Below is a completely random collection of links, I hope you find one that piques your interest.
Art Fido - Photographic Series Showing What 200 Calories Looks Like in Different Foods
After using tools like MyFitnessPal to track my food and exercise, I have a fairly good sense of how many calories certain foods contain - especially the ones I eat regularly. But, this photo series can be a little shocking when you actually see 200 calories on a plate - the Hershey Kisses and peanut butter were a particular let down. On the other hand, that mountain of celery was shocking - I can't even begin to imagine eating all of that!
a pair & a space - Travel: My Favourite Books
As an avid reader and someone who loves to travel, I just loved the idea of this post and I appreciated the nod to Newfoundland with The Shipping News.
Living Low Carb - The Most Important Supplement for Your Health
You have probably noticed references throughout some of my posts to my love for probiotics. I cannot imagine trying to cope with IBS without them. This is quite an extensive post that explains some of the science behind what probiotics can do for your body and how certain foods like sugar can disrupt your gut flora.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Monday, 27 January 2014
Monday, 30 September 2013
Monday Musings: Week 9
Over the weekend I ran my first 5k - the Run or Dye event in Halifax, Nova Scotia at Ski Martock. It was a great first race as the focus was fun and no one was worrying about time. I ran the whole thing, stopped a few times to stretch out my shin splints thanks to some of those hills, but aside from that I did great. Of course, being me, I managed to twist my ankle within 30 seconds of our heat because of a pothole, but kept on running.
The highlight was the little boy dressed up as Spider Man just cruising past everyone. He couldn't have been more than six years old, but was clearly loving life and bringing a smile to everyone he passed on the trail! The other highlight was a successful run free of IBS intervention - which was enough for a celebratory happy dance for me!
Hope you had a great weekend, here are this week's links ...
The Unworldly Travelers - 5 Reasons I Will Make Travel a Priority for My Kids
I absolutely love this post and agree with her wholeheartedly. Thanks to my parents, I have been lucky enough to travel in Canada and the United States throughout my childhood. In addition to our family trips, my parents also encouraged me to learn a second language - being Canadian I obviously learned French. Because of this recommendation I completed two degrees in French and had the opportunity to study abroad in France where I met my American husband. The decision to learn another language has impacted my life in so many positive ways and has instilled in me a desire to travel, to understand other cultures and to learn about culture through another language. For this reason, I think number three on her list is my favourite and I know that these will be words to live by as I continue through life.
Everything A La Mode - Chocolate Covered Almonds
So, if I were to have an addiction, it would be chocolate (this may already be the case). One of my favourite spots in Halifax is the Choco-Café - they carry a ton of beautiful chocolates in addition to their café menu. My favourites are the Almondos and the Rasberry Cheesecake - but honestly, I love them all. They also have a discount for those who work in the area - score! My most recent discovery there is their chocolate covered almonds - with cocoa dusting! Absolutely delicious. My only problem is that I go there far too often, so, the link I have for you today is something that you can do at home that may compare (minimally) to the wonders of the Choco-Café (if you are ever in Halifax - you must go).
A Well Traveled Woman - If Tomorrow Women Woke Up...
This is not necessarily a post, but rather, a nugget of wisdom. I hope you enjoy.
Happy reading!
Lyndin
 |
| Pre-race dye-fun (I cannot take credit for this photo - thanks to my running buddy!) |
Hope you had a great weekend, here are this week's links ...
The Unworldly Travelers - 5 Reasons I Will Make Travel a Priority for My Kids
I absolutely love this post and agree with her wholeheartedly. Thanks to my parents, I have been lucky enough to travel in Canada and the United States throughout my childhood. In addition to our family trips, my parents also encouraged me to learn a second language - being Canadian I obviously learned French. Because of this recommendation I completed two degrees in French and had the opportunity to study abroad in France where I met my American husband. The decision to learn another language has impacted my life in so many positive ways and has instilled in me a desire to travel, to understand other cultures and to learn about culture through another language. For this reason, I think number three on her list is my favourite and I know that these will be words to live by as I continue through life.
