Through this holiday season - I was reminded of the role balance plays in my life. I was thankful for the fact that I could sleep in, slow down, and give my body a chance to reset, but I knew the reason this felt so necessary was because my life had gotten a bit off-balance. The life-work equilibrium that most of us have to work to maintain, had once again eluded me.

I was feeling the pressure of everyday life slowly escape with each peaceful moment spent being in nature, at home, and with friends/family. Unless I was going to make this happen once a month (pretty unlikely!), I needed to find a way to bring the scales of life and work into balance. As an entrepreneur, it seems that the to-do list is ever present and since work is enjoyable and essential to my success, it is hard to step away from it at times.

So, upon coming back to every day life, here are a few things I decided to incorporate into my everyday life.

Focus on the task at hand. Whether it be class planning, washing my dishes or enjoying a glass of wine, I am re-committed to living in the present moment, to knowing that whatever I am doing, I am doing it with all of my focus and attention. This brings me to…

Step away from the phone. You know the feeling: we are expected to respond to emails and texts within milliseconds. The fear that something so important or life-altering could be happening right now and you could be missing it! But in order to be present and focus, I have to let go of the distractions. Switching my phone on “do not disturb” or silent helps me temporarily forget about it and keep my mind where it needs to be.

Meditate. Not the kind Tibetan Monks to do in movies – but setting aside time for as little as three breaths at a time. Choosing to block out the sensations around me, to close my eyes and be still. I know that even this small break can offer a new perspective.
These are small and attainable steps that can help bring back the sense of balance that we, as humans, crave. What are some of your favorite practices for achieving balance?

This week / season, take a few moments to think about or jot down some of the ways you balance the scales in your life and try to take at least one step towards balance.

As the holiday's come near - I have been cooking and baking up a storm! Here is one of my all time holiday favourites! 

​Don’t be afraid as it is wayyyyyy easier than it seems! A little patience will go a long way and everyone will enjoy this wonderful Canadian treat! Enjoy!

Nanaimo Bars III

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened 
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 5 tablespoons unseated cocoa powder
• 1 egg, beaten
• ​1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs 
• 1 cup flaked coconut 
• ​1/2 cup finely chopped almonds (optional) 
• 1/2 cup butter, softened 
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ​2 tablespoons custard powder
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 4 (1 ounce) squares semisweet baking chocolate
• 2 teaspoons butter

​
Directions
Prep, 30 min; Ready in 30 min 

• In the top of a double boiler, combine 1/2 cup butter, white sugar and cocoa powder. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Beat in the egg, stirring until thick, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the graham cracker crumbs, coconut and almonds (if you like). Press into the bottom of an uncreased 8x8 inch pan.
• For the middle layer, cream together 1/2 cup butter, heavy cream and custard powder until light and fluffy. Mix in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the bottom layer in the pan. Chill to set.
• While the second layer is chilling, melt the semisweet chocolate and 2 teaspoons butter together in the microwave or over low heat. Spread over the chilled bars. Let the chocolate set before cutting into squares.​