Yesterday, February 2nd, on the North American holiday called Groundhog Day there was no shadow to be seen.  To some that may mean nothing, but to many others it means that spring is just around the corner.  Here on the East Coast of Canada we watched and waited for Shubenacadie Sam to pop out of this house.  Due to the time zone in Atlantic Canada, Shubenacadie Sam is the first groundhog to to make a prediction in North America.  According to tradition, when Sam did not see his shadow yesterday morning it meant that an early spring is upon us and that winter will only last another 2 weeks.  If Sam had seen his shadow it would mean that we have another 6 weeks of winter ahead of us. It is said that the tradition regarding the shadow may have derived from this Scottish poem:

As the light grows longer
The cold grows stronger
If Candlemas be fair and bright
Winter will have another flight
If Candlemas be cloud and rain
Winter will be gone and not come again
A farmer should on Candlemas day
Have half his corn and half his hay
On Candlemas day if thorns hang a drop
You can be sure of a good pea crop

The funniest part about our Canadian groundhog is that he doesn’t have to worry about what’s on the ground.  As you may have noticed, I mentioned above that we wait for Sam to pop out of his house.  Rather than come up directly from the ground for all to see, Sam comes up into his cozy house and comes out the front door, of course.  What a spoiled groundhog!

This year in particular many Canadians (especially us Nova Scotians) are wondering how accurate Sam really is.  As anyone on the East Coast knows, we have recently been hit with a ton of snow!  All winter we’ve been lucky to avoid a big dump of white stuff until February 1st. Although snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, just look what happens when they stick together.  Seeing all this snow makes many wonder if spring is actually upon us?  Did winter 2011 come in like a lion and will leave like a lamb?  I guess only time will tell.

~Lisa

I know I seem to write a lot about health lately but it seems to be such an important topic, especially with New Year’s resolutions having just passed.

Health is also likely on my brain lately because I’m attending the OptiMYz Live Health Expo at Exhibition Park in Halifax this weekend. This is my first year attending the show so I don’t quite know what to expect but I’m looking forward to it. Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island is actually going to be partnering with OptiMYz this spring for a Getaway Fitness Retreat. I’m not trying to sell you on this or anything because I’m actually thinking about going myself. It’s a weekend to work with the best, get inspired, train with experts, eat clean, be active and learn how to take care of yourself. If you want more information, let me know.

On that note, I got an email this week titled “In 2011, make Wellness a Focus for You and the people you care about. Take 30 days to make positive changes in your life!” I’d be happy to send it to anyone who is interested. It’s basically a day by day approach to getting healthy one step at a time. Even if you can’t dedicate 30 days, it’s got some great tips and tricks.

To top off this health craze, my key motivator as of earlier this week is my newly booked trip down south at the end of March. Yippee!! Of course I’m excited for all the rays of sunshine, the margaritas and the beaches but I want to make sure I feel good about myself.

On that note, I’m going to leave you this week with a quote:

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” -Doug Larson

~Lisa

(if you want me to send you the 30 Days to Wellness information or any details about the OptiMYz Getaway Fitness Weekend, email me at lisa.aukstinaitis@atlanticaoakisland.com)

It’s that time of year when you are looking for things to do but don’t want to spend a lot of money.  With the cold weather upon us, it’s hard to keep as busy as we do when the temperature is warmer.  I thought of a few things that I like to do during this time of year and thought I would share them with you.

