by Annette Quinet | Aug 28, 2016 | Family, Mont Tremblant, summer |
Family has been front and center this last week! As I mentioned in my last blog post F-words 4 August we were looking forward to a family vacay. Mont Tremblant ,Quebec is a popular year-round destination and it fit our criteria:
- Car ride max 2 hours (Are we here yet has been a constant question all summer long in fact for 24 summers now…enough already!)
- Pool
- AC
- Internet
- Activities
- Space
We have been to Tremblant before (winter & summer) and really enjoy the area. In the past we have stayed with friends and in hotels. A friend recommended Tremblant Elysium as an alternate option to staying in a hotel. They manage a variety of properties which looked very appealing. We chose Tremblant Elysium Les-eaux, close to the mountain (10 minute walk and/or shuttle service) 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, internet, AC and pool! Criteria met!
Here is what worked for us:
Travelling with a 6 & 21 yr old has its challenges so the space was fabulous!. Not only indoor space but there were 3 private small decks too. Bathrooms (2) well stocked with towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner (hairdryer too). Kitchen was well stocked (we brought groceries with us) with everything you needed to make meals (microwave, stove,dishwasher, full size fridge, coffee maker (filters incl) and a cappuccino maker! There was also a washer and dryer (detergent incl). Our unit had at least 2 pull-out sofas one in the master and the other in the living area. Internet worked well, parking for 2 vehicles and vouchers for the gondola. We really enjoyed the pool area (2minute walk from unit) which is open10am-10pm daily (lifeguards). There is 1 large pool, 1 lap pool, 1 warm spa with waterfall (my fave) and another spa (jetted and hot) . This area also had a changing facility that contained washrooms, steam room, sauna and lockers.
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lap pool
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warm spa
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swimming pool
As always there is room for improvement and this is what did not work for us:
We were under the impression the unit had AC; however it was only on the main floor which meant the master bedroom (top floor) was really hot; however there were fans in each bedroom. The master had no closet, the bed was kingsize but the mattress is in need of replacing. One design flaw in our opinion, sliding panels above the bed in the master bedroom which opens to the main living space below. This could potentially be dangerous (falling hazard) with young children. These panels also offered no insulation from the main floor noise (despite being closed) therefore if the tv was on and you were trying to sleep good luck! Not fun if let’s say someone with you is an insomniac. This could be a pro or con but there is no daily housekeeping. Bring your own pool towels and swim/beach toys (noodles, water sprayers, diving batons etc) this made the world of difference for Isabelle, she had several instant BFF’s aka playmates.
Mont Tremblant offers a variety of activities. Most are a fee for service so it can get expensive. We enjoyed the mountain village where we did the luge, trapeze, rock climbing wall & gondola. Another way the mountain village likes to separate you from your money are the shops, Place BonBon and Univers Toutou were Isabelle’s favorite!
Of course, there are ample hiking and biking trails, beach ($) and climbing the mountain on foot is free!
by Annette Quinet | Aug 9, 2016 | Family, Fashion, Fitness, Five Questions, Food & Drink, My Blog, Shopping, summer |
Most people in Ottawa eagerly await our summer season. It is relatively short and before you know it , it will be September with Fall just around the corner. So for the remainder of August, my 4 featured F-words will be:
Fitness, Food, Family and Focus
Fitness at the beginning of this summer was my nemesis. I injured my Achilles at the end of June and was unable to run for a month. Since I started running , over 20 years ago, I have been fortunate with only a few minor injuries. Running has been mentally therapeutic for me and it was frustrating when I was unable to run. After a month off, I have finally been able to get out there and pound the pavement but it has not been easy. After time off it almost feels like you are starting over, your cardio/stamina has diminished and breathing has been more difficult,…perhaps the hot humid temps have also been a factor. So as most people, I turn to the internet for tips, pointers, and motivators. This is a great article on shortness of breath while exercising. I also find running to music helps and use the Rock my Run app that I have on my phone which allows me ($) to download or stream music …nothing like running to an awesome playlist, it’s totally motivating. I also have my four legged friend, Oscar, that accompanies me and with this fabulous leash… our
runs have been so much more enjoyable (for runs, I wrap it around my waist=handsfree yippee) Isabelle also now joins us now that she has mastered riding her bike (thank you Pedalheads) This has been freeing and I really like that feeling. Here’s hoping I have run far enough away from any more injuries.
