Love Is In The Air At The Cobourg Winter Festival!

Valentine's weekend began with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Although my husband knows roses are traditional, he had them add lilies in because they're my favourite.

Then we spent the chilly weekend at the Cobourg Winter Festival where they had professional ice carvers sculpting gorgeous works of art, ice skating and wagon rides! Typically we don't make a big deal out of Valentine's Day but these events were all free and a great way to bring us out of hibernation!

The wagon ride took us around the small and beautiful town of Cobourg. 

Where we couldn't resist stopping at a small sushi restaurant and ordering their delicious vegetarian platter! 

And before the day was over we strapped on our skates and did a few laps around the rink!

Although it was incredibly cold, Hubby and I had a ton of fun! It was a perfect and unique way to spend some time together!

This post is going up a few weeks late because unfortunately right after a great Valentine's Day weekend I came down with the flu!

Week 5

Day 29: This is what happens when you decide to walk the dogs during the peak of a snowstorm.

Day 30: 'Snow...is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment, where is it to be found?' - J.B. Priestly

Day 31: Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty.

Day 32: Celebrating my brother-in-laws birthday on Superbowl Sunday. Do you like the shirt Hubby picked out for him?

Day 33: Snow day with my loves!

Day 34: Bunny bum!

Day 35: The best way to embrace winter is to snowsuit-up and play in it with those you love!

Birthdays, Chili & Snow Days!

 This past week we celebrated my brother-in-law's 23rd birthday while enjoying vegan chili and watching the Superbowl! It was great to get together with the family, drink too much and enjoy some good food! 

We love to eat our chili with tortilla chips and Daiya cheese sprinkled on top! And of course the best part is always the leftovers! 

The rest of the week brought with it a ton of snow! Hubby had to take a snow day on both Monday and Wednesday because the roads were too bad to go anywhere! We have so much snow now that it's become a challenge finding a place to put it all, as the snowbanks have gotten so high! 

But, we try to make the best of it. Winter will come around every year whether we like it or not so it's best to just suck it up and have some fun! 

Hubby and I snow-suited up and had a blast hiking and playing with the dogs this week! With their thick, water repellent coats, they are built for this weather!  They love to run and roll in it and will try to catch the snow in their mouths as it falls! 

They had a great time digging tunnels, trying to find their ball, and attempting to catch the snowballs Hubby and I threw for them! And who says we're too old to play in the snow too?!

And of course, a fresh snowfall brings so much beauty with it!

By the time we made it home through the knee high snow we were all exhausted and ready to cozy up in front of the fire with a good movie.

Week 4

Day 22: Slow cooking one of my favourite winter meals - vegan butter chicken!

Day 23: It smells so yummy in my house!

Day 24: Saturday shopping for the Home with Hubby!

Day 25: Lingering leaves still hanging on.

Day 26: Big icicles down at the lake.

Day 27: Winter is cold and harsh but also so beautiful!

Day 28: So proud of my husband today who made the decision a year ago to tackle something that made him self-conscious - his teeth. Although I love him no matter what getting braces was a big step for him and today the process is complete!

Week 3

Day 15: Icicle.

Day 16: Target is closing in Canada! Stocking up on my favourite cruelty free products while I can!

Day 17: Best night at the Besties!

Day 18: Sunday morning pancakes.

Day 19: Finally the sun is shining! Frickin' cold though!

Day 20: Took Mama D to the aquarium today!

Day 21: Murray and me selfie!

Icy Mornings.

Hubby's Delicious 5 Layer Dip!

This dip takes some prep-work but is worth it! Vegan and gluten-free, it is a favourite around here! 

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. of vegetable oil
• 1 can of refried beans
• 1 yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• 1 Cubanelle pepper, seeded and minced finely
• 1 package of taco seasoning
• 3 avocados, mashed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped finely
• 1/2 cup good quality salsa
• Pinch garlic powder, salt and pepper
• 1 bunch green onions, minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• ½ cup Daiya shredded cheese
• 9x13 baking dish

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and cubanelle pepper, sautéing until softened. Add the can of refried beans and fry together for 3-5 minutes. During this time, mix in the taco seasoning. Add water if needed to create a smooth and creamy consistency. Pour mixture in the bottom of the baking dish. Next, in a large bowl, pit the avocados and mash. Combine the avocados with the lime juice, cilantro, salsa, garlic powder, pepper and salt mixing thoroughly. Pour the guacamole mixture on top of the refried beans, spreading evenly. Then add a layer of tomatoes followed by green onions and end with sprinkling the Daiya cheese on top. Serve with your favourite brand of tortilla chips!