Hey vegans... you know how to eat!

You know how you get to the end of a busy day, only to open the fridge and wonder what you're going to make for dinner? Can you salvage a meal out of last night's leftover pad Thai and that morsel of meat that's been hanging out in your fridge since last Thursday? Or how about the pantry where a half finished bag of lentils is resting behind that (possibly ancient) can of lima beans? If you are anything like me, you have good intentions of meal planning for the week on Sundays, but end up watching Downton Abbey instead, after an exhausting weekend of activities, functions and catching up on laundry (hydro's cheaper on weekends and evenings, people).  This leads me to my never-ending dinner-pondering.  What to make, what to make.... I should make this my mantra.

So I write all this as a precursor to my actual blog post, which is about the amazing invention known as: The Meal Kit.   A whole kit consisting of everything you need to make one type of meal.  Produce, spices, condiments, fresh produce. Everything is all there in a lovely package for you to make a fresh, and flavourful dinner. Can I just say this is one of the best things I've seen on the market since, well, the proverbial sliced bread? Yes. It is that great. It allows me to cook (which I love to do) and also to stop wasting time drumming my fingers on the fridge door (see first paragraph).

After writing about how much I love their business and their products, Globally Local (see blog post here) was awesome enough to send me a treat in the form of a meal kit to try out for myself.  I received the package on Monday, delivered straight to my door (no physical shopping needed folks, just some online clicks and wholesome food gets sent to your house...which is also why I LOVE this business). When I opened the box, there inside were two bags filled with yummy produce just waiting to be made into four meals (two meal kits come in one box but the portions are large enough for one dinner for two plus a next day lunch or dinner). One was a meal kit for Teriyaki Rice Noodle Stir Fry and the other was Vegan Enchiladas. I put the bags straight into the fridge.  I didn't make the first meal until the following day, however, due to a hectic start to the week.

The next day, I pulled out the "Stir Fry with Rice Noodles" meal kit.  Inside was everything I needed.
The produce was fresh, the spices were pre-measured and divided into packets. Everything was labelled and the recipe came on one sheet.  The front of the sheet had tidbits about the meal I was going to make, a picture of all the ingredients and cooking utensils I would need, plus approximate prep and cook time.  The back had step by step directions plus pictures of how to make the meal.  This was excellent!  No flipping pages in my bulky cookbook or recipe binder, no clicking my phone/ipad to refresh the page... one simple leaflet to follow. I got to work.  And sure enough, within the time frame given, I presented proudly to my husband and 5 year old (the one year old didn't care, he was busy eating the rice noodles already) a delicious-smelling dinner. It took me about 40 minutes from start to finish, and this was amidst two sick kids, people coming in and out of my house, as well as interruptions from those pesky telemarketers that decide 5:30pm is a great time to call about getting your ducts cleaned. One tip: Read the recipe and prep beforehand so you know what steps to take and when - there is some multi-tasking involved, but it works out as long as you read the leaflet ahead of time (5 mins max). We all enjoyed the meal immensely.  It was satisfying, fresh and there were plenty of leftovers for the next day.  Another perk to the meal kit is that because everything is pre-measured there was ZERO waste.  I love this.  I always end up with a "tiny" bit of some ingredient or other from meals that I make.  Sure, they go into other recipes, but it was nice to be able to use something all up for a change in one go.  Ingredients that I would never buy due to the fact that I would only use them once, were also nice to have premeasured.  Fresh ginger, for instance, is something that I don't often have on hand, and was given in the meal kit. I diced up the ginger - just enough for the stir fry alone, and voila! I got the kick of ginger with no leftover piece to sit forlornly in my fridge (next to last Thursday's meat). The meal kit also allows for flexibility.  There were sesame seeds given to sprinkle on the stir fry at the end of the recipe, which I did but I had purposefully saved some for another recipe that I'm going to make later on this week.  Bonus! Organic sesame seeds for me!

I won't go into as much detail about the second meal I made from this meal kit (amazing Vegan Enchiladas!! Mmmm!) But I can tell you that it was timely, delicious and extremely filling. My kiddo even helped me make dinner, and this NEVER happens, lest I interrupt the only TV viewing of the day. Gasp.  I was, yet again, delighted with the pre-measured packets, the fresh produce and how easily everything came together.  Spices that I wouldn't normally use came to life in my kitchen and, I swear, the whole neighbourhood smelled like a Mexican restaurant, it was that good.  Leftovers were plentiful and we gladly ate the rest the next day. 

I am a vegan part of the time during the year (my religion observes lent and fasting two times a week plus for certain lengths of time throughout the year, like now!) and I will be ordering meal kits in the future regardless of lent, because frankly, the food is just that good.  Thanks, Globally Local, for letting me have a go at your delicious meal kits. It was a treat and you will be seeing me online purchasing a few more of these goodies in the very near future. 

Have a great day, London .

The opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the Locally Urban Mom.  A big thank you to Globally Local for providing the meal kit and putting smiles on my family members' faces.

Giving Back....