Everything A La Mode - Chocolate Covered Almonds
So, if I were to have an addiction, it would be chocolate (this may already be the case). One of my favourite spots in Halifax is the Choco-Café - they carry a ton of beautiful chocolates in addition to their café menu. My favourites are the Almondos and the Rasberry Cheesecake - but honestly, I love them all. They also have a discount for those who work in the area - score! My most recent discovery there is their chocolate covered almonds - with cocoa dusting! Absolutely delicious. My only problem is that I go there far too often, so, the link I have for you today is something that you can do at home that may compare (minimally) to the wonders of the Choco-Café (if you are ever in Halifax - you must go).
A Well Traveled Woman - If Tomorrow Women Woke Up...
This is not necessarily a post, but rather, a nugget of wisdom. I hope you enjoy.
Happy reading!
Lyndin
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Travelling IBS Style
If you have any sort of digestive disorder, whether it is Crohn's, Colitis or IBS, you likely feel some degree of stress at the thought of travelling. We have all encountered "close calls"; one of my most memorable close calls was while on my honeymooon in Antibes. My husband and I had a lovely dinner, went for a walk along the boardwalk and then WHAM! It hit me... that realization that I must find a washroom at all costs - before what I have always dreaded finally happened.
For anyone who has spent time in France or Europe, you realize that you cannot always walk into an establishment to use the washroom, you will likely have to buy something. There are no Tim Hortons that you can slip into unnoticed. There are no gas stations that you can discreetly duck into. Europe has these public washrooms that are brilliant in their ability to self-clean - for those who are willing to pay, but, nevertheless, washrooms are not as widely available as they are in North America. After extensive, frantic searching, I found such a washroom, during what is likely my closest encounter to date. Thank goodness my husband is well-versed in my heightened level of panic and extreme erraticism when the runs come running. Of course, upon discovering this washroom there was no toilet paper and no soap or sanitizer of any kind. To add to this, you only have a certain amount of time to get in and out before it goes into clean mode. This leads to complete and utter panic.
So, what did I do in this situation? Being a veteran IBSer I carry the equivalent to the contents of a diaper bag with me at all times, especially when in a foreign country. In this vein, and in honour of my recent road trip to Cape Breton, I would like to share the contents of my emergency IBS kit.
First and foremost, the drug store is your best friend, especially the travel section. Here you can find just the right size items for your carry-on or to fit in an overnight bag, or even your purse if you are out for a walk.
1. Mini toilet paper roll: I am in awe of the usefulness of this item. I always pack one when travelling, or alternatively tissues if going on a short jaunt (think evening stroll or run). This became essential last weekend when I had one of those emergencies and stumbled upon a washroom with no sign of toilet paper. Not to worry, I had my handy-dandy mini roll in my purse, problem solved.
2. Hand sanitizer: if you have bowel issues you have definitely used some questionable toilets. You reach a point where, in the right frame of mind, you will use absolutely any washroom available - be it the dirtiest gas station washroom, port-o-pottie, outhouse or the great outdoors. I can personally attest to each and every one of these. In these moments hand sanitizer is an absolute necessity.
3. Vaseline/baby butt cream: without going into too much detail - sometimes it hurts and these salves can help ease your pain.
4. Baby powder or cornstarch: similar to the products listed above, this can be helpful with pain management.
5. Extra undies and panty liners: in case that awful moment actually occurs, I always have stuff so I can quickly get cleaned up. My theory is that if I prepare for the worst, I can hopefully avoid the worst.
6. Baby wipes: these can often be helpful and soothing and have a variety of uses.
7. Purse hanger: a friend gave one of these to me for my birthday a few years back. I really had no idea how much I would use it, but I always carry this when I travel, for those bathrooms that you never wanted to step into and that you certainly do not want to bring with you (ie. germies).