Food is synonymous with summer. We are fortunate to be able to purchase lots of local produce whether it be at one of the areas farmers market or at our local grocery store. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh produce into our meals while supporting local growers. Recently, our household has become “mostly” gluten free and I am continuously searching for websites that offer healthy,easy and fast recipes to try.
Here are 4 recipes that look tasty and worthy of trying this month:
Eating Bird Food -Almond Butter Chicken Salad
Detoxnista -Garden Vegetable Salad Rolls with “Peanut” dipping sauce (like those at Whole Foods)
Running with Spoons- Almond butter & jelly Banana Bread Bars
MBG – Vegan Banoffee Pie Cups (already made these last night-AWESOME!)
Family time is important and we have just planned a getaway to Mont Tremblant for a few days in hopes of some fun and R&R! Friends recommended a property that we are excited to try. It has the amenities that are important when travelling with kids (21 & 6) such as a swimming pool and internet I am so looking forward to sitting by the pool and being so much more relaxed now that Isabelle is swimming. Her fear of getting her head wet has totally dissipated thanks to a $4.49 swim mask and of course swimming lessons. Hiking, biking, exploring will also be on the agenda as will be a new summer read. I just finished my first summer read which no doubt will now be read by hubby. Nothing says summer like a good John Grisham novel.
Finally, with a focus or maybe just a glance towards fall, for now, I look forward to reading some of these fall Fashion magazines for inspiration. I also look forward to the day when I can wear what I consider a fabulous fashion find ,this pair of Mackage black leather stretch leggings . Another focus is writing more blog posts featuring five questions with Dr. Mamta Gautam, Catherine Ennis and Julie Nott, in addition to continuing regular blog posts with more F-words!
For now, I will be focusing on enjoying the remainder of summer and I hope you will too.
by Annette Quinet | Jun 19, 2016 | Family, Uncategorized |
Father’s Day is today! A day to celebrate the men, who have taught us so much, stood beside us and loved us unconditionally. For me, there are 2 important men in my life, my dad Felix (yes another fabulous F-word) and Bernie-awesome dad to our daughter Isabelle, and step-dad to my older son and daughter. Each day I wake up thankful and feel truly blessed to have these two wonderful men in my life; we should all be so lucky.
As a daughter I have been very fortunate; my father is 86 years old and I get to celebrate this day with him. My dad is a very special person and he has touched the lives of many. As a father, a husband, a public servant, a writer and a part time professor he demonstrated remarkable characteristics and took each role very seriously all with passion, humor, wisdom and love. I have been so fortunate to have this wonderful and special father daughter relationship.
I also love to see the bond Isabelle has with her father and how each day he nourishes it with his love, guidance and presence. For girls this can be one of the most important relationships. These relationships have the ability to ensure a brighter future when they have good examples to follow.
This year for Father’s Day Isabelle made a beautiful card (pictured above) and painting for her dad (pictured below). He was overjoyed with these gifts and marvelled at her “works of art” with enthusiasm and pride. With these positive reactions Isabelle was also gifted because she felt proud, talented, loved and happy.
When I was the same age as Isabelle, I presented my dad with a painting I had drawn. It was a picture of a cup of coffee and some other artistic embellishments and the words “Good Morning”. This picture, now framed and hanging on the wall in my parents room is what they wake up to each morning. It makes them happy. Today, Isabelle’s painting has been placed in our room, it is also in a prominent location and it will be the first thing we see in the morning as well. I know it will make us happy and no doubt put a smile on our faces as we look at her masterpiece.
