Enchanted Chameleon

photo journal :: applebarn field trip

So homeschooling.  Ya.  It's kind of a combination of fun and exhausting just like online dating this past year has been fun and awful.  I'm always up for the challenge.  C and I did our first field trip along with the North Short homeschooling community last month in hopes of making some connections, learning some stuff, getting out of the house and most importantly, selecting the perfect pumpkin.  Yes, this post is a tad overdue.

It was a great little outing.  We've been to Applebarn before but it was nice to take the school trip route and learn a little about the applesorter and the cider press.  The best way to keep C entertained when things weren't really going on was to pass him the camera or my iPhone, ahem. I tried my best to avoid the latter but he did start to connect with a few other boys when he opened Minecraft.  Hey, I'm learning too.

This little trip turned out to be the first time I open up my dad's camera that I inherited.  Having my dad's camera there brought some fond memories back from a little trip C and I took with my dad a few years ago to Chudleigh's Apple Farm in Milton when we were visiting, before he got sick.  It was like a little piece of dad was with us that day and it was sweet.  As sweet as caramel apples on a stick.

I'd like to stay on top of my homeschooling adventures a little more here.  But then all this talk of apples reminds me of the amazing autumn apple sangria that I had last night with a girlfriend over great chats and laughs and I'm thinking I'd rather post about that.  It takes a good balance of both to make this mama feel complete.  XO.  Suzanne

local love :: qoola frozen yogurt bar

When I was in my teens and the girls and I were hanging out for movies or sleepovers we'd head over to the grocery store and pick up some treats.  My favourite was a peach frozen yogurt with little chunks of peach in them.  It was so full of sugar!  It was like pure sugar as I remember and the little peaches, looking back now, didn't even seem like real fruit.  But OH how I loved it!  It came in smaller containers just like a pint of yogurt and the whole thing never stood a chance!

Froyo has certainly morphed into something new since then.  From little pumps at ice cream parlours and TCBY to now with all the Pinkberry's, Yogurty's, Menchie's and local variations like Yetti's Yogurt here in North Van.  We certainly have no lack of options but in today's day and age it seems like our culture has evolved a little and low fat/sugar free options won't permanently cut it.

Enter Qoola!

How does a frozen yogurt bar that serves GMO Free, organic and pure cane sugar sweetened yogurt sound to you?  Not to mention that it's a Proud Canadian Company giving back to the community and sourcing from other Canadian companies?  It sounds freakin fantastic if you asked me!

C and I had a chance for some hefty sampling of Qoola Frozen Yogurt Bar in the Oakridge Centre and I assure you nothing could have been qooler!

There was a sweet selection of frozen yogurt that were gluten free as well as a dairy free option.  A great variety of quality dressings, fruit and high end syrups.  Not to mention their beverage of choice for the extra thirsty customer in your party: coconut water.  What a dream!  They also offered smoothies and cakes for pre order and just like other frozen yogurt bars, but totally GMO free, waffles for the extra hungry.  It was everything that a frozen yogurt parlour has nowadays and so much more.  Or should I say so much less?  How great to the know the quality guaranteed in each cup.

So it is my recommendation now that you all go there and make it a huge success so I can petition Qoola to build their next location in North Van right next to the swimming pool to make C and my Tuesday afternoon routine complete.  Or just go and REALLY treat yourself the next time you're out for froyo.  You deserve this!

XO, Suzanne

giveaway :: nature's path basket + fraser valley food show tix

source

Hey friends! Today Enchanted Chameleon is hosting a giveaway with Nature's Path Organics and the Fraser Valley Food Show (presented by Nature's Path Organics).  I personally love a good food show.  I've been attending a variety of different food shows about once a year since I moved to BC almost 12 years ago.  This one is especially great because of the 2nd Annual Gluten Free Living Expo.  You know I can't pass up the opportunity to sample every table of this section freely and unencumbered!

I'm also a big fan of Nature's Path.  Not only do they offer great products, they are HUGE backers of GMO Labelling and I've even happened to hear the leadership of Nature's Path speak at a GMO Labelling rally.  These are the kind of products that I like to have in my home.  They have a great line of Gluten Free Products that both C and I enjoy.  He is an especial fan of Peanut Choco Drizzle Crispy Rice Bars.  They are a sure win in lunch boxes and completely go missing on mornings when I decide to catch a little extra sleep. A total go to product when I'm not baking things myself.

