Nothing says Autumn to me more than a warm, butternut squash soup.
And what a perfect day to share a fall soup recipe – on the first day of fall!
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 cups butternut squash, peel and cut into small cubes
2 carrots, chopped
5 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped, along with 2 tbsp tomato paste OR 1/2 cup of tomato puree
5 cups organic chicken or vegetable broth – if you don’t have stock on-hand, you can also use water with a bouillon
Salt and pepper
Method
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, soften the onion and garlic in olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high, add squash and saute for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and saute for another two minutes.
Add chicken broth and tomato paste and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an hour.
With a hand-blender, puree the soup into a creamy texture. Serve with a drizzle of sour cream or cream.
Patty Sullivan is a busy mom, host of Kids’ CBC and actress. She is one of the most recognized and popular faces on Canadian children’s programming.
Married to Michael Kinney, a digital content producer and also an actor (portrays Coach Armstrong on Degrassi), the couple have a daughter who just started junior kindergarten.
This is an exciting time for Patty! She is nominated for two Gemini awards, for Best Host in a Pre-School, Children’s or Youth Program or Series and for best pre-school program or series for Kids’ Canada on CBC.
She is also rehearsing for an upcoming stage show where she’ll play the role of Lily St. Regis in “Annie” this November in east Toronto.
Finally, the best part of all, Patty has even bigger news… she’s expecting!
Patty Sullivan and daughter Veronica
She and her husband are excited of course. Physically, she feels the same… tired, hungry all the time but luckily no morning sickness. “Emotionally? I’m a lot calmer. I’m not nervous or worried, wondering what’s going to happen. And I’m not frantically reading books trying to learn everything before the baby comes! It’s a much more relaxed pregnancy, for sure.”
Their daughter will have to adjust to having a new baby in the house, as well as Patty and her husband! “ At first, It might be difficult for our daughter to get used to not having all of our attention all the time, but we also think she will be very “proud” to be the “big sister” who can help her Mommy and Daddy with the baby, and will embrace the idea of teaching the baby everything she knows.”
Patty and Michael love seeing their daughter’s confidence grow every day. “It tells me that we’re providing her with a safe, supportive and loving environment.”
Patty and her husband have a positive approach when it coming to parenting. “For me, it’s important to encourage my child to be kind, work hard, and be the best that SHE can be. My parenting style also focuses on providing constructive correction, rather than just negativity. And keeping it fun too!”
Patty and Veronica
What words of wisdom does Patty give to a first-time mom? “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all need it from time to time. And listen graciously to any advice that people pass on to you, but always do what you feel is best. Every child is different, and parenting styles are different, so no piece of advice will work for everyone.”
We often wonder how busy moms handle or achieve the perfect work/life balance. For Patty, she thinks moms especially feel guilty often. “We feel we’re either not doing enough work, or we’re not spending enough time with family. The challenge is always making sure you give yourself a little time too, because we are of no use to anyone else if we’re not taking care of ourselves.”
“What helps however, is having a great support system, and I’m lucky to have a husband who is a very hands on father.”
Every so often, I find a book that is not only a great read but inspiring. Not very often do you find this in a children’s book.
Just how big can a little girl dream? As big as she wants!
My Name is Not Isabella is a wonderful new picture book that inspires creativity within young girls, as well as encourages the power within all of us. Girls can use their imagination and aspire to reach for the stars, whether the goal is to be a scientist, a doctor or even mommy, all jobs are equally important.
The protagonist, Isabella, celebrates everything a woman can be by using her imagination pretending to be some of the ground-breaking women who changed history: Annie the sharpshooter, Rosa the activist, Marie the scientist, and many more.
Jennifer Fosberry, a mother of three, was moved to create this story when she thought about the kind of women that she admired and the kind of women she thought her daughter could be. She included many personal heroes:
Sally Ride, Annie Oakley, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Elizabeth Blackwell, and the sixth role model, Mommy.
Isabella’s Mommy is the kind of mom that not only encourages, but engages and enhances the imagination of her children. The teachable quality of this heart-warming tale empowers young girls with the knowledge that they can do anything they want while inspiring them to let their own personalities shine.
It’s refreshing to see a book like this because our society today puts such value on “role models” like pop stars and reality TV personalities.
This book conveys an empowering and inspiring message that mothers, grandmothers, aunts and sisters will want to pass along to little girls in their lives.
My Name Is Not Isabella, written by Jennifer Fosberry and illustrated by Mike Litwin, is now available for purchase at Chapters/Indigo.ca, Amazon.com and Amazon.ca.
