed will be there waiting for you!

Happy Friday!

Boiled Eggs

by Angela

Eggs, especially boiled eggs, have always been a fan favourite snack for Mel and I.

While it may seem like a trivial food item on your grocery list that can easily go unnoticed or even forgotten, eggs deserve more credit!

They can be dressed up or down and no matter what they are hearty, healthy (as long as  they’re not cooked in too much butter/oil/grease), have some good ol’ protein in there to keep you going throughout the day, and most of all they’re quick and cheap.

Throw a boiled egg on top of a salad, make some eggs salad sandwiches, scramble one up and toss it on top of toast with sliced avocado or baked beans and perhaps some tomato. If you’re feeling significantly crafty, try your hand at eggs Benedict – while it may seem tricky it’s actually fairly easy but we’ll save that for another day.

Today, in the spirit of less sleep more coffee, I’m going to give you a quick and easy “Boiled Egg Plate”. It was always a go to for Mel and I when we were in a bind for breakfast lunch or dinner and the options are endless.

Boiled Egg Plate

• Boiled eggs
• Handful of greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
• Veggies of all kinds (carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, celery…etc)
• Cheese (slices of feta goes exceptionally well with the egg)
• Avocado
• Sides such as hummus or tatziki

Directions

Bring water to a boil and add desired amount of eggs (be sure to place in carefully with a spoon so as to 1. not burn your fingers and 2. not break the egg). Return to a boil for 2min and then turn off heat. Keep eggs in the pot on the burner and allow to sit for 10-13min depending on desired yok consistency.

Immediately strain, and rinse eggs under ice cold tap water (this ensures your shells don’t stick to your eggs) and let sit in a bowl of cold water.

Meanwhile, prepare your plate! Instead of your typical salad this is more like your own personal buffet. Place some greens, veggies, cheese, avocado or other desired sides on your plate. Crack open your boiled egg, slice and add.

Voila! A meal fit for a king.

POM: The News Feed Eradicator

by Melissa

According to Google, there are over one billion people active on Facebook and I’m guessing most of them spend loads of time scrolling and scrolling and scrolling through their news feed. It’s a great way to pass the time, procrastinate, and to many this may just be a default move when we log onto Facebook. I was definitely guilty of this and then about a month ago my friend introduced me to the News Feed Eradicator app for Google Chrome. LIFE CHANGING.

The short description on The News Feed Eradicator’s Facebook Page reads, “Clear your mind, clear your news feed”.

The app clears your news feed and replaces it with inspiring and encouraging quotes to be a better and more productive self.

The amount of garbage that we skim across is essentially cluttering our minds. With this app we have to go to news sources to find out things about the world, ask our friends what they’ve been up to (or go to their page specifically), and the never ending scrolling… what scrolling?

News feed eradicated.

Over the past weeks, my mind has felt lighter and I find productive ways of procrastinating, such as doing the dishes, watching the news, or responding to emails that I haven’t gotten around to.

Spring cleaning is right around the corner and to get a head start, take some time to declutter, cleanse, and clear your mind by trying out this app. Best part is it’s FREE!

For those of you who do not have Facebook, well you’re already a step ahead of us.

*Disclosure: not a sponsored post. We simply get really enthusiastic about things we like.

Is the grass really greener on the other side?

by Angela

Before moving back to my homeland of beautiful British Columbia from Montreal back in October, I ensured I had my nursing license transferred well in advance, enough savings to cover a few months of unemployment and clarified the projected start date from the date of application. Boy did I learn a few lessons!

Since moving back, I have had an uphill battle in getting a job in my field due to unforeseen complications in the application process that were predominantly out of my control.

Tips and Tricks before making a move:

1. Have an emergency savings account that you only touch in EMERGENCIES. That does not mean you had a bad day and need to go to Mexico for a week or that you got invited to a private event and need the latest and greatest dress.

2. No matter how long human resources projects the employment date to the start date ALWAYS ensure you apply early and ideally have the job locked in before you give your notice and before you move (even if that means negotiating your start date to month or two later to give yourself for time to travel and to settle into your new surroundings).