So would you like to win something?  Cause it's officially my job today to SPREAD THE LOVE!

GIVEAWAY - One lucky reader will win a Nature's Path Organics Gift Basket (value of $100 - exact basket is NOT featured above) and 4 Tickets to the Fraser Valley Food Show October 3-5, 2014.  A total value of $136!

TO ENTER - Follow the directions of the Rafflecopter entry form below for 18 chances to win!

Good Luck!
XOXO Suzanne

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ meet the makers @ whole foods market ~

You know what I love?  Grocery shopping.  I make a strategic effort each week to make grocery shopping my time.  I love the packaging and the marketing as much as I love finding everything on my shopping list.  You know what I love more?  Farmers Markets.  If I could get everything I needed from one market each week I would be in Heaven!  Nothing completes me like a walk through my local Farmer's Market.  Insert Whole Foods Market and I can get everything I need in one place from many local food artisans and farmers that I would find at my local farmers market.

If you didn't already know, Whole Foods Market's seek out local products from small, dedicated food artisans who share the Whole Foods Market passion for excellence, tradition, purity and regional identity.  No kidding.  They even have a person called a Local Forager, whose job it is solely to seek out these small businesses in this particular region and bring them to the shelves of the store.  I'll mark that one on my grand list of dream jobs next to bass guitar in a rock band and Carrie Bradshaw.

This month Whole Foods Market's have been celebrating these food artisans with a Meet the Makers event each weekend and the good news is there is still one more opportunity at the West Vancouver Park Royal Village store this Saturday August 23rd from 11 am to 3 pm to meet some of these makers and maybe even find a new favourite local producer.

Are you a local producer?  Did you know that Whole Foods Market's also provides up to $10 million in low-interest loans to independent farmers and food artisans?  It's true.  They proudly support small producers that need a hand, not a handout, to help make their dreams a reality.  For more information on the Local Producer Loan Program click here.

Check out my little local producer wishlist featured above.  These are some amazing companies that provide tasty products that could easily fill my basket each week.

XO. Suzanne

Suzanne's Wish List: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06

~ serendipity smoothie ~

I love blending.  That's why you're here aren't you?  It's sure why I started here and ended up here.  That is for shizzle.  A blender would be my coat of armour.  That and some knitting needles and Persol glasses and if possible, without looking overaccessorized, flip flops.

I'm not sure that I've come flat out and said it here but I'll say it today:  I sold the Juice Caboose.  It's true.  It lives on in my soul and in memories and the blog that is still up to taunt and tease Vancouverites with the possibility of it coming to a venue (not intentionally, just sheer laziness and hope that it may come in use again).

It was a bittersweet decision.  Naturally I didn't want to give up my dream but in so doing I have freed up my life and finances in a way that I wouldn't have been able to do before in order to be with my family throughout my father's sickness this past year and a half, not to mention giving me a ton of space and time to heal.  Sometimes even marriages that aren't meant to be and past their expiration date require time for mourning.  Another dream, gone.  Grieving, a necessity. 

One hard thing about giving up the Caboose was giving up the Vitamix blender.  My Cuisinart was great and I know how to work a blender to make things like a Vitamix but still, it's a nice piece of kitchen bling that is hard to part with.  However, the decision to sell the business included that piece of equipment.  It was a package deal and regardless of what I wanted, the right decision was to keep the package together.  So I let it go.

Not long after, I was visiting Harvest Project, a place where I shop once a month for free groceries for low to no income people, a place that has helped me stay afloat and treading comfortably since I became a single parent.  They offer career counselling and professional clothing as well for those in need.  An amazing and award winning not-for-profit here on the North Shore that I'm eternally grateful for and hoping to repay someday with time, money or whathave you that I can offer when the opportunity arises.  I was there for my monthly shop and one of the volunteers approached me with a paper bag and asked me if I juice or blend.  Well, yes, if anyone does, I do.  Thinking she was handing me a bag of culled apples or juicing carrots I accepted the bag from her only to discover a practically new Vitamix Blender.  I but but butted, that this was a Vitamix.  The volunteer agreed it was in fact a really nice blender and it was mine to keep. 