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; ISBN: 978-1-4022-4395-0; Picture Book $16.99; September 2010).
I’ve recently started enjoying shopping again. I’m one of those people who can’t spend a whole day shopping but likes to be in and out.
I like to know what I’m going to buy before I start looking otherwise I will undoubtedly a) buy clothing I don’t need; b) buy the exact same black sweater that I already have c) buy something just because it’s on sale.
I don’t really follow trends but may buy a few pieces to update my style. This year, I’ve put a few items on my list that I will specifically look for, many of which are classics.
Here is a list of my favourite top trends for Fall/Winter 2010:
1. Leather Jackets
This year’s leather jackets are light and as cool as ever. I already own several but I’m loving the new colours available, especially grey, the new black. The biker style is hot, with zippers and in trendy colours.
Find a jacket light enough to roll into a ball and one with a bit sheen. You can go cropped and a bit boxy bomber style, or choose one that has a shaped waist. Of course you can pair with jeans but be creative, pair it with a jersey dress too.
Leather Jacket, Danier
2. Minimalism
You can’t go wrong with simple. But minimal needs to fit properly so make sure you find pieces that are tailored to fit your body. See trend below: Tailored.
Bottega Veneta
3. The Skinny Cargo
Forget the loose, wide-leg cargo. This year’s trend is the skinny cargo, fitted and tapered. Pair them with flats for a casual, daytime look or with lace-up heels for a funkier look.
The Skinny Cargo, The Gap
4. Jewel Tones
Black is back in a big way. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still wear colour. Jewel tones are still trendy especially in amethyst, emerald, onyx or sapphire. These colours are luxurious and regal.
Jewel Tones, R&W
5. Tailored
A well-made tailored suit will always be in style. Buy the best you can afford because these classics, whether a suit, coat or blazer, will last you for years.
Someone told me the other day how my shopping days were left until Christmas and I nearly fell over. How did this happen? Where was I?
Then I realized that before I actually make it to Christmas I have to get through Halloween and Thanksgiving! How many days until they are here?
I hate when holiday hell just sneaks up on you like that. I need time to get my brain ready long before I can
think of actually making plans and shopping for the season. On top of it all, this year we are moving right in the middle of everything. Can you say mental break down?
So I have decided I need to put a few things into perspective when it comes to this years Holiday Festivities…
1) Lower Your Expectations. Not everything will be perfect, not everyone will be happy, the turkey may be a little dry and I canʼt control ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! But we all will be together, we have food to eat and a roof over our heads (and mommy will always have a full bottle of Vodka in the cupboard).
2) Ask For Help. I have always been of the mind that “If you want something done right you have to do it yourself.” Since having baby #4 and deciding to move, I am now of the mind “Who cares if itʼs right, let someone else do it.” Havenʼt you heard? Pot-Luck is making a come back. It is now very chic to ask your guest to bring a yummy dish to the party…and those who bring booze are welcome to spend the night.
3) Avoid alcohol. It can increase anxiety symptoms. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! We all know this will never happen..NEXT…
4) Slow Down. Unless Aunt Rubyʼs antique manger set is on fire, there is no rush. Leave lots of time in between parties and events so you can enjoy the process. I am really going to try and enjoy every little moment this season…even if it kills me!
5) GIVE. No matter how simple, giving something you have to someone who needs, will always make you feel better. There is truly no greater gift…Unless the someone who has is giving you (the someone who needs) a pair of Jimmy Choo crushed patent platform caged sandals….
Pick Your Holiday Punch
1 750-ml bottle Hpnotiq liqueur
1 750-ml bottle Vodka
1 can frozen lemonade
3 Fresh oranges for garnish
2 liters club soda
Combine Hpnotiq,vodka, lemonade in a large pitcher and leave in fridge until just before guests arrive. Serve in a martini glass with or without ice. Top with a splash of soda and Garnish with a thin orange wheel. You can also rim the glass with powdered icing sugar for a fab holiday look.
Cheers!
Dee Brun is the author of the stirring book Libations of Life, A Girls Guide to Life One Cocktail at a Time and Cocktailista for The Steven & Chris Show on CBC. Follow her on Twitter.
Dee Brun aka the Cocktail Deeva will be mixing it up on stage at the 2010 Toronto Fall Home Show!
Prepare to become inspired, enlightened, informed and energized with helpful advice, home solutions and the coolest new products for in and around your home.
The show runs September 30th to October 3rd, 2010.