1. Go skating. Lately all the buzz seems to be about skating on the Canada Games Oval in the Commons Park in Halifax.  If you haven’t been yet, you must!  It’s so much fun for all ages and all levels of skaters.  The bonus is that if you’re like me and you don’t own your own pair of skates, you’ll be happy to know that they do rent them out there for free.  It’s a great way to pass a couple of hours with a loved one or with your whole family.  If you’re coming from outside of Halifax and want to stay the night or grab a tasty meal, visit our sister property, Atlantica Hotel Halifax, just across the street from the Commons Park.
2. Go shopping.  Now that the malls have calmed down and it’s not as overwhelming to go shopping I love grabbing some of the fantastic deals that are still going on.  If the malls aren’t for you, I suggest going to Mahone Bay and shopping in the boutiques downtown.  Not only is there some magnificent items but it’s such a wonderful atmosphere.  When you’re done, stop in and see us at Atlantica Hotel & Marina Oak Island. 
3. Go skiing or snowboarding. This has got to be one of the best ways to fit exercise and fun into one day.  I’m certainly not a morning person but I love getting up early to head out to Martock to spend the day in the fresh air.  There are so many trail options for all different levels and tons of rentals available.  The great thing about spending the day on the mountain is that you can pack your own lunch/snacks or eat up there; it’s really up to you. 
4. Go snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  This is an activity that I wish I did more but I certainly suggest to everyone.  Whether you’re in Cape Breton, HRM, the South Shore or the Valley you can find some great trails.  Again, this is a really fun family activity that gets you outdoors. 
5. Go to Sugar Moon Farm.  I remember going to maple syrup farms when I was younger and this place brings back all those warm memories.  Sugar Moon Farm is an award-winning experience that everyone should try at least once.  Not only do you get a guided tour of the maple syrup operations but you can enjoy delicious all-you-can-eat wholegrain buttermilk pancakes with fresh 100% maple syrup. Obviously, if pancakes aren’t your thing, try one of the many other options available.  For those adventurous types, you can take a 6.2 km hike on Rogart Mountain Trail.  The hike begins and ends in the Sugar Moon Farm parking lot and lasts the entire day. 
6. Go to a museum.  With so much culture and heritage around Nova Scotia there is are numerous museums to visit.  Whether you want to check out Pier 21 – Canada’s Immigration Museum in Halifax or Ross Farm Museum – a living heritage farm in New Ross or the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, there is something for everyone everywhere.  It’s a great way to get in from the cold while still having a good time and even gaining some knowledge. 

In addition to those 6 activities I listed above, let’s not forget about the very exciting Canada Games that we are so privileged to be hosting here in Nova Scotia.   We hope that you are able to get out there and watch some of our athletes compete.

~Lisa

So my big “Holiday Challenge” was certainly more of a challenge than I had anticipated.  I thought I was doing so well with my avoidance of guilty-holiday-pleasures along with my gym routine; however, when Christmas Eve came and it all went down from there (challenge-wise).  

As of December 24^th I basically started eating everything that had cheese, carbs, and salt on it so much so that my calorie filled days have already taken a toll on my waist band.  As I mentioned in a previous post, I’m not a lover of sweets; my weakness is savory snacks.  When I came back to work yesterday I was ready to loose the snack mode and focus instead on portion control and healthy choices. 

I’m not waiting for the New Year to jump on the “get healthy” train; I’m doing it right now!  I guess you can still call what I’m doing a resolution but I find that word to be quite cliché and it almost always results in let down by February.  My focus right now is to stick to healthy meals and exercise.  One helpful tip I try using when it comes to my meals is to plan a menu ahead of time so when I do my groceries I only buy what I need (also helps to save money).  My weekly menus help me avoid eating out, because I know there is a meal at home, and they don’t allow me the excuse to fill my cupboards with chips.  The hardest part is always getting into a routine, but once you start, it can be smooth sailing. 

For anyone who is hoping to make a change in 2011, just stay focused and make sure you’re doing it for yourself.  Some of the top ten New Year’s resolutions include: quit drinking, quit smoking, get organized, get fit, and get out of debt.  It’s no wonder some people struggle to keep their resolutions, those are all huge changes.  Try to think of your resolutions as more of a day by day, step by step, goal.  For more ways on how to succeed with your New Year’s resolutions, click here.  

See you all in 2011!

~Lisa

I found out something pretty interesting yesterday, yoga actually helps your digestion.  The reason I find this so interesting is because I’ve been taking yoga classes for almost a month now, maybe 2-3 times a week. I never thought I would see any effects from something that has a connotation of being simply relaxing.  In my mind, breathing deep with slow movements and holding poses would not result in any sort of weight loss unless I was mixing that with running for hours on a treadmill.  As it turns out, I have already managed to ton up my body so much that all of my pants fit a little loose now and I feel great!  I always leave yoga class feeling relaxed because it’s the only hour of my day where I focus on myself, my muscles and my breathing. 

Yesterday I found out that yoga actually helps stimulate your digestive muscles (ie. stomach, pancreas, intestines).  Imagine that your body is a sponge full of dirty water.  As we all know, a sponge can only hold so much water and when it’s full of dirty water there is no space for the fresh new water.  When you hold certain poses in yoga it is as if you are squeezing out all the dirty water and then when you stretch your muscles you’re letting new water be absorbed; new water that will re-energize you and provide you with important nutrients.  Yoga basically refreshes the cells throughout the digestive track so that you can feel a little healthier every day. 