After nearly falling over and scooping my jaw from the floor I thanked the Universe.  Sometimes when a dream comes to an end, it is easy to think one is not deserving.  I couldn't have questioned my deserving in any measure at that moment.  Again, thank you Universe, Higher Power, Good Rich Person of the North Shore that Didn't need a Vitamix?!?!  Thank you, you made my life.

It took me a little time to warm up to it.  It sat on my counter like a very expensive piece of art for the first few weeks till I finally mustered the acceptance that it wasn't going anywhere and it was mine to keep.  And naturally, just like my beat up used one that was from craigslist that went off into the sunset of someone elses dreams, so did this one magically start to make delicious smoothies from random who knows what I had in my fridge, was on sale, etc., just like I used to do in the truck.  Enter my Serendipity Smoothie.  The most delicious smoothie to touch my lips since October 2012 when the Caboose unknowingly sold its last batches.

Isn't she a beaut?

Serendipity Smoothie, fills a Wide Mouth Mason

Needed: 1 young thai coconut water and meat, 1/2 large bunch of fresh cilantro, 1/2 large bunch of fresh mint, 1 large mango or 2 small, 1 lemon, juiced, honey or agave to taste (I used about a tablespoon), 1 cup ice if you prefer it chilled (don 't bother with ice if you use frozen mango)

If you are blending with a regular blender or a bullet, first don't feel bad, I have used them for years.  Blend the greens with the liquid first until smooth and then add fruit and meat.  If you are fortunate enough to have a Vitamix or a Blendtec just throw it all in a blend up this delicious smoothie.  Enjoy.

XO.  Suzanne

 

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~ happy birthday juice caboose ~

vancouver aquarium :: expansion complete!

Hey everyone!  Last week I had the chance to join a bunch of my fellow bloggers at the Vancouver Aquarium to tour the new expansion that is now complete and sample some delicious Ocean Wise canapes from the new Executive Chef.  I have to say that the Aquarium is a whole new place inside, I barely recognized it!  I used to take C as a babe and we knew that place inside and out.  We went earlier this year to meet with a friend and we were super surprised to not only not be able to meet at the whale statue where everyone meets (see above, its return to the front of the Aqarium) but a whole other temporary entrance plus all the stuff that was getting done inside.  Well this time I tell you it is complete and it is amazing!  "The new sustainable, state-of-the-art building will almost double the existing gallery space and dramatically enhance visitors’ enjoyment in exploring, learning and connecting with over 50,000 aquatic creatures." The Aquarium has so much to be proud of and this expansion project is just one to name a few, with the wonderful research and care of animals that they do at the top of my list.  When I mentioned to C that it was a whole new place and of course, the super cool story of how the octopus used to escape at night and eat the fishes in other tanks, it was on the top of his list to go back and check it out.  My mom comes in from Ontario next week and I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon, all of us together.

Things that got me excited during the tour: indoor seating and eating area; water bottle filling stations with a counter that shows how many bottles are being saved (LOVE!); the new bat area; the delicious food - the Halibut Poppers with house tartar sauce was sustainable fish heaven in my mouth (all the more reason to book an event!) and of course, the personalized tour where we got the inside scoop on the expansion and the little, yet amazing details that went into this project from the water wall outside, the landfill that was saved, and the colour refelctions of the building made to resemble the scales of a fish.  There is SO much room and potential for corporate and other events now.  I look forward to the possibilities in the large, teaching space that is decorated with photographs, captured by the aquarium staff themselves.  One of my absolute favourite, final, personal touches. 

But of course, you don't need to take my word for it, go visit yourself!  I assure you it will be a whole new tourist attraction to those that have already been a million times before.
XO.  Suzanne

whistler :: mini-vacay

More than anything in this whole entire world that this mum and this boy needed when school ended last month was a little getaway and some R & R.  There are many reasons why we feel like we've been through the ringer for the past year or so, and as we retire reasons for being in the ringer new reasons would unfold.  Most especially by the end of our year at school last month, which is the end of school for now, unschooling: the next frontier - we just needed to get out of dodge.  Ok, I'll speak for myself, I needed to get the heckfire out of this city and away from everything school, house, work and everyday related.  

