Good Ol' Fashioned Dog Treats!

This is Watson, our lovable not-so-little Bernese Mountain Dog. We love her to bits.. and we try our best to provide her with the best we know how, physically, emotionally and nutritionally :)

It wasn't that long ago that kibble was introduced to pet owners as an economical and easy food option for pets, sort of like a TV dinner for pets - it was all about simplifying our daily lives. In fact it was only 60 years ago or so that kibble was introduced. Before then, pets ate table scraps and raw food. So we choose to live by this philosophy with Watson for a number of reasons, and we feed our pupster raw meat and veggies, as well as appropriate table scraps. We still buy "natural" manufactured dog treats for the most part, such as dehydrated beef liver, but today I am going to make our girl some homemade cookies :) They are dead easy, and Watson LOVES them. It's a good thing these recipes make so many, because they won't last very long.

I found these recipes (and adapted them a touch) in a little doggy cookbook called "The Doggy Bone Cookbook"; not only are they super easy, and make a lot as I mentioned, but they are really inexpensive to make.. and if you are a dog owner, you know how much natural dog treats can set you back.. even the crappy ones can cost an arm and a leg :) These cookies also make great gifts for doggy friends!

Peamutt Butter
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp veggie oil
1 cup water
2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup oatmeal

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine peanut butter, oil, and water. Gradually add flour, then oatmeal. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with your favourite cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 35 min. Makes 5 dozen.

Garlick & Cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp garlic powder (or) 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together cheese, garlic and butter. Add Milk and flour. Mold mixture into ball and roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough with your favourite cookie cutter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30-35 min. or until edges start to brown. Makes 3 dozen.

***A note about garlic. Some professionals say that since garlic is a member of the onion family that it could be bad for dogs; while other professionals recommend it for natural pest repellent such as heart-worm prevention and repelling mosquitoes - studies also show that it is great for a dog's cardiovascular system.  We've been giving Watson raw garlic in her food for years now, and she's thriving. However, please use your own discretion as a pet owner.

An Interesting Read... Some More Food For Thought

For those readers who asked me on and off this blog about the Home Birth issue... here is a fantastic blog post I read today in support of home births. It raises a point that I will surely be discussing with my midwife about what happens to baby right after delivery in the hospital.

Mama Birth: The Real Reason I Birth at Home

The link to the video the author refers to is highlighted in blue in her post. I almost missed it :)
Admittedly I watched the YouTube video before reading the post.. and for the first few minutes I didn't know why we were being directed to it.. but as I started to avert my eyes, it quickly became apparent.

It's not necessarily overly graphic, or a "scare" tactic brought to us by granolas lol.. just something I hadn't thought about before.. and most women do not even realize what happens to their babies in the moments after delivery. I never thought to even ask what to expect..

It's food for thought.. go check it out! :)

Also, I encourage you to read the comments after the blog.. Interesting stuff!

Staring Childbirth in the Eyes; Taking Back Control as a Gift to Our Children

As I embark upon my journey as a first time Mom, I have found the learning process thus far to be eye-opening to say the least.
I began my unofficial prenatal education a few years ago. My husband's business was picking up, and I was able to leave my job in business banking to help him out at home. Well I wasn't home a week before my husband dropped the bomb that he was ready to start trying for a baby.
There's never been a question as to whether or not I wanted to have kids someday.. in fact a small army would do - the promise of camp-outs, homemade Halloween costumes, PTA meetings and piano recitals thrills me to my very soul.. but getting a baby into the world was another story all together.

I was a measly 98lbs soaking wet, and the thought of pushing a human out of me made me fear for my life. My experience with childbirth was all holllywood... a sweaty, dishevelled, weak woman lying on her back, holding on for dear life while she screamed bloody murder. A horror scene.. bleh! Not to mention my own Sister in law is sworn off of having children all together because of how horrifying her own birth experience was. All I knew is that it was the WORST thing a woman could experience.
SO, I had a choice. Let fear rule my life, or take the reigns and look this birth thing in the eyes and find out the truth.

