Still groovy

Happy cake day to my ever groovy mama!

xo

24h Tremblant: who's ready to hit the slopes for kids?

The air is already hot from the sun. The leaves make music in the breeze. It's a perfect summer day in Ottawa. Earlier hubs said something like "at least you're not thinking of skiing". Aaah, ya, whatever.

Five months from today the 14th edition of 24h Tremblant will kick-off. I have been fortunate enough to participate in this amazing event for the last two years.

24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. 2,000 people. $2M for kids.

24h Tremblant is a relay style ski event, a festive and fun-filled weekend, but most importantly a fundraiser for the kids. It's a 24 hour non-stop, non-competitive ski & snowboard challenge. Teams even race through the wee hours of the night to record the most tracks carved. Proceeds support children in need through organizations like the Sens Foundation.

This is my absolute favourite winter weekend of the year. From the time you arrive to the time the final amount raised is revealed the energy is electric. It's a weekend of celebrating, emotion and connecting with amazing people.

You hear stories of young children who never in a million years should be dealing with what they are. Of courage. Of hope. Inspiration. It's a weekend that unites people.

The 14th edition of 24h Tremblant takes places December 5-7 this year. Register your team today and hit the slopes for the kids.

Click here to watch a wrap-up video of the 12th edition of 24h Tremblant by Volkswagen.

A night at the Carp drive-in...BINGO style

Winner winner; chicken dinner

Over the loud speakers with perfect annunciation B-14 is called. Daub. Followed by N-34. Daub. Then G-60. Daub. My heart feels like it's going to jump out of my chest as I almost have a line. Ya, ya. Little things excite me. B-2. Zoot! O-69. O-69 is repeated. Woohoo! I lay my hand on the steering wheel and honk.

Yep. Honk. That's right folks. I honk the horn on my car. Why? Because I'm at the drive-in bingo of course.




Carp Fair drive-in bingo
Photo credits: Carp Fair & Auntie Times

This is the scene every Wednesday night of July in Carp, aka my community, aka the centre of the universe. Center ring at the fairgrounds is filled with excitement as the drive-in bingo has become a ritual for many around Ottawa and the Valley. Friends and families line the grounds to create unforgettable memories. Cause let's face it, how many people can say they've been to a drive-in bingo?

 

What to expect

When you pull up to the fairgrounds you are greeted by friendly volunteers. For 10 bucks you get 12 regular game sheets plus a jackpot game. Each sheet contains 9 cards so unless you're a real pro, it's plenty of bingo.

Blueberry goodness

After you are directed on where to park, hit up to the canteen. There's a BBQ and the best part? You don't have to cook. For dessert grab a slice of pie. Oh my gawd make sure you get the pie. They are all homemade and sooooooo delicious. If you wait for the break, there's no guarantee that there will be any left so get it early. Daubers are also available at the canteen in case you forget yours.

There's no golden rule on where you daub. While it's a "drive-in" some people bring blankets to spread out while others gather around in camping chairs. The Agricultural Society also sets up a few tables and chairs near the front for the keeners.

Around 8:00 pm the daubbing begins. Numbers are called old-school style: announced by a caller over the loudspeaker who repeats it at least twice. It goes fast but not so fast that it leaves your head spinning. The caller is good to let you know what colour card you are playing and the game (line, T, X, cross, blackout).

After an hour or so of gaming they take a short break. Enough time to grab a snack and some 50/50 cards. Sellers are set-up at red tables between the aisles. Cards have 3 boards and are $1 each. I've been on nights where the take home is well over $400. Not too shabby for a small town game!

It's not a super late night as things wrap up between 10:00 - 10:30 pm. Parfait for those who have to work the next day or need to get the littles to bed.

A few things to keep in mind

1. Bring a clipboard or a piece of cardboard. While the Agricultural Society has a number of boards to dab on, they do sometimes run out. Having something handy to dab on will make your life a lot easier in the event they're out.
2. Bug spray is a must. Whether you're in sitting outside or in your car the little critters can be nasty.
3. If you've got the lights or radio on in the car, it's good idea to start it every now and then. Makes getting home a bit easier.
4. Let the kiddos wear their jammies so you can plunk them right into bed when you get home.
5. Develop a system - for the special games (X, cross, T, etc) only dab those numbers within that shape. Trust me, you'll find the shape much faster. Plus you won't continue to ask "what game are we playing again?"