I was originally banking on a little trip to Harrison Hot Springs.  I did everything possible to point the compass East but C was all uphill battle so uphill to the mountains it was.  As it was just on the cusp of summer, school wasn't actually out in spite of the strike going on in public schools, and my weekends are Monday to Wednesday, the affordability of Whistler was a sure win. 

The plan was:

- a cheap hotel room in the village, kitchenette and pool a must
- maximum two eat out meals, not including a visit to Cows for ice cream
- 2 x 5 activity passes to the Family Adventure Zone presented by Nintendo (I saved money here and didn't do any activities myself, just took a million pics of C)
- RELAX!!!

After my leisure rise out of bed the first morning and the discovery that nothing opens when they say it will open and I desperately needed something from the pharmacy, we did some exploring.  As if it was so simple.  Now, I'm not sure how other people's children are on vacation or in regular everyday life, but mine likes to play it safe.  On vacation, with a hotel room that has a TV with cable, safe means staying inside and not going anywhere.  Of course, that wasn't going to happen.  Ye have little faith. 

The upper village of Whistler has a Family Adventure Zone sponsored by Nintendo that opens up for the summer.  It had only just opened up two days before we arrived and again, Whistler is on it's own time schedule.  When we first arrived at the Family Adventure Zone right when it was supposed to open there was barely an employee there, let alone ready for business.  We had to meander around the village, spot a bear by the bus stop and detour back.  It was a little more happening by then.  I'm sure on a weekend it's wicked busy.  I bought the pass for C, it is by far a better deal, you essentially get one 'ride' for free and C headed to the Spiderman Web climby thing.  He loved it so much he did it again.  But then he discovered the bungee trampoline.  That's when he declared that this was the best day of his life.  That's right, I know a thing or two about planning some fun.

A second declaration was also made this day during the gravity ride.  He said he no longer wanted to be an astronaut, he wanted to be a photographer.  Totally cool with me.

Naturally, the effort it took to coerce him out of the hotel room to the Adventure Zone had to be doubled when it was time to wrap it up and head back.

I booked us two nights, I mean, what's the point of just getting there and then turning around.  Plus, who can resist the feeling of freshly shaved legs and clean and starchy hotel sheets - not me!  During the time that we did opt for a little TV time in the hotel room, I found myself curled up in bed with a can of espresso coconut water and the book that I had gifted myself for Mother's Day in front of me.  I lazily leafed through the pics in the book and soaked up some inspiration.

One thing I did not predict on this trip was the purchase of a skateboard.  The week before I had treasure hunted a vintage letterpress drawer that I had on and off been hunting for a while now.  I finally found one, and was planning to go get it and hang it in C's room for his collection of Mini Lego Figures when to my dismay I discovered that C had absolutely no interest in this at all.  If you are going to spend money I want a skateboard, he said.  But... but... but... I found a vintage letterpress drawer?!?!  I can say with full confidence, this means shit to a 7 year old.  In any case, we hunted down a skateboard in the village, the great thing about the village really is walking to everything, even a skateboard shop and I allowed C to purchase the skateboard with money his grandparents had gifted him.  This turned out to be the biggest surprise fun that we had the whole trip.  Within 24 hours of the purchase, he was skateboarding.  He totally blew me away.

The morning we left, we were up at the crack of dawn-ish, and back to the skatepark with his banana board.  We had breakfast and we were off.  It was short, sweet and exactly what we needed to get us into vacation planning mode for our next trip which is going to be a biggie.  I feel that when I was running my own business, with the costs of being in the first two years of it and the amount of time that it took up running it, things like a little trip to Whistler weren't even on my radar.  There is alot that I have taken in these past couple of years since my life changed drastically for the better, and I have a new sense of less is more, quality not quantity  and family comes first.  I loved our little trip.  This feels like just the beginning of many amazing things that await us in the future.  Thanks Whistler - for resetting our mental clocks to Whistler time.  XO.  Suzanne

local event :: the magic of media with jaimen mcmillan

Children need to interact with the tangible world in order to be in touch with reality.  Children need real people to connect with in order to develop truly. Programmed on a steady diet of virtual reality, they are becoming increasingly immobile, unable to create and channel their own energy. To boot, they have difficulty seeing clearly what actually needs to be done. They seem to perceive actuality with a “film” in front of their eyes. Their attempt to be escape artists from reality has led to the imprisonment of initiative.