It began with my childhood friend Christa suggesting I watch "The Business of Being Born". I was blown away.. seriously blown away. This movie gave me hope that it wasn't inevitable that I have a horrifying birth experience. Click here to read my review/post about BBOB.
From there I began talking to people. Moms who gave birth in hospitals, at home, with an OB, with a Doula, with a Midwife. A pattern began to emerge that shocked me. I hadn't heard one experience that was positive about a traditional hospital/OB birth. Even the moms who said they had a low risk birth, and minimal intervention from the hospital staff, confessed that they were upset that their OB was not who delivered their baby, but a stranger on-call Nurse/Dr. The OB was afterall the person who they'd gotten to know all of these months through their prenatal appointments, their educator in this new life experience, the person who they'd come to know and trust with precious life they were creating. A life experience such a childbirth surely deserves at least the comfort of knowing the person who is handling this precious life for the first time, no? Not one person I talked to who had this experience was comfortable with this arrangement, letting a stranger deliver the baby... so why do we let it happen?

I would certainly be a hypocrite if I did not look at both sides of the coin. So, I made prenatal appointments with both an OB and a Midwife. I planned to sit down with each, have a real, cut-the-crap conversation about my birth experience with each of them, then take the info away, and together with my husband, make a real informed decision about the direction we would take.

I actually had high expectations for the OB. She is the leader in her field at a teaching hospital, young, personable, quite nice. My appointment went something like this:

OB: Hi I'm (the OB)
Me: Hi
OB: This will be a boring appt. it's more paperwork than anything

2 min. of filling out paperwork - me answering routine medical questions like first day of last cycle etc. etc.

OB: Okay, well that's all I need.. let's listen to the heartbeat, and you can go. (Red Flag #1 - this is my 
first baby, I have so many questions, we don't get to sit down and talk for a while? )

We listen to the heartbeat.. it's awesome of course :)

OB: Okay, that's it!
Me: Well I have a couple of questions, can we talk?
OB: Sure.
Me: I'd like to know your thoughts on natural childbirth?
OB: Well childbirth hurts, you're going to want something for it. (Red Flag #2 - no consideration of what experience I want to have. From my education thus far I want to try for a natural birth - no offer of support on this? or at least an offer of supporting information as to why I shouldn't have a natural birth other than "it's going to hurt"? no pros and cons? no open discussion at all? Where do me any my baby come into this "procedure"?)
Me: How do you feel about minimal intervention from the hospital staff if it's not necessary?
OB: If you want minimal intervention I suggest you wait as long as possible to come in when you go into labour. That way you're here at the last minute and we can't do anything else but deliver the baby. (Red Flag #3 - washing your hands of care, and the possibility of coming up with and following a birth plan. Why not just tell me to deliver the baby myself? {which isn't looking like a bad idea at this point} This person is supposed to help me bring a child into this world - what I hear is that this is a medical procedure. This is not a life experience, but a thing that has to be done. I feel like a number at this point)
Me: Will you be present for the birth?
OB: Well it depends... the Dr.s work shifts, so it's unlikely that I will be working when you go into labour. The only way I can guarantee I will deliver the baby is if it's a high risk pregnancy and you need a c-section, or if you schedule a c-section before hand. Which reminds me, I almost forgot, I need you to sign this form. This just says you give consent to allow whoever is on call to deliver the baby. (Big Ol' Red Flag #4 - the very thing I wanted to avoid. I want to know and trust the person handling my baby for the first time. I don't care what you are on paper.. a stranger is a stranger! Not to mention, the bit about scheduling a c-section to guarantee she will deliver? No discussion or mention at all of the pros or cons of having an elective c-section? I hate to think of how many women just schedule the c-section in order to guarantee the OB will deliver; and that's a huge decision to be made without the proper information needed to do so... it's disturbing almost. )
Me: Um... can I take this home to read it?
OB: Unusual, but I guess you could just bring it back next time.

This is the form she wanted me to sign, without any proper discussion of why I would sign this, what it was - had I not asked her the questions I did, we wouldn't have even had the small conversation we did.