I have a friend who is really, really good at what she does.  She is a wonderful photographer and one of the most hard-working, passionate people I have ever met.  She had a dream of becoming a photographer and not only did she achieve her dream, but she became a successful entrepreneur, allowing her quality of work to speak for itself which led to a large clientele that keeps expanding every day.

Image courtesy of One-12 Photography

Cynthia Bendle, of One-12 Photography, photographs anything from weddings, to cake smashes (so cute!) and bends over backwards for her clients, travelling all over the world to capture someone's special moment in time.  One of Cynthia's specialities is photographing newborn babies.  A lot of people think of the "Anne Geddes" babies when they think of newborn photo shoots but Cynthia's are so much more than that. The babies that come to Cynthia become stars all in their own right.  From dressing up in pearls and beads, to little tiny cowboys, to beautifully wrapped cocoons of ultimate baby cuteness - these pictures are hard not to squeal at (it's been done.  Ask my family members who wonder what my high-pitched "awwww's" are all about). So London, if you're looking for a great photographer who really listens to what clients want, and delivers beautiful, quality photos that capture a moment that will last forever, give Cynthia a shout. 

www.loveneverends.ca

My spiel doesn't end here, folks.  I wanted to talk a little (ok, a lot)  about something that Cynthia does "on the side."  I put this in quotes because I believe that it is so much more than "a side gig" for her, and means so much to so many people.  Not only does Cynthia have her business, but she takes her wonderful talent and gives back to our community.  Cynthia and a fellow photographer, Heather MacEachern-Tarasick (owner of HRM Photography - also awesome) have united their talents to create "Love Never Ends." A non-for-profit organization that celebrates the lives of those who are terminally ill, or are in palliative care, through photographs.  What a heart-breaking, yet completely beautiful way to remember your loved ones.  Cynthia and Heather take time out of their busy schedules to meet up with people who want to capture their loved ones in a special, almost reverent, moment in time, and create cherished memories for these grieving families that will last forever.  They photograph everyone.  From tiny babies to those that have lived a long, rich life.  I was touched by what these ladies have started.  Not many can handle this facet of life, but Cynthia and Heather have embraced it, and allow people to see a more loving, tender and compassionate side of death and the dying. 

If you are interested in their work, or are curious as to how to help in any way, please visit their website and blog:  http://www.loveneverends.ca/

Have a great day, London.

Have you been to "The Been?"

After writing about the London moms business Facebook group, it got me thinking about the local businesses that are in this group, and how I've ended up following quite a few of these ladies on their own Facebook business pages or Instagram accounts.  One business in particular that I wanted to highlight caters to local talent ONLY (awesome), and all the wares can be found in one convenient location. The Been Garden can be found in the East Village, just past the Western Fair grounds on Dundas St. 

This store reminds me of the London moms Facebook group, in the sense that the items showcased here are incredibly unique and locally handcrafted, but instead of ordering through the local group online, you can go to the Been Garden and purchase items directly.  Lots of small business owners post that their items are being carried in the store, and many items sell out quickly due to their popularity (chemical/dye free dryer balls, guys, are a HUGE hit. Really!)

This store has it all.  And by all, I mean it carries so many interesting, original and diverse items that make great gifts or add personality to any home. From battle axes (yes, you read correctly), to yummy-smelling handmade soaps and creams, to sweet baby wear, even handmade baby toys.... all that is unique is here for your local shopping perusal and pleasure.  Owner Kandice Trickett encourages people to come by and support local, small businesses with her friendly personality and fun, fresh store.  There is always something super interesting in the front display window and Kandice's eclectic style makes the shop cozy and inviting.  All in all, a very worth-it trip out to the East village.  And how can you beat supporting local businesses? Kandice included?

Oh, and starting mid-Mayish, you'll be able to stop into her new café, co-owned with another local business owner, Katie (find her store right behind the Been Garden, called For You Clothing Co). Saunter into 10eighteen for some delicious treats and beverages. Coffee being my particular choice, of course. Looking forward to trying out the java, Kandice.

Have a great day, London.

Click here to get directions to the Been Garden.

A place for London mamas in business....

So, as I was scrolling through my Facebook feed this morning, I realized that a HUGE local resource is right in front of my fingertips (literally) that I actually tap into quite often.  It's a group on Facebook called London Ontario Mom to Mom Handmade and Home Business Goods. Quite the long title, but very aptly named, as this group includes moms that live in and around the London area that have started their own, local business or sell products/services via direct sales.  Not only does this lovely group of women share their wares and sales and promotions, but they also share tips and advice that can really help a small business owner out.  Particularly when you first get your feet wet in the world of sales.  
The products offered in this group are great - you can get anything from gel nail tips to homemade cookies (always beautifully made), to photography services.  London moms can also go onto this group and request things to be made - lots of shout outs for custom cakes, custom gifts, unique items that could only be made by talented, small business owners. I myself have "shopped" through this group many times and have found some fantastic, quality products that have gone over very well as gifts or even as an indulgence to myself once in a while!  Another great thing about this group is that the ladies tend to review the products they have received from these businesses.  Most of the time the reviews are positive and very helpful - one review steered me right to a sweet little organic clothing business that I fell IN LOVE with, and will no doubt be mentioning in a blog post all on it's own in the near future.  A feature that I personally like is that the group is listed as "secret" so no spammers hack in to the group and fill it's news feed with unnecessary "junk mail." This also means that you can't just join and start posting - the admins will approve you and it's best to review their group policies before posting your items or requests.  They aren't lengthy and very fair (eg// please refrain from referring a potential customer to big box stores, or national chains, since the local ladies can probably provide the customer with the same product made by their own local and small business).  Makes sense, right?