The Cocktail Deeva’s Appearances:
Thursday, Setpember 30th at 6:00pm
Friday, October 1st at 2:30 pm
Saturday, October 2nd at 4:00 pm
When you join Dee for Deevine Cocktails, bring a picture of Dee’s “boyfriend” and you’ll be entered into a draw to win some fabulous Hamilton Beach Appliances!
Win 1 of 2 pairs to the Fall Home Show! Contest ends September 17th.
There’s a new program being introduced into an Alberta elementary school where kids as young as seven years old will be able to choose a “major” or specialized stream of learning, based on their very well developed areas of interest. Unless they have a category called “Watching the Transformer Movie for the 1002nd Time” stream, I’m thinking my own Grade 2 child wouldn’t particularly qualify for this program.
In fact, the four areas of discipline they are identifying are the arts, scientific inquiry, sports, and humanitarian/environment. I’m all for advancing the way that kids learn and letting them excel at what they’re really good at, but at this young age I’m just wondering what specific traits a child might display in order to have them placed in one of these four streams. Here are my suggestions for the evaluators in what to look for in a “gifted” child in each area:
1. The Arts: Has a natural ability to spatter ketchup in such a manner so as to not only hit every stainable surface within a 25 foot range, but also the creative thought process involved in ensuring that the trajectory will include a sibling, elderly relative and a small dog. Additionally may display the ability to write their own name in permanent ink on a variety of textures and surfaces, including painted walls, toy cars, leather couches, and the aforementioned small dog.
2. Scientific Inquiry: Must ask “Why?” and “What’s the point of that?” a minimum of 117 times an hour. A true inquiring mind inquires only, and takes no interested in any attempted answer by the askee. For added suitability, candidate may also show an uncanny ability to determine the only method in existence to get his sizable head stuck in stair railings, open a milk bag in a clever and scientifically impossible manner, and cut their own hair while running with the scissors they are using to do so.
3. Sports: No matter what the placement of the soccer ball, football or plastic bottle full of water, has the ability to drop kick it right into Daddy’s groin, every single time. Another handy trait they might have is the ability to race across a tiled kitchen surface, and to only lose balance at the precise moment that Mom has walked into the room carrying her glass of merlot, resplendent against the bright white hue of her new “good” blouse.
4. Humanitarian/environment: On the humanitarian side, upon occasion can walk past a sibling without uttering the word “freak” or punching, poking, kicking, jabbing or inflicting other general unpleasantness on them. Is interested in saving the world and the environment we live in, by wearing the same articles of clothing for at least three days, as well as not littering the earth with treasures found within their own noses, and by choosing conspicuous consumption for that particular by-product.
Kathy Buckworth‘s latest book is “Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay”, and is available everywhere books are sold. Visit www.kathybuckworth.com or follow Kathy on Twitter.
We know the amazing perks that come along with being raised in famous family. What are some of the pitfalls and challenges the children face?
1. Freedom
Children of celebrity parents may not have the freedom that average children have. “They may be more sheltered and protected so as not to fall prey to paparazzi or even worse,” says psychologist Sara Dimerman.
2. Normal Life and Privacy
Famous kids could grow up wishing for a more normal lifestyle and more privacy, especially when they become adolescents. “No child wants to read about their mother’s past, her sexual life, her alcohol or addiction problems, and even her nasty divorce,” says psychotherapist Kimberly Moffit.
Children of celeb parents may wish for more quality time with their family away from the public eye. “They may resent their moms for having to spend so much time away and resent having to be taken care of by others when their moms are away,” says Dimerman.
3. Jealousy
Some older children may be jealous of the attention that their moms are receiving and try to find ways to compete. Think of Lindsay and Dina Lohan.
Celebrity parents have to be careful that they don’t spoil their children so much that they can’t learn the value of money. “The biggest injustice a parent can do for their child is to make them believe they’ll never have to work for anything,” says Moffit. Great examples of hard-working kids are Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr.
5. Quality Time
Celeb kids may not spend enough time with mom and/or dad. “The rules are the same for every mom – celebrity or otherwise. However, a celebrity mom’s job may be tougher because she may not be around to parent a lot of the time,” says Dimerman.
Back to school shopping can be a pain but with Old Navy, you can really get a bang for your buck.
I recently bought a few pairs of jeans for the boys at only $10 each. What a steal! So many styles to choose from – relaxed, boot cut and even skinny jeans. Pair them with sneakers and a hoodie and your kid will be stylin’.
I also like some of the pieces for women, like this jacket and denim legging. In all fairness, this jegging is falling off this skinny model – I’d easily fill these in.