Unless the OB thought the 5 min. conversation we had just had was all we needed to talk about? Nevertheless, this scared the bejeesus out of me.

So I don't even have to go into the details of my first Midwife visit. We sat down for a long time and hashed it all out.. It was like night and day. No question in my husband and my mind what direction we are going in. And I feel SO blessed to have the opportunity to have my midwifes support. If people only knew how amazing the care is - I wish I could scream it from the rooftops!

I can't help but think about  how many women walk into that OB office and just sign away.. just do what they are told b/c they don't know any different. They trust the OB.. and why shouldn't they? what else do they have to go on that their experience could be so much better? How would they know that they have an opportunity to have a blissful birth experience? How would they know that they could have the choice not to be medicated; not to have counteractive drugs imposed on them potentially harming the baby? There is just TOO much that expecting mothers do not know. And I don't think OB's have any malicious intent.. not at all.. just that they are used to doing "business" in a certain way. But as far as I'm concerned, my baby's birth is not a business transaction.

I will be giving birth at a hospital under the care of our midwife who will be delivering our baby. I can walk around, and take my time if needed. I can give birth in a bed, or in a tub, or squat on the floor if it feels right! I can have music playing to calm me, and I am in a private room. I have choices!!! I know who is delivering our baby and I trust her. And should there be any complications, heaven forbid, I am in the right place to receive the care I need. Not to mention the 6 weeks aftercare that we will receive. For the first few weeks they will be in home visits. Can you believe the Midwife will come to us? - who wants to trek a newborn out and about right away anyway? It just makes sense.

This post is about my disappointment with the way a "life experience" is treated like a "medical procedure" in the medical community - and how that is conveyed to expecting mothers as such. It is also about trying to educate women. I am not judging anyone for choosing an OB. I am not judging anyone for wanting an epidural, or for whatever decision they make. But I can't stress enough the importance of making an informed decision!!! Who have you talked to to get your info? what resources do you have? take a look at both sides.. don't just ask your OB, or the people working in her office.. talk to mothers who have had all kinds of birth experiences. READ, watch movies like BOBB, call up a midwife collective and ask to have a meeting to get info. Talk to people online.. Have an open mind. The best gift we can give our unborn children is the gift of our own education.  Obtaining this type of education is FREE and EASY.  Afterall, we are being given the gift of bringing a life into the world.. how can we take that for granted? - It is our responsibility to make our children's journey into this world the best it can be.

***please note, that I do not intend to say that choosing an OB is a bad choice, or that all OB's shouldn't be trusted, that is certainly not the case.  I simply wanted to share my personal experience. The sharing of experiences can be the best form of education around.. and I do encourage everyone to share their stories, good and bad. Cheers :)

UPDATE: We did end up having a beautiful homebirth afterall! I wouldn't have changed a single thing about it. Natural birth is painful, but not like the media makes it out to be. That's a sure topic for another post ;) And now that #2 is on the way, we will without question choose the same route.

A Special Announcement!

Our dog Watson helps us to make a special announcement :)

A Romantic Vintage Hairstyle

Just in time for Valentines Day, I thought I'd show you how to whip up a super easy romantic vintage do!

The Scent of Happiness

Ah, December. The beginning of a season that is filled to the brim with all things magical. I become alive this time of year. The next couple of months are bliss for me, as my senses are tickled by sights, sounds and smells that have the ability to transport me to places, that sometimes only exist in my imagination.

The sense of smell is powerful. It can trigger a long lost memory of baking with your grandmother, that you didn't even know you had. Or bring you to that magical Christmas Eve midnight mass - when the incense burned silently as a marker of the excitement that lied ahead in the wee hours of the morning. Scent triggers emotion.. and during a time when the joy of the season can easily become lost.. I like to use scent as a tool to bring me back.

So here are some easy, inexpensive, natural tricks to get your home smelling magical for the holidays.

Pomanders
First used in the middle ages, where people would wear them on long chains (like jewellery) to ward off infectious diseases, and to simply smell better. Back then they were made of all sorts of crazy things. Today they are simply made of Oranges studded with Whole Cloves. Once made, they will dry out and can last for years as air fresheners, and even can be useful in linen closets and drawers to repel moths.