And if you are looking for craft shows to go to, local mom swaps, or any type of vendor-related activity, this is the group to join because the event, dates and info will be posted here.  

Overall, I have found this Facebook group to be informative, helpful and definitely useful.  It's a must if you are a mom looking to expose your small business, especially if you are from London. So if you haven't already done so, request to be added to this group and check out the amazing local talent these London moms have to offer.

Have a great day, London. 

To go organic or not go organic...is that really a question?

Luckily for us, living in the age that we do, we have so many choices with how and what we choose to eat.  Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, paleo or maybe you have true health issues that prohibit you from eating certain foods, the options for eating in an alternate way are so much more diverse than, say, even 5 years ago.
I personally, was never very conscious as to how I shopped and where, when it came to food.  That is, until baby #1 showed up.  All of a sudden I became concerned with pesticides, GMOs, produce that had been shipped from afar, only to ripen in trucks over 1000's of kilometres.... you get the idea.  My baby wasn't going to eat that kind of food!  I became more aware of the locally grown products that are provided to us on a seasonal basis, and I delved into the world of organics.   Now, let me stop here and just say that I am NO true convert - meaning that I still buy regular grocery store fresh produce and groceries. But as a new mama, I was determined to feed my child only the BEST there was to offer.  This, sadly, slowly changed from "organic and local always" to "organic and local sometimes" for us as my first got older.  Some will say that I didn't make a lifestyle change, and I will whole heartedly agree with you that nope, I didn't.  Am I more conscious of what I buy and from where I buy it? You bet.  And boy, have I found some great little places to shop at that, even as a "part time organics gal" I have absolutely come to adore.

The one place I want to share with you today is a little gem of a store/business enterprise called "Globally Local." A vegan, and organic store and delivery service. A few years back, it started off as an organic, fresh produce delivery or pick-up service, comparable to a few other businesses that are in and around London.  I chose to go with this particular organic produce service because I was very happy with their pricing (it was extremely reasonable) and also very happy with the fact that I got to select the kind of produce they would deliver to me, rather than just get a box of their weekly specials (which is a great idea too by the way, since it can encourage you to be adventurous in your meal planning!).  Well, they now have a store all on its own, plus the delivery service, PLUS they offer some very cool kits where you get fresh produce and recipes to go with it for a week. Oh, and they also deliver healthy and delicious boxes of snacks to your office. A-mazing.  And all organic and as local as possible (these guys try their best to ensure local produce but if they can't go local, they insist on getting to know their global organic providers. SO great!).

By the way, Globally Local doesn't just have fresh produce, they also offer an awesome selection of groceries and organic products and if you go to their store, they have amazing organic coffee available for your sipping pleasure and even a pop up restaurant offering delicious lunches/dinners and sweets! They also have freebies for you to try, and giveaways, fundraising initiatives for schools, and oh so much more. Another great fact, is that they have expanded their delivery service to many places all around Ontario!

All this being said, I encourage you folks to make the trek out to Globally Local on Colonel Talbot Road past Lambeth and take a look-see yourselves.  One thing is for sure, you won't be disappointed. 

Here's all the info to find Globally Local:

Website: www.globallylocal.ca
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globallylocal/

How to get to Globally Local


Have a great day, London!

Here we go!

If you are reading this, it means that you have happened upon my very new and very exciting (for me!) blogging adventure.  It is in this blog where I intend to pour out my thoughts, wise or otherwise and share my interests and all that inspires me in this great old city of ours, London, Ontario.

But first, a little about myself (although my blog profile will tell you about me too).  I grew up in this city.  In fact, when people ask me how long I've been in London, my usual response is that I was born, raised, educated, worked, married and had my kids all here (so much more dramatic than just saying "my whole life, actually.")  In short, London is the place that I am from and seem to always come back to within short periods of time of being away.I am a supply teacher, a wife a mother of 2 and dabble in painting. I enjoy exploring different places here in this city and also exposing my kids to the fun that this city has to offer.  

So what is this blog going to be about?  Well, staying true to the title of my blog, I will be chatting about various people, places and things that make up a London mom's life.  Things that could possibly help out other London moms and families alike. From my experiences with lessons for the kids, family activities, cooking, baking, shopping and mom stuff too. As I write, I plan on divvying up my thoughts into categories (Amen! Says my all-about-organization brain), which will form themselves as my blogs posts  form.  Got an idea you want me to look into more or write about?  Feel free to comment or email me.  I'm always open to help!

So stay tuned for some ranting, raving, reviewing and making and feel free to hop on for the ride and comment away :)

Thanks for reading! 

Have a great day, London.