For anyone who has spent time in France or Europe, you realize that you cannot always walk into an establishment to use the washroom, you will likely have to buy something. There are no Tim Hortons that you can slip into unnoticed. There are no gas stations that you can discreetly duck into. Europe has these public washrooms that are brilliant in their ability to self-clean - for those who are willing to pay, but, nevertheless, washrooms are not as widely available as they are in North America. After extensive, frantic searching, I found such a washroom, during what is likely my closest encounter to date. Thank goodness my husband is well-versed in my heightened level of panic and extreme erraticism when the runs come running. Of course, upon discovering this washroom there was no toilet paper and no soap or sanitizer of any kind. To add to this, you only have a certain amount of time to get in and out before it goes into clean mode. This leads to complete and utter panic.
So, what did I do in this situation? Being a veteran IBSer I carry the equivalent to the contents of a diaper bag with me at all times, especially when in a foreign country. In this vein, and in honour of my recent road trip to Cape Breton, I would like to share the contents of my emergency IBS kit.
First and foremost, the drug store is your best friend, especially the travel section. Here you can find just the right size items for your carry-on or to fit in an overnight bag, or even your purse if you are out for a walk.
1. Mini toilet paper roll: I am in awe of the usefulness of this item. I always pack one when travelling, or alternatively tissues if going on a short jaunt (think evening stroll or run). This became essential last weekend when I had one of those emergencies and stumbled upon a washroom with no sign of toilet paper. Not to worry, I had my handy-dandy mini roll in my purse, problem solved.
2. Hand sanitizer: if you have bowel issues you have definitely used some questionable toilets. You reach a point where, in the right frame of mind, you will use absolutely any washroom available - be it the dirtiest gas station washroom, port-o-pottie, outhouse or the great outdoors. I can personally attest to each and every one of these. In these moments hand sanitizer is an absolute necessity.
3. Vaseline/baby butt cream: without going into too much detail - sometimes it hurts and these salves can help ease your pain.
4. Baby powder or cornstarch: similar to the products listed above, this can be helpful with pain management.
5. Extra undies and panty liners: in case that awful moment actually occurs, I always have stuff so I can quickly get cleaned up. My theory is that if I prepare for the worst, I can hopefully avoid the worst.
6. Baby wipes: these can often be helpful and soothing and have a variety of uses.
7. Purse hanger: a friend gave one of these to me for my birthday a few years back. I really had no idea how much I would use it, but I always carry this when I travel, for those bathrooms that you never wanted to step into and that you certainly do not want to bring with you (ie. germies).
Monday, 19 August 2013
Monday Musings: Week 3
After a glorious trip to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, I have finally caught up on my internet reading enough to share some links with you.
Travelzoo - 5 Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas
 |
| Winding our way through the Cape Breton Highlands |
Unfortunately, I turn the big 3-0 in 2014, along with most of my friends and my lovely husband. To forget about this milestone a few of us are planning to head for the Strip to take in some shows and maybe channel our inner Elvis and Priscilla to renew our wedding vows. I found some great outdoor suggestions on this Travelzoo post, enough to balance out our other trip indulgences!
We are in love with Ikea. Last year we roadtripped to Maine and Massachussetts to do what every Canadian loves - outlet shopping state-side. My heart skips a beat whenever I think about how much cheaper it is to shop America style. We hit up the outlets in Wrentham Village and heard about an Ikea somewhat close by and booked it straight there. It was my first ever trip to Ikea and I was so overwhelmed we had to leave for a bite to eat so I could study the catalogue before going back for our big purchases. Not too long ago we finally ordered a few more items - including four of the Marius stool. I like the stool quite a lot, but feel the need to jazz it up a bit. With this in mind I happened upon this hack and have found the inspiration for our impending DIY project- hopefully by the end of this weekend!
I love smoothies. The thing I love most about smoothies is how efficient they are - you can pack so many servings of fruit and vegetables in one receptacle! I also love how you can cover so many food groups in a blender and how portable breakfast or a snack can become when you just pulverize everything! When I saw this post I was doubtful about whether or not it would actually be healthy - I would probably leave out the added sweetener, but aside from that they look like a viable breakfast option - can't wait to try with the fresh local strawberries we have on-hand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)