You will need:
1) A few confectioners scoops of whole cloves (purchasing whole cloves at a bulk food, is far more cost effective than buying them pre-jarred)
2) A few Navel Oranges of varying sizes

Simply push the cloves into the orange in any pattern that you please. You can completely cover the orange in cloves, or you may choose a design such as stars, or swirls. Or in the case of my brother's creation in the picture, you can't opt for the "Mr. T" pomander :)

Potpourri Crock Pot
Tossing a few spices and fruits into a crock pot (or regular pot) will fill your home with a warm Christmasey scent. It's dead easy, inexpensive, and is a great way to get rid of any fruit that might be starting to spoil.

What you'll need:
1) A couple of fruits of your choice, such as: Apples and Oranges - cut into slices or quartered (you can use anything from pomegranates to cranberries to pears.. it matters not.
2) A few cinnamon sticks, or a couple of tbsp of ground cinnamon
3) Some whole cloves
4) Some nutmeg
5) Water

Combine a random amount of these ingredients into a crock pot, or large saucepan; fill about 2/3 of the pot. Fill pot with water to about 3 inches from the the top. Simmer on low.
I've left this for a couple of days at a time; turning the stove/crock pot off at night, and when I leave the house - and refilling the water as it cooks off. 

Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir trees smell divine! If you opt for a real tree at Christmastime, you should get yourself a Balsam. It's true that Fraser Fir is the longest lasting tree, however nothing comes close to the scent of the Balsam! I'd say put off your tree trimming until 2-3 weeks before Christmas, so that you can take advantage of the loveliness of Balsam's fragrance.
If you do not use a real tree, that's still okay. You can still take advantage of Balsam's scent by grabbing up a few of it's branches to adorn your mantle, use for a centrepiece, make a wreath, or use in your outdoor urns. You can either buy these branches where ever you would pick up your tree - such as a nursery - OR if you have any friends or family who are getting a Balsam for themselves, ask them if you can have the scraps they trim off from the stump.

Little known facts about opting for Real Christmas Trees:
- More environmentally friendly
- Christmas trees are often grown in soil that no other crops can grow in
- The trees take years to mature; in the mean time provide habitat for wildlife, as well as clean the air
- When people are done with their real trees, they are recycled and used as mulch - where as fake trees end up in landfills
- Fake trees and wreaths are made from non renewable petroleum
- For every tree that is harvested, 2 or 3 seedlings are put in its place

Happy scenting! AND If you have any more Scent-sational tips, I'd love to hear them! Leave your comments below :)

A Soup That Comforts Like No Other

It's that time of year again, when we dust out the big ol' soup pot from the top shelf, and get our veggie weapons of choice ready for melding. For these chilly months, my first choice and family favourite is always my Gramma's French Canadian Pea Soup.
For as long as I can remember I have loved this savoury treat - and culinarily speaking, I look forward to nothing more each Autumn.
This recipe was passed to me from my Mum, which was passed to her by her Mum, and so on and so forth. It has French-Canadian roots generations deep; back to when the soup-bone was shared between the neighbours so everyone could make their own batch. Enjoy!


French Canadian Pea Soup

-1 Ham Bone or Pork Hock (traditionally this soup is made with a Ham Bone, however it is very difficult to find just the bone anymore without buying the whole ham - unless you are near a Honey-Bee Ham Co. - Pork Hocks are available just about everywhere, and you can use the meat in the soup afterwards)
-1 Pkg of dried split green peas (about 3 or 4 cups)
-1 large cooking onion, finely chopped
-1 large carrot, grated
-2 bay leaves
-1 tsp. dried thyme
-1 tsp. ground sage
-salt and pepper to taste

Rinse split peas well in cold water, set aside.
Fill soup pot with water to about 2" from the top. Bring to a boil with ham bone or pork hock - simmer on low for about an hour.
Add remaining ingredients, including rinsed peas, and simmer for 2 hours, or until thick.
Remove pork hock, and cut away the ham to add to the soup.
Serve hot with a side of crusty French bread.