Now this one is for the "professionals" only: bring a headlamp. It gets dark and while there are lights all around the ring, you don't want shadows casting over your boards.




Professional dauber

Overall it's just a big excuse to get together and support a great cause. Proceeds from the evening support making the best little fair in Canada happen. So git'yur daubbers ready and we'll see you at the BINGO!

Deets

When: every Wednesday in July. BBQ starts at 6:00 pm; Bingo at 8:00 pm. Rain or shine.
Where: Carp Fairgrounds, Carp Road just north of March Road in the village of Carp (about 15 minutes west of Canadian Tire Centre)
Cost: $10 a board; $1 per 50/50 sheet. BBQ & snacks available
More info: www.carpfair.ca or 613-839-2172

Green, dirty thumb

Believe it or not this princess likes to get down and dirty. Literally. There is something liberating about it. I do it every day.

 

I haven't always had a green thumb. There is absolutely no greenery in my house. On the inside I can't keep anything alive. But outdoors is a whole other story. You could say I come by it naturally: my mom is a gardener (if anyone in the Ottawa area is looking for one, she's available!). Hey, I gotta plug my mama! For years she designed and maintained the gardens at the Calabogie Highlands Golf Club (click link to view her work) before going out on her own. So I guess it's in my blood.

 

Surprisingly gardening has become the most relaxing part of my day. While it is an enormous amount of work to keep the flowers watered, weeded & wonderful, I wouldn't trade it. It's also the one time in my day when I am 100% disconnected from the rest of the world.

 

There's also something about gittin' dirt under your nails. Remember, I'm from the valley! It takes me back to being a kid: digging in the sand with no worries in the world. Showing up home to a good hose down before being allowed in the house.

 

Gittin' dirty!

 

It's only been a couple of years of having a grown up garden. And by that I mean something other than weeds. I am certainly not a maven. Yet. I still text my mom with questions almost every day. Is it too late to split the grasses? What can I do to get my weigela to grow? When should I prune my shrubs?

 

My gardens are my happy place. My tranquility. There is something very peaceful about being surrounded by nature's beauty. I have a perennial garden at the front of the house, a rock garden at the back and 12 planters around the yard. 

 

Everyday I discover something new. Whether a new flower has bloomed a rich shade or a small creature buzzing, it's all wondrous. This year we have an abundance of dragonflies. Why is this so fantastic? Because they are a natural predator to mosquitoes! We have actually been able to enjoy the backyard this year sans-swatting.

 

  

Lots of these guys in our backyard

Bees love the Russian Sage.

The neighbours joke that I spend so much time in my gardens I must be watching the flowers grow. They're just jealous they're yards don't look like this.

So, do you have a green, dirty thumb?

 



Ringside For Youth: it's for the kids

One thousand guests. Five bouts of amateur boxing. A lot of Las Vegas.

Fifteen volunteers. Two point five million dollars. A lot of kids helped.

These are the ingredients that make-up Ringside for Youth: Ottawa's most unique fundraising event. Together they are a recipe of success.



Twenty years ago Steve Gallant, First Vice-President & Investment Advisor for CIBC Wood Gundy, knew something had to be done to save the Debra Dynes Youth Centre in the neighbourhood he grew up in. Tom Hicks, co-founder of JetForm Corporation, agreed. Together they combined their business expertise and founded Ringside for Youth.


Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

Today's recipe is the same as it was 20 years ago: dinner, amateur boxing from as far as the U.S. and a retired championship boxer as special guest. Many of the 1,000 guests are the same as they were 20 years ago. There hasn't been much movement in the fifteen or so volunteers who are involved in producing the event. And the causes remain the same: the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa and Beaver Boxing.

The only thing that has really changed each year is the celebrity. This year it was done up big! Sugar Ray Leonard, one of the greatest fighters of all time, was this year's special guest.



Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

“I can’t think of anything more special than to have him here for the 20th,” said Gallant. “He’s phenomenal. He’s just so gracious and a real sportsman.”

Sugar Ray did more than just deliver a key-note address. He told stories about his life growing up. Recounted fights throw-for-throw with every duck, slip and block. He silenced a room.

