Groceries to Go

Now that I have started working full time, menial house chores are snuck into the most random of places.

Laundry at 9am on a Sunday morning. Cleaning the bathroom sink as I brush my teeth. Groceries at 8:30pm.

Well, now I just discovered a way to cross one of the chores off of my list, by just lifting a finger (or two)

A few days ago, driving home from Hannah's daycare, I spotted a colourful van that was delivering groceries. I jotted down the name in my iPhone notes and only got around to researching Epicerie Direct a few days later. But so glad that I did.

This local company delivers groceries right to your door. And most importantly, they service my neighbourhood which a lot of the supermarket chains do not. The website is very easy to use with a variety of products from homemade bread to organic produce to baby food.

My first order was mostly the basics. Figured I'd keep it small for a test. The prices on this site are extremely competitive and delivery is free with an order over $50. I scheduled my delivery between 6pm-7pm and was greeted by a friendly knock on the door at 6:55pm.

My order was all there and in good condition. Except for the strawberries which were pretty banged up. I even got a bonus bag of grapes (whoops on their part at $6/bag) but was pleased with the easiness and, most of all, the convenience of this service.

You might be thinking...how much did they pay her to write this. The answer is 0. Like I said, I scouted Epicerie Direct out on my own and just wanted to pass along this great time saving find.

If they service your area, hopefully it will take one thing off your to-do list giving you a bit more mommy downtime...

Choo Choo

I am currently sitting on a train en route to Toronto for a business meeting. It's my first time on the train in just over 8 years.

Back in our days of courtship, my husband treated me to a weekend in Toronto (theatre and all) via train. I honestly don't remember much about the journey but sitting here for just under 2 hours I'm wondering how I could have forgotten.

This is simply lovely. Yes, I came prepared with an iPhone, iPad, magazine and salad, but does this ever beat the hustle and bustle of an airport, take-off and landing. Maybe it's because I haven't had 5 hours of peace to myself in over a year. Maybe it's because I worked till 11:30 last night. Maybe I'll be bored in another hour.

But right now, I am quite content.

Except for knowing that I am missing dinner, playtime and the bedtime routine. Yes, it's my first night away from Hannah. Crazy to think we've been in the same place every night for the past 18 months. I don't think she'll make too much of a stink tonight but come tomorrow afternoon the "mommy, mommy" might get a bit incessant.

I honestly don't know who was more distraught about my departure. Me, her or my husband. I was feeling guilt. She was likely feeling sadness and he was feeling scared (sorry dear).

But we'll all make it through. If all goes well at my meeting tomorrow this won't be the last business trip I'll have to take.

And thanks to the wonders of technology, a face time chat isn't too far off. This would make for the perfect iPhone 4 commercial, wouldn't it?

Fast Times

Tomorrow is Yom Kippur. The day to repent for your sins.

To do so you must not eat, shower or make yourself up - its all about realizing what you've done in the past year and how it might have affected others.

I haven't fasted in two years. Last year I was pregnant and the year before I was breastfeeding. Fasting is never easy but with a two year hiatus it is looking a bit daunting.

Especially because I am not quite sure how I will spend the day chasing after Hannah with nothing in my stomach. By 4pm on fast days you are typically worn out so I can only imagine what it feels like after you have emulated a 5K run running after an 18 month old.

Moms how do you handle fasting? Any tips for a novice?

Everyone Loves a Deal

Newsflash: Pampers diapers are on sale at Walmart for $17.97 a box. Wow!

With a limit of 4 per customer, it's time to stock up.

If you can get your hands on any that is...

Winner Announcement!

I am pleased to announce the winner of the necklace and jewelry by the New Maison Eros Greatti and M.

Drum roll please...

The winner is dayna_erin!

Congratulations!

Please contact me by email and I will arrange to get your prize to you.

Smarty Pants

Since starting school less than 3 weeks ago, Hannah has become a genius.

Ok, so maybe she was a smart girl to begin with or maybe hitting the 18 month mark has made her mature, but the differences we have seen in her since the end of August are amazing.

She has added tons of new words to her vocabulary. She can identify almost every part of her body. She can name the sounds various animals make. So cute!

But for me, the most exciting part of watching her become a braniac has been seeing the associations she makes. A few examples:

• When she hears Winston's collar clinging in the morning she immediately goes to the front door and says "walk"
• Today, she got into her semi squatting bathroom pose and proceeded to say "peepee", "potty". Now I know she knows the difference between a number one and two but potty is definitely not a subject that has been covered in our curriculum at home (yet).
• And finally my favourite. The other day her dad showed her this video of a dog doing the merengue. Today I asked her if she wanted to watch a video thinking she would opt for a vacation recap on the ipad. But she immediately went into the office and said "doggie". I said "doggie dancing?" and she started wiggling in her usual dance moves.

So cute...and so smart! I can't wait to see (and hear) what she comes up with next!

All Dressed Up

Thursday and Friday marked the Jewish New Year. And with plenty of parties and days at synagogue, Hannah's closet was brimming with dresses.

As most of you know, I love a good deal. So here's a look at her fashion steals that had the crowds ooh-ing and aww-ing.

This toile number was a birthday gift from one of my friends. The perfect little girl party dress, paired with her patent leather loafers from Target (a steal at $2.99!)

Posing with Winston in polka dots. This dress was bought last winter at Carter's. It was part of the Christmas collection, so I snapped it up after the season for $7.99. Sparkly party shoes from Marshalls were also a great buy at $12.99.
And finally, the dress I have been waiting to put her in for months. I bought this at H&M in NYC (along with the floral tights) hoping she would wear it for her first birthday. But it was too big so we broke it out for the holidays.