3. If you fail to accomplish number two, as I did, draw on your skills and pick up some part time work to help prolong that emergency fund. Work seasonal at a retail job, apply for babysitting positions, teach lessons for whatever skills you possess, tutor… you get the idea.

I digress, while I learnt a lot (see above tips and ticks) and just recently started an RN job it was not all roses and butterflies.  

Given our lives are increasingly open book thanks to various media platforms, whether it’s friends, family or celebrities, we have a reference group of seemingly perfect individuals, with perfect families, and perfect lives.

While this can be great motivation, at times it can be detrimental to a positive self image. I would know because I surprisingly (and I am embarrassed to admit) found myself over the last few months getting progressively harder on myself, disappointed in myself and even taking that out on the people closest to me.

I worked hard to achieve the skills to pursue a career and where did that get me? Unemployed, slowly becoming more bankrupt and stir crazy from being stuck in my apartment without the financial freedom to do all the activities I love to do. With the passing of a family member on top of all this coming into 2016, all I could think was what did I do wrong?!

Sure, in hindsight I could have done a few things differently… But, (and it took me the last 4 months) I’ve learnt to realize: that’s life.

When life has got you down and it’s looking pretty green on the other side, stop, take a nice warm shower, go for a run, meditate, do whatever you need to relax and de-stress and then put things in perspective.

Over the last week I’ve given my head a shake and done just that. Which leads me to…

Tips and tricks to find perspective:

1.  Write down all the things positive in your life.

This can be your friends, family, skill set, education, favourite past times, awesome new book you just read, anything and everything. Read them out loud and really truly appreciate each and every one. This is key. If you’re like me and need a few repetitions, put them on a post it and put them on your bathroom mirror. I was consistently recognizing the things that I didn’t have in my life that I felt that I needed. By stopping and appreciating what I did and do have, I am motivated to take what I have and work with it to achieve more.

2. Find a mantra.

This is meant to be a simple phrase that you say when you’re feeling a little bit down to perk you up and keep trucking through. For me it’s “in a year from now this won’t matter”. For whatever reason it puts things in perspective for me and motivates me to accept what is in front of me, to make necessary positive changes and to keep moving forward.

3. Set intentions.

I much prefer this to goals. Goals mean deadlines, which means more pressure and disappointment if not achieved. For me, an intention focuses the mind on a pathway rather than an end goal. By, setting out on a positive path (or intention) you achieve results (or goals) that make positive changes in your life.

4. Talk to someone, anyone, everyone.

Whether it’s professional help (psychologist, career counsellor), friends or family, talking about what’s going on in your life can and will do wonders. It can open doors to connections to facilitate your intentions and you learn what your supports are and how amazing the people in your life are. You will also see that everyone has skeletons in their closet. Allowing time for discussion on the negatives, for me, can bring the most positive results and positive connections with others. You relate on a deeper level and realize, hey I’m not so hard done by, someone else has been there and they’ve pulled through, and I can do this. Hence the generation of this very blog! Over the last few months Mel and I found ourselves in a rut and wanted a healthy outlet to bring us out of that very rut.

I will be the first to say that over here on my side, life is not always greener. It throws curve balls.

No matter how big or small that curve is, it stings every time.

Pull on the positives, set new intentions and talk about it.The grass isn’t greener on the other side.

I have no idea where or how I came across this quote but when my mantra is not quite doing it I have my back up:

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right and forget the ones who don’t. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

 

Morning Glory Muffins

by Angela

My absolute hands down favorite meal of the day has to be breakfast.

There are so many options from savory to sweet! Whether it’s french toast on a Sunday morning piled high with berries and real maple syrup, a warm bowl of steel cut oats sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts or a hearty omelette with side of avocado – you name it I love it.

But honestly,  life and work can get in the way of my most favorite meal time and when you don’t have an amazing roommate like Mel to whip up a Vega smoothie for you while you get ready for work. That means – scrambling for sustenance to start the day off right and sustain you until lunch.

Therefore, I’m always on the hunt for quick and healthy eats I can bring with me to work or on transit in the morning.