If you have an unhealthy digestive system you may find that when you eat a big meal, such as turkey/ham dinner with all the fixings (see recipes for leftovers at the bottom), you feel bloated, gassy, and get horrible indigestion.  Luckily for those who practice yoga, you have an increase in your peristalsis and therefore your ability to digest is better than someone whose digestive muscles may have been forgotten about (and still full of “dirty water”). 

Although I’m new to yoga I can honestly say that fitting in couple classes per week has shown me great results not just externally but also internally.  The stereotype that yoga has for being relaxing and Zen-like is by no means incorrect but there is so much more to it.  One nice aspect of yoga is that it isn’t as sweaty as most workouts; this is great because you can fit it in at lunch or before/after work and you don’t have to worry about needing a shower right away.  For those who are interested, make sure you dress comfortably but nothing too loose.  Having something that fits your body will help the instructor be able to see your poses and correct you if necessary.  There are yoga mats at most studios/gyms but if you’d rather have your own you can pick one up at Walmart for about $10.  Yoga is generally done without shoes or socks but it’s completely up to you.  I do my classes at a local gym because it’s convenient and I find that there are all types of bodies in my classes so I feel comfortable.  I sincerely believe that yoga is worth trying at least a couple times and I suggest you give it a shot. 

For those looking for new leftover ideas after a big holiday dinner, try a Turkey Carbonara or Ham & Potato Cakes. 

Happy Holidays everyone!!!!

~Lisa

I feel like I should update you on my Holiday Challenge because after the weekend I may have to admit defeat.  

I don’t bake that often, mostly because I tend to eat everything I bake.  A few of years ago I had a great little system going that satisfied by need to bake without resulting in gaining a pound; I gave my baking away to friends!  Unfortunately that only lasted a little while because my roomate, with whom I shared a grocery bill, started to complain about money spent on baking goods (ie. flour, sugar, chocolate chips, etc.).  Since we were university students, I felt like she had a pretty valid point. I decided I’d only bake when there was an occasion.  In all honesty, I’m not a great baker anyways, so it’s really no big loss to my friends.

Point is, this past weekend I decided it was time to do holiday baking.  I started off with some peppermint bark (recipe listed at the end).  I could tell from the second I licked the bowl to the first bite of the finished product that I had found my new favorite holiday recipe.  Not to mention, easiest recipe ever!!! After that was sitting in the freezer I attempted to make some peanut brittle.  Please note the key word, “attempted”.  I followed the recipe as best I could (minus the candy thermometer that I think may have been the reason for my failure).  In the end my brittle was more like old chewed sticky gum of a dirty water color infused with peanuts.  Sounds delish hey?!  (not so much).  My third and final product was a peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate.  This fantastic recipe was from my co-baker at the time of all this.  It’s funny because I say “baker” but none of the recipes used required us to actually “bake” anything in the oven – odd. 

All in all, I fell off the no-chocolate wagon!  I can’t say that I’ll be able to get back on either because over the next week I plan on baking again and at the rate I’m going, I’ll be eating as I bake.  (see photo on right of what remains un-eaten in blue container… speaks for itself)

 Thank god I’m going to the gym every day this week!

 One last blog coming this week – stay tuned. 

Peppermint Bark

2 pounds white chocolate
12 candy canes crushed into pieces
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1. Melt white chocolate in double boiler (or in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stop to stir every 30 seconds)

2. Crush candy canes (put in ziploc bag and use rolling pin or hammer)

3. Stir candy canes and peppermint extracts into melted white chocolate

4. Line baking pan with wax paper

5. Pour and spread chocolate mixture onto wax paper

5. Chill until firm and break into pieces

6. Refrigerate until break into pieces

ENJOY!!

~Lisa

It’s been a week since I last updated you on my “Holiday Challenge” and I have to say I’m doing pretty well.  Not only have I been to 5 workout classes but I’ve also stayed away from all things chocolate! 

Speaking of food, today I went to a reception at lunch time; knowing that there would be plenty of cheeses I opted to eat an apple and orange before I left.  I know it’s not a lot of food and it certainly wouldn’t have been sufficient alone but it gave me the satisfaction I needed in order enjoy some of the great food by RCR catering without over indulging and filling up on excessive calories. 

I know how most people feel about holiday shopping but you might like to know that shopping is a great way to burn calories.  All the walking, standing, waiting and lifting actually benefit you.  Just try not to pair shopping with eating out because the burnt calories won’t last long. 