Another ingredient of this spectacular recipe is the live, amateur boxing. While I'm not a boxing fan, I have a growing appreciation for the sport. Especially since women's boxing was introduced to the event last year. The bouts are officiated and counted on the athletes' cards. Boxers train their hearts out as this is as close to the big stage as they will ever get.

Because of this recipe, Ringside attracts some of Ottawa's most generous people. At any fundraising event that has live and silent auctions, it's a crap-shoot. Let's face it, no matter the city you live in you're constantly being asked to support something. But there was something about this evening that was different. You could feel it.



Photo credit: Sean Sisk Photography

Comedian Angelo Tsarouchas was in again from LA to emcee the event (he's only missed one over the years). The first live auction item is always the same: a prize package that included a fight robe and a pair of professional boxing gloves signed by the celebrity. The bidding started at $1,500 as it normally does. I wasn't paying much attention until I heard Ang at $7,000 - double what is normally raised for this item. I had to excuse myself from the conversation as an all-out bidding war ensued. It was up to $15,000 when Sugar Ray himself stepped back into the ring to announce he would throw in a free boxing lesson. The final bidding closed at a staggering $21,000!!

After that I knew it was going to be a good phenomenal night. The Ottawa Senators had donated a trip for 4 to an east coast game including travel on the charter. When the bidding finally closed at $15,000 Cyril Leeder, president of the team, quickly offered a second trip to the other bidder. Thirty thousand dollars in a matter of seconds.



Proud to with this amazing group
of people

Once all was said and done, Ringside for Youth raised a staggering $200,000 to ensure some of Ottawa's most vulnerable children have the best chance at success. I am incredibly proud to work beside such an amazing group of committed volunteers. Happy anniversary my friends.








This year I wore a hawt lil' Tibi number from Rent Frock Repeat. If you're looking for designer dresses without the designer price tag, consider renting one. Trust me, you will feel like you're on the runway.

Learn more about Ringside for Youth and the impact it has on youth in our community. Watch the video produced by one of our volunteer committee members.

 

 

Almonte: more than just a basketball town

If you've heard of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, then you have heard of Almonte. Or at least know of it as it was the town Naismith was born. What you may not know is that this cute little town just 20 minutes west of Ottawa is filled with unique, fab shops and restaurants, a vibrant arts community and much more. On the exterior it's like stepping back in time; the interior filled with contemporary treasures.

I spent a wonderful few hours in the quaintness of Almonte on Saturday. I had breakfast plans to catch up with a girlfriend who I used to work with. We decided on the Mill Street Crepe Company. It did not disappoint.




Tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus & gruyere crêpe

We were seated at a window overlooking the street with sun rays filling the room. We chatted over coffee then committed to placing an order. The daily special sounded too good to pass up so we both went for it: cream of tomato fennel soup with a ham, asparagus and gruyere cheese filled crêpe. My mouth is watering just thinking about our meal again. It was sinful. The perfect brunch combination.

Karen and I took turns sharing stories, more so the other could enjoy what was in front of us. Our server was friendly, attentive and engaging. She checked in numerous times even though the restaurant had filled.

What impressed me even more was when the owner came over. He didn't just ask if everything was ok. He noticed a draft and wanted to ensure we were comfortable. He ensured the food wasn't just OK but that we were happy with the quality. The attention he provided us in the 22 seconds he was at our table topped the already great experience for me. I would absolutely return to this café.




Greeting at cash of Hello Yellow

A couple of hours after arriving in the restaurant we toured the charming main street. There is something peaceful about no sky scrapers or modern designs overwhelming the senses. The exteriors are preserved filled with unique and eclectic finds. Hello Yellow is my absolutely favourite shop in Almonte. Essentially it's Etsy in a box. Emily (don't forget: small town where everyone knows your name) carries the cutest, one-of-a-kind accessories and home décor. Of course I did not leave empty handed. I needed to support the local economy after all.

There are lots of other unique shops in Almonte. The Tin Barn Market is a neat store that is filled with vintage - you guessed it: tin - items. You can't go to the Tin Barn Market without being sucked into Bob's Bakery next door. The aroma is like a hook with the bakers on the other end reeling you in. There are a few antique stores which are great to go treasure hunting in. You'll also find some funky clothing & shoe stores. I even saw a Minion on the main street on Saturday. So truly, something for everyone.