Televisions, videos, computers, hand-held devices, and smartphones have created a virtual reality that threatens to usurp the roles that parents, siblings, and friends should play. True play itself is virtually disappearing; in fact, the virtual media is playing with us. The message of this workshop is not to eliminate technology, but rather to show how to use technology, so that it does not use us.  It will show that virtual reality is really a spatial consideration. The virtual world does not really exist out there; it takes place within the confines of the brain. The message is to learn to act on the three-dimensional stage of the physical world on which the drama of human life was meant to take place. Our taking the initiative now will help our children escape being victim to the ultimate, riveting, vanishing act:  the disappearance of being able to act out of one’s own free will.

Jaimen McMillan has been training movement therapists and educators for over three decades. Along with maintaining a private therapeutic practice,  he provides professional movement consulting, is an international lecturer, and served as the co-director of the School for Bothmer Gymnastics in Stuttgart, Germany for over 20 years.

WHEN:         October 28, 2013 @ 7 - 9 pm

WHERE:        Vancouver Waldorf School
                    2725 St. Christophers Road
                    North Vancouver

COST:           $20 Suggested donation at the door

CONTACT:    Ronaye @ 604-985-7435 

thanksgiving! gifts & gluten free

I've taken a new position on at my store, it's kind of like a special project manager where I essentially manage holidays!  Fun!  It's been a little bit deco, a little bit talking foodie and a lot of troubleshooting as its a new position to take over the chaos that normally occurs before the holidays.  I've already been dreaming about turkey orders and I will not lie, I am spending the week mentally preparing myself for turkey and meal pickups this Saturday as we still have 6 days to go and already we have over 75 people coming in just to see me!  And we haven't even really been super busy taking orders yet!  The real 'fun' begins this week.  

In between the bumpers of the pinball machine that these first couple of weeks have been like I've managed to come up with a little love of Thanksgiving, my creative contribution to my little corner of the store.

Normally at this time the store kicks out the perk and has cider sampling on overdrive.  It's a tradition and our guests at the store look forward to it.  However, I didn't want to just be the apple cider sample table.  I wanted a segway to talking turkey and deco and food.  I put two and two together and I came up with a very well received idea for Hostess Gifts, especially if the dinner you are attending is a famly, with the Apple Cider and Mulled Spice gift pack.  As pictured above we have a giant jug of Jim's Apple Cider from BC apples tied up simply with a pack of reuseable muslin pot pourri/spice sacs and the incredible Mulling Spice Pack from Gathering Place Trading Company (please click that link and tell me you don't want to visit this family for Thanksgiving).  People are just in LOVE with this gift!  I recommend it over anything else this Thanksgiving.

Anything else but a pumpkin centrepiece!  If it isn't love with the cider gift, than it will be full on soul mates with the beautiful green pumpkin carved out, decorated with fushia, red and orange flowers!  Or a white pumpkin with luscious rich fall coloured flowers or a butternut squash vase with sunflowers or gerbera daisies in a rich red colour. Oh the possibilities!  Seriously, visit Pinterest for inspiration (just click, the search is there!) if you aren't feelin me on this cause a carved out pumpkin bouquet/centrepiece is just the most luscious, decadent, epitome of beauty and harvest at the Thanksgiving table (here's one I made a few years ago with a Moulin Rouge Sunflower and Mum's from our old garden plot at Maplewood Farms).

I figured that while we are on the topic of Thanksgiving, I mean, it's just a week away (!!!) I would include a link to my Gluten Free Xmas Dinner post that I wrote last Christmas as a part of the 12 Days of Traditions with Vancouver's Top Mommy Bloggers.  A lot of the info posted in there from stuffing to gravy and of course, pumpkin pies can be really useful this time of year, and I went into a little detail if you are new or just hosting a guest that is gluten free and how to best handle having a gluten free experience for them.  Hope you find a little something extra that you hadn't thought of before you head out this week on your holiday shop!  

XO.
SUzanne 

{this moment}

Inspired by SouleMama