Another winter weight watch secret is shoveling.  If you’re like most of Canada, you have likely seen some white flakes falling over the past month; here in Nova Scotia, we got a few inches today (our first snow fall of the season – yaye!).  I know most people hate having to get out there and shovel but it’s not all bad!  All the reaching, bending, lifting, and throwing add up and you can burn more than 500 calories.  Even just brushing off your car counts!  Check out more winter time workouts, such as wearing red, from Weight Loss Note. 

I have a theory about snow walking, and I may be wrong, but I think that walking in the snow is a better workout than normal walking.  I believe that when I’m walking in the snow I use my core more and therefore my abs are clenched in an attempt to keep my balance and not fall.  On top of that, if you’re walking in deep snow, you have to lift your legs much higher than you normally would.  Doesn’t that theory make sense?!

The more I read and think about it, the reality is that weight gain isn’t inevitable like some believe.  If you have some tips or tricks you’d like to share we’d love to hear about it.  Next week I’ll update you on my progress again and pass out some ideas on what to do with your holiday leftovers.

~Lisa

I am taking the “Holiday Challenge”.  What “Holiday Challenge”? you ask – the challenge of not gaining any weight over the holidays!  I know it sounds nearly impossible considering all the sweets and treats but please don’t assume this is something that I do everyday. Unfortunately, I am not blessed with mighty mouse strength and I have such little willpower when it comes to food, specifically junk food, that I try to keep it all out of my house in order to avoid gorging myself.  I’m the type of person who eats every last bite on her plate and then goes back for seconds.

 In my efforts to feel good in my skinny jeans this season I have decided that I will not succumb to the many indulgences that seem to show up around the holidays.  Of course, at work I’ll have to focus on this here computer rather than the boxes of delicious dainties surrounding me.  Even when visiting friends I find that they have more enticing food than they usually do.  Why do they do that?!  Can’t we stick to the usual snacks that I have learnt to avoid?  Apparently not, because everyone pulls out all the stops with amazing cheeses and bottles of wine that sink me into a bliss that is too hard to resist.  Don’t get me wrong, I know I’ll have a cookie here and a candy cane there but I will do my best to replace the chocolates, cakes, and eggnog with fruits, veggies, and lots of water. 

One good tip I try to follow is to load up on my vegetables and fruits during the day because they fill you up with high-quality low-calorie nutrition.  When I know there will be food at a party I try to have a big snack before I go in order to satisfy my hunger and curve my temptation to overindulge. 

If you need a drink idea for your next dinner event, try a Chocolate Martini rather than a White Russian; half the colories and a third less cream, it only makes sense to choose the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate sensation (click here for more drink options);.  In a recent Men’s Health magazine I read that a glass of white wine is only 100 calories, whereas rum with coke is 361 calories.  It’s a good idea to think about your drink before you down it. 

For more helpful hints, pick up a copy of Eat This Not That during your next shopping trip.  There are a few different editions available but they are sure to guide you over the holiday season and into the New Year.  

 Of course food isn’t the only issue over the holidays.  We have to consider what looms in the New Year… New Year’s resolutions.  If you’re like 90% of the country you may plan to hit the gym but why not get a head start now?  I’ve started to take my own advice and am hitting the gym again after a 4 month hiatus.  For the first time, rather than doing boring old workouts in which I watch the second hand tick by, I am taking classes at the local gym; everything form Zumba to Yoga will be tried this season.  It’s fun, it works and it makes the time fly by.   

 I’ll be posting more tips over the seasons so keep an eye on the weekly blogs.  I’ll also be sure to keep you updated on the progress of my “Holiday Challenge”.

~Lisa

I love dressing up for any function whether it’s a formal ball, a party at a friends, or a networking event.  I am especially happy to see an event invite telling me I have to come in costume; that way, I know, everyone will be wearing an ensemble that doesn’t quite fit in the cookie cutter hot or not category.  I find, similar to uniforms, costumes take the anxiety out of fitting in with the latest trends.  No worries about having the latest skinny jeans or this season’s wrap dress.  That being said, unlike uniforms, it does require some creativity.  It’s hard to show up to a masquerade party sans mask or a Hawaiian luau without lei. 