In the end I give you the most hearty, healthy and, more importantly, palate satisfying muffins adapted from the Run Away Chef.

These muffins have a delicious nut taste while maintaining a slight sweetness with the fruit. Although these are half whole wheat flour, they do not turn out dense and the fruit puree keeps them moist. They also keep well in the freezer! Simply wrap in plastic wrap or store in a well sealed container until you start to notice some freezer burnm (approximately a month).

Morning Glory Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted but not hot!)
• 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons warm water)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup fruit puree ( I used applesauce)
• 2 large carrot, grated (should equal about 1 cup grated)
• 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup nuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried fruit chopped

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a muffin pan.
2. Prepare flax eggs by combining flax with warm water in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, chia seeds and spices in a large bowl. Add in nuts, dried fruit and grated carrot until just combined.
4. Mix banana, molasses, oil, flax eggs, vanilla and fruit puree.
5. Fold the wet ingredients to the dry until just combined. Batter should be thick but not dry.
6. Fill to 1 inch above muffin tray. Bake the muffins for approximately 30minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
7. Remove muffin tray from the oven and leave sitting until tray cool enough to handle (2-5minutes). Remove muffins from tray and cool on wire rack.
8. Enjoy with your favorite nut butter, spread or all on their own!

Notes:

* Use any oil you like if you don’t have coconut oil on hand.

* Feel free to vary the nuts (slivered almonds, pepita seeds, chopped pecans or hazelnuts…etc), dried fruits (raisins, craisins, dates), fruit puree (apple sauce, more mashed banana!, pumpkin, date puree) and spices.

*Pureed dates are a great option and are sweet enough you can eliminate the molasses (if eliminating, just make it a slightly rounded cup of pureed fruit)

 

Prep, Grab and Go

by Angela

One of the biggest money saving methods I can think of is packed lunches. To really stretch that argument in the long term (I’m a nurse I can’t help it!), given homemade lunches are a healthier option, you’re also investing in your health and therefore saving money on potential health bills in the future – it’s a stretch but fundamentally true.

They may seem cumbersome at first and a lot of the time when colleagues or friends see my packed lunch, their first reaction is to say that they just don’t have the time.

In my mind it’s all about your priorities. Are you playing the latest game on your phone before bed? On Facebook for a minimum of 15 min a day? While down time is important, your physical and financial health are too.

A packed lunch can be made in all of 15 min with good habits and proper planning.

All you need is a lunch bag (Lululemon bags can be just the right size, any reusable bags, brown bag or proper lunch bag) and some good storage containers which can be purchased fairly cheap both at Costco and Walmart.

You can do a Sunday  prep day or if you’re someone, like myself, that works shift work just pick any day of the week that you have off. This is going to be your prep day which can take up to an hour depending on what you’re preparing. I also make this my grocery day so that way I’m not overspending on food that I don’t need for my food prep.

Sit down to make your grocery list and pick two main meals that you want to eat that week.

My go to choices:

1. Soup – use up those wilted almost old veggies for a delicious and nutritious soup
2. Salad – Make it up without dressing to throw in a container with some protein
3. Protein – baked chicken, beans, boiled eggs, fish, quinoa
4. Good for the soul heartiness – stew, chilli (again great for using up leftovers) or sweet potatoes, brown rice to add to protein and salad

I go for a soup or salad, protein and hearty meal. That way you have something already premade for lunches, you have an alternate if you want to switch it up and if you’re at a loss on what to make for dinner you have an extra meal option.

Life is not complete without good snacks.

My top choices:

1. Veggies and hummus
2. Plain rice crackers and peanut butter
3. Apple and almond butter (life changing.)
4. Fruit/fruit salad
5. Plain greek yogurt with fresh fruit
6. Trail mix – buy your preferred nuts and dried fruit and make your own (without too many chocolate chips or sweetened dried fruit!).

Once you’ve picked up your groceries start the prep! Save time and multitask – while your chicken is in the oven, or your chili simmers in your slow cooker, chop up all your veggies, make your salad without dressing (It will wilt/spoil faster if you add the dressing!), combine the bits for your trail mix and finish all other snacks requiring prep.