I truly understand how fortunate I am to have both my dad and Bernie. I would be remiss if I failed to mention that it saddens me that this day will be difficult for some. For my brother, Marc, who lost his only child, Thomas-Paul at 14, this is a day to reflect and remember, but also to celebrate the 14 years this amazing kid was with us and who was so very proud of his dad.
For my friends, who have lost their fathers I hope they find comfort in their memories and are able to celebrate those with laughter and love.
And lastly, for those children whose fathers never understood the importance of their role in the lives of their children, how sad to have missed out on those relationships. Let’s hope these “kids” grow up with courage and knowledge that they can do better and not repeat this cycle.
“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.” Peggy O’Mara
by Annette Quinet | Apr 20, 2016 | Family, Food & Drink, My Blog |
Family has a way of affecting you unexpectedly, sometimes it’s positive other times its negative…. as people like to say you can’t pick your family but you can pick your friends! In recent days my heart and head have been in another place, which makes it difficult to function. Despite the sun shining I feel a large cloud looming over and as a mom it’s the worst feeling in the world to know your child is hurting and be rendered helpless. My intent is not to trivialize my situation but to do something that alters my headspace. I need to function. I am no stranger to these situations; regrettably I have spent way too much time and energy dealing with them. I have tried a multitude of coping mechanisms some good others not so good.
As I want to morph into a positive headspace these are the good ways that help me to cope. Fitness, going for a walk with the dog can be therapeutic. My body moves and my mind does also…many ideas/inspirations come from these moments. Going for a run with awesome music lets those endorphins kick in and start the feel “better” process, thank you Rock My Run. Friends, I know that I can pick up the phone and call one and get someone to listen while being non-judgmental yet supportive…. Amen to that! Family, despite their good intentions this can be tricky, they too are hurting and can fall into a “protective mode”, “I can fix that” mindset, or the role of the “blamer” or “psychologist” but most times all you need is a “I love you”, “sorry you are going through a difficult time”…. and maybe a hug!
Food can be a negative coping mechanism. Sometimes you want to feed your soul to see if it can swallow up that pain but generally the wrong food choices are made and perhaps washed down with a glass of wine or 2 and you …ok me are not making any progress due to this being a temporary fix. As I said in my first blog post I need to look at things as the glass half full not half empty. Most days I try to make reasonable food choices and monitor the wine consumption. Quite honestly, I enjoy wine and love sipping on a glass of wine in the evenings but I am also noticing that at my age that wine and sleep are not a good combination. Sleep is a necessity with a young child , so I try to limit wine and find alternatives. Lately I have been repeatedly hearing the phrase “when life gives you lemons make lemonade” (BH Housewives finale last night) and last year I came up with a version of a lemon slush that is healthy, tasty and makes a great mocktail to sip on in the evenings. Despite it not being the ‘fix” I so desperately want, it does fuel my mind to come up what I hope will be positive strategies ….so on that note lets hope that there are some restoring powers within this Lemon Slush to help achieve a sunnier disposition….Cheers!
Lemon Slush
Blend the following together pour and enjoy!
-One whole organic lemon quartered(I use a Vitamix, if you do not have a high power blender use fresh organic lemon juice from one lemon and add some filtered water as needed) see below for benefits and links
-1 tbsp. of Apple Cider vinegar see below for benefits and links
-Handful of ice
-Few drops of stevia or organic honey for sweetness (optional)
-serving over tequila or gin optional
Did you know that consuming the lemon peel has a multitude of benefits such as peels contains 5-10 times more vitamins than lemon juice, also peel is a fabulous source for fiber, potassium, magnesium, calcium, folate and beta carotene. The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are also amazing, it can be used as a weight loss tool, sunburn relief, teeth stain remover and the list goes on.
Check out these links:
Eating Lemon Peel
Reasons to use Apple Cider Vinegar every day
The Zoe Report- ACV wellness