In my novice days of dress up parties, I once went to a toga party thinking a sheet wrapped around my body would put me right into the cool crowd.  My balloon of confidence was soon popped when I stepped into a room full of Greek gods and goddesses.  It was like something out of a mythological screen play in which I played the out of place ugly duckling.  When did a toga party start to include gold arm bands, ivy head pieces, magical shimmer makeup and strapy stilettos?  Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for letting my inner diva shine through but I could have used a little notice.  Since then, I have stuck to the old saying “better to be overdressed than under dressed”.  Take for example Halloween this year; leaving the house I felt great with my blonde Olivia Newton-John wig, my skin tight black shiny leggings and my 3 inch red open-toed heels.  When I arrived at the party I noticed that some guests likely got ready in less than 10 minutes, whereas my struggles to get into my pants alone took longer.  At first, I wanted to blend into the background and I even considered taking off the fabulous shoes just to seem less extravagant – but I didn’t.  Instead I stayed in costume, I mingled, I laughed and I ate too much candy.  By the end of the night, I went home with a bottle of Don David Malbec that I won for best costume. 

In the end, I feel that a costume is the in-between of fashions latest and uniforms.  You will be judged on how well you rock your frock but you’ll rest easy knowing everyone else is being judged equally.  At least you can take comfort in the fact that everyone knows that what you wore that night, at that event, is likely not what you’ll ever wear again.

~ Lisa

I’ve been pondering a vacation for a while now so I took it upon myself to do a little holiday vacation research and as it turns out, I think I’ll be staying closer to home over the next few months; here’s why:

I’m not a big fan of overcrowded airports, restaurants and resorts which are in plenty during the next couple of months.  More importantly, I would miss the traditional maritime holiday feeling.  I love all the gatherings with friends/family and would hate to miss out on that. In a perfect world, I would just invite everyone to vacation with me in the sun but if it were a perfect world I would go everywhere anytime and money would be no object. In reality, it’s hard to ask my family/friends to travel down below the equator during a time when budgets are rather tight and vacation time is sparse. I once flew to Disneyland on Christmas Eve and although I had a great time with my family, we felt like there was so much we missed out on – our Christmas tree, the snow, the homemade dinners, the smell of baking, the music and even the crisp holiday breeze.

Upon further investigation about holiday traveling I found that many properties and airlines down south have holiday blackout days and stringent cancellation policies.  This makes me slightly weary because, as we all know, during the winter months it can be hard to commit to a flight because you never know if you can make it to the airport or if the planes can even fly out. Nothing feels worse than being snowed into some airport watching your vacation time and money pass you by. Let’s not forget layovers.  The idea of massive delays, long lines, pushy people and missed connections stresses me out just thinking about it. This is even more disheartening because you know that you are likely paying more than you wanted to because some hot destination places peak their rates during December – April.  You will always be paying top dollar for everything from your bedroom to your car rental and merchandise in shops.

To top all this research off, I came across the usual skepticism about traveling to southern hotspots. People are always weary about a weak government with weak laws, high poverty, high crime, health insurance issues and high violence. To be honest, that resort in Mexico that recently blew up scared me a bit.  Personal safety is always something to be considered before traveling away with or without your loved ones. Along with safety concerns there are other basic daily necessities we generally take for granted and need to be cautious of when traveling; one popular well known example being water. We all know that when abroad, don’t drink the water. It’s almost like the Canadian rule of thumb, “don’t eat yellow snow”, except this water guideline might taste okay but can end up with you having Montezuma’s Revenge or worse!

After all my research I decided that rather than heading to the tropics right now, I’m going to stick to Nova Scotia as my holiday destination. Not only do I know the language and feel respect from the people but it’s close enough to home that I am comfortable and safe. If you’re still deciding on your vacation destination, take a look at the South Shore of Nova Scotia. I don’t recommend it solely based on the fact that I love it here and I plan on spending some quality time here, I recommend it because we have what you, your family, and your friends need to enjoy a maritime holiday.

If you’re looking to get away from the everyday while watching your budget, we can help. Our condo-style seaside marina villas and our pet friendly oceanfront chalets are both 2-bedroom units with kitchens, washrooms, living rooms, and amazing patios with breathtaking ocean views. Get the family together or a group of friends and stay in what feels like a home away from home.  To ward off any cabin fever, take a walk on our 34 acre property, take a swim in the pool, relax in the sauna, rejuvenate in the Aqua Spa, and dine in La Vista dining room. It’s easy to feel like you’re a million miles away even when you could be right down the road.

~ Lisa