If you’re super adventurous I strongly recommend even preparing some breakfast options. Overnight oats and slow cooker oatmeal are great options. When you’re short on time in the morning to make breakfast, skip the McD’s breakfast sandwich and save some money by bringing along some heart healthy oatmeal.

Once everything is prepared, cooled on the counter, store it in the fridge. I find that most meal options are good for 5-7 days. If you’re unsure about options made with meat, store half in the freezer and take out halfway through the week to thaw and eat.

Simply throw your options into containers the night before and store the whole thing in the fridge overnight.

Time to go to work? Wake up, grab and go!

One day of prep for a week of money saving and (hopefully!) healthy eating.

 

The Odd Job

by Melissa

Many of us have been in a position where we look for extra work to make ends meet. I’ve worked as a hot dog stand vendor at the Emirates Stadium to looking up research studies that I can participate in at local universities. All of this to make a buck, buy some food, and perhaps have a pint with some friends.

Recently, I find myself back in the position of trying to find some occasional part time work to pay the last bill that’s due and to tie up any loose ends. Straight up: it’s not an ideal position to be in.

This time round, I’ve tried to find the odd job that I can build skills that I want to work on. Slightly selfish, but if I’m going to do a job that isn’t directly in my career path, I want it to be at least one of the following options: a way to network, develops transferable skills, or fun and makes the time go by quickly.

During my hunt, I’ve narrowed the areas of work to three options: retail, tutoring, or caregiver work. My reasoning to look into retail is that there is the potential of a really great discount and in Quebec I can work on my language skills. Tutoring is something I find fun and it is very rewarding when you can see someone progress and excel in an area they have been struggling with. Being a caregiver is tough work at times, but it helps develop skills that are transferable to the health care profession.

On a quest for some occasional work, I’ve noticed that it’s important to have a healthy balance between selective and open to what comes your way. I decided that I would only apply to jobs that I was positive about because I’ve noticed if you’re not immediately excited about something then it makes it that much harder to get out of bed and go to work.

Over the past month, I’ve applied to a variety of positions and after ten applications or so I finally landed an interview! (YAY). It’s an occasional babysitting position which can be physically demanding and a huge responsibility. Although, if you’re like me and like children, it’s fun and helps develop many skills that I can take with me to my job as a music therapist.

There’s always that waiting period and hoping the job will pan out, but at least now I know a part time or occasional job, doesn’t have to be something I dread doing just for some extra cash… it can and should be something that contributes to me not just financially, but in skills and adding to my daily dose of enjoyment.

Next time you’re in a bind and looking for some work, try looking for positions you’re excited about, help you develop  in some way, and most importantly a position that doesn’t get in the way of your main job or where you want your path in life to go!

DIY Valentine’s Day Cards

by Melissa

Angela and I love buying cards for every occasion- birthdays, thank you, thinking of you, you name it. I personally am not a massive supporter of Valentine’s Day, but I do like any reason to send cards to the people I love that I don’t get to see very often.

This year Angela and I decided to make our cards. It can be time consuming, but it’s less expensive and it’s a chance to take a whack at your arts and craft skills.

Basic materials we used:

• Coloured pencils
• Construction paper
• Tissue paper
• Markers
• Glue stick/glue gun
• Scissors

For any DIY project, your local dollar store is your best friend. They have everything you need from Valentine’s Day themed construction paper, stickers, to glue gun refills and zig-zag scissors.

I spent under $5 at the dollar store on construction paper and heart stickers. Grace also had the brilliant idea to whip out her wrapping paper collection and there was a ton of tissue paper and gold bits left over from Christmas that came in handy.

Beginning the card making process can be difficult, but I think the best way to find inspiration is to have the person you’re making the card for in mind. Think about what you love about them, what they might like, let those creative juices loose, and see what happens!

Here are the finished products of what Angela (left) and myself along with Grace (right) came up with!

Whether your Valentine’s Day is with a loved one, a group of friends, or you’re cuddled up with a good book, have a lovely day!