Waterfalls at the end of the River Walk

After you have your fill of goodies and want to burn a few calories off, head to the River Walk. Almonte has built a boardwalk along the Mississippi River that runs through the middle of the town. I stopped and got lost in the falls for a while. There is something absolutely mesmerizing about cascading water.

Almonte is also renowned for its fantastic festival lineup. A popular one is Puppets Up! an international puppet festival entertaining adults and children alike. For the music lovers there are Celtfest and the North Lanark Highlands Games.

No matter what your style or tastes are, there is something for everyone in Almonte. If you're planning a staycation this summer or looking for a quick day trip, I would highly recommend putting this cozy little town on your to-do list.

Shipping up to Boston

If your first thought was Dropkick Murphys when you read the title of this post, you're my new BFF. No. Seriously. We'll be rockin' out to some Celtic punk together soon.

It's June. The time of year when both hubs and I are coming off busy cycles in our respective jobs and dragging butt. When I normally start nagging, "what are we doing for vacation this summer?"

So what do the Dropkick Murphys have to do with my summer plans? Well, let me tell you. A couple of weeks ago hubs asked if I wanted to go to Boston this summer. I says wha?? Who are you and what the hell have you done with my husband?!!

In the 10 or so years we have been together this has never happened. Like ever. I'm always the one to suggest a weekend excursion here or travel there. Rarely does it actually come to fruition; at least relative to the number of times I propose it.

Needless to say the hotel was booked before he finished getting the words out and had a chance to change his mind. Thanks to a girlfriend, we're staying at the Westin Boston Waterfront. I can't say enough about this hotel already and we're more than a month away from our trip.

Within hours of confirming our reservation I received this message from Anna D, their marketing manager:

Thank you so much for choosing The Westin Boston Waterfront for your upcoming inaugural trip to Boston! We're so excited to welcome you and are happy to assist with planning fun activities. Please send along information about who you're traveling with, if you're celebrating a special occasion and what you enjoy to eat/drink, along with other likes/dislikes and I'm happy to personalize an itinerary for you. 

Again, we can't wait to welcome you to our wonderful city and I look forward to hearing from you.

Well shiver me timbers, ya bilge rat! Get out of me rum! It wasn't just a canned note. Anna knew that it was our first trip to Boston. And she was ready to help make it great.

In the little research I've done I know there is much to take in. We got a great deal through Porter Airlines cutting out full travel days on either end of the trip. Even with this, I'm worried that 5 days won't be enough to take everything in. The only thing I know for sure is we'll hit a ball game as the Jays are in Boston to take on the Red Sox the week we are there. <cough cough> Wife of the year. Right here.

I would really, really, REALLY like to go whale watching. I am absolutely fascinated with these magnificent creatures. Here's the thing: I get motion sickness. As in I have to take Gravol if I'm a passenger in a car for more than an hour so being confined on a boat in unpredictable weather has my stomach doing flips thinking about it. But then I look at these images from Boston Harbour Cruises and think, "how can I not do this?"

 

As you can tell, I'm very excited about our trip. We've received great service so far from the Westin Boston Waterfront.  Anna has been super accommodating as I've been THAT kid, already changing the dates of our stay. If this is any indication of what to expect when we get there, I know it's going to be a fantastic trip. Countdown to the next #TheARobsAdventures is on!

If you've been to Bahhhh-stin before, what do you recommend we hit up?

So for now, I'm off to find my wooden leg...

Happy Birthday #Suckhole

Dear Ms. Maddie: I hope your day has been filled with nothing but ice cream on the other side of the rainbow bridge. Happy birthday princess. xo

 

Today the #suckhole would have been 7. I miss her each and every day. Read here about our heartache.

Closure Begins

Dani & I at the 10th Annual
Burn Your Bra For Bev fundraiser

Today, almost two years to the day, my bestie is in surgery again. May 25, 2012 she had both of her breasts removed. This time it is to begin the reconstruction process. It has been a long two years but this part of the journey should start to bring closure to the Big C.

We know there's a special angel looking over her. At our high school graduation our world lost a special person. Today would have been our friend Trisha's 37th birthday. This day two years ago a purple flower that had never budded before bloomed in Dani's garden. A sign letting us know she was there. Purple also happened to be Trisha's favourite colour.



I started my day today with the same words to my bestie as two years ago: luvs ya sista.