Ok- I won't make this some long ass blog with links to go any which way but the recipe you came here for...those sites really irritate me! I do not make money from these recipes or posts- I simply like sharing my ideas and hopefully you like them too. ON that note- I run a VERY low budget site... remember I said I don't make money on this so there is also nno link that sends you to the 'print recipe' page... sorry about that haha! I will forewarn- I don't measure much when it comes to these kind of things- I add and adjust by taste- most of the time. Also- I use a lot of frozen fish because- I don't' live anywhere near the ocean and it's easier ... Also I added the fish I had on hand- you can add what you want but I will say that Mussels make the dish extraordinary! Ingredients: garlic clove- 1-2 or to taste green onion/spring onion- 1/2 cup about olive oil - the good stuff 1/4 cup - about Sautee these ingredients until soft and aromatic scotch- 2 oz- to drink while you are cooking this magnificent meal chili flakes 2 cups Chicken broth ( about) ( it technically is to be made with clam broth as well but I do not like the smell!) 1 cup white wine ( Dry) I didn't have any on hand- hence I was drinking scotch- if you don't have it not to worry it's not a meal breaker I simmer the above ingredients for about 20-25 mins 1 jar of Tomato Passata ( save the jar as you will rinse the extra tomato passata out and add to your pot) simmer another 10-15 mins (if you have time) Basa fish ( ¬2-3 fillets- I add them in semi- defrosted - cut into cubes) Shrimp ( I like the smaller ones) about 1 cup of the small ones but if you want more then add more Mussels- 2-boxes- ( about 2 lbs) I use the frozen PEI Mussels you can get at your local Safeway (don't crucify me for not using fresh- I don't live anywhere near an ocean and do not have time to go to the market and get fresh ones) These mussels come frozen in a white wine/butter sauce - prepare according to direction- essentially you boil the bag - they come frozen and vacuumed packed- they retain so much flavor - and then add them to your pot Salt to taste- after it has been simmering for a while Simmer on stove for about 20-25 mins- if its getting thicker than you would like, give that passata jar another rinse and put some of that water into the pot. I hope this makes sense- send me a message if it does lol!! I hope you enjoy this as much as my husband and I do !

I think I have found the best sourdough discard sandwich bread! For real! I’m gonna keep this shirt cause I hate reading through blogs that take you through pages of sh’t just to get to the damn recipe! Drives me nuts! I will say this though - I have started to not be so rigid with my dough making. I don’t always use my scale and and a bit forgiving. The first time I made this recipe I used exactly 1 cup of warm water and 4 cups of water and the dough came out too tough for me- so I will end some my ingredients with an ‘ish’. I asked my Nonna how much she used when she made her bread and she looked at me like I had three heads! You measure with your heart and how the dough feels! Ingredients 1 to 1/4 cup warm water 1 tablespoonish honey 3 teaspoons active dry yeast 4 tablespoons butter softened 4 cups all purpose flour (start with 3 and add as you feel …. Yes you read that right) 1/2 tablespoon salt 1 cup sourdough discard ( needs to be about 12 hours since the last feed) Instructions Whisk together warm water, honey, and yeast. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. The mixture should get nice and bubbly. Add water yeast mixture, butter, (needs to be soft), salt, and sourdough discard to the bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Mix this together - then add flour one cup at a atime and see how it mixes. Depending on humidity I won’t add all 4 cups. I will leave it at 3 1/2 ish. If the dough is sticky then add the entire 4 cups Knead on low speed until dough is smooth and elastic- about 10 minutes or so. It may take longer. You can also do this by hand…. Your wrist will be sore fyi 😉 At the end of it -It shouldn't stick to the sides of the bowl. To check to make sure the gluten has developed enough so the bread is nice and fluffy, it should pass the windowpane test. Grab a small ball of the dough and stretch it into a square. It should stretch thin enough to see through without breaking. Keep the the dough in a greased bowl with a lid, plastic wrap, or towel. ( I keep mine in the same bowl- I refuse to wash more than I have to!) Let the dough rise (also known as bulk rise) for about 1-2 hours (or until it about doubles in size) in a warm place like on top of a stove or on top of the refrigerator. ( using warm water at the beginning helps this process ) Grease a bread pan or add parchment paper. Roll the dough into a ball shape then shape into whatever you want it to look like…. Make it fit into the loaf pan with an elongated shape…. Hope that makes sense 😬. Add the shaped bread dough to the parchment lined or buttered loaf pans seam side down. Second rise for 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature, or until doubled. Covered with a towel. Bake the sandwich loaf at 375 for about 45 minutes, or until a lovely golden brown color on top. Allow to cool completely before slicing or storing. Oops I forgot to tell you to preheat the oven to 375- you’ve got time 😚 if you are like me you would have read the recipe before starting …. Maybe 😆 Most recipes tell you to wait an hour before cutting into it….. I never wait - it tastes the best right out of the oven- you might squish the hell out of it while slicing into its hands down worth the taste!!! Let me know what you think! Much luv V 😘

When someone first introduced box breathing to me I was like WTF is that??? In my mind I thought of a cardboard box and how I had to fold it down and breathe around it... which I am not far off and yes my brain is strange- …. Nope it doesn’t make sense but here we are! Box breathing, also known as square or four-square breathing, is a simple relaxation technique where you inhale, hold, exhale, and hold your breath again, each for a count of four.  This made me think of when I was I labour how helpful it would have been …. Fml lol- I needed to pay more attention to this back then; so read this if you need help for some tid bit of information on how to relax your nerves! Would this breathing have taken away labour pain- absolutely not- would it have helped me gain control of my body, of my thoughts and help me to focus- absolutely yes. This controlled breathing pattern helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve focus. It's a versatile tool that can be practiced anywhere to promote relaxation and manage anxiety. Here's a breakdown of the technique: Find a comfortable position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed posture. Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four. Hold: Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale: Breathe out slowly through your mouth for a count of four. Hold: Hold your breath again for a count of four. Repeat: Continue this cycle as many times as needed.  This is soooo simple that  it can be used at anytime…. but always practice safe breathing practices... sounds like I am saying always practice safe sex- which you should at all times as well- as I digress.... what I am saying is when you are first starting out any new practice always discuss and seek the guidance of your physician, nurse, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have- period! The four-second inhale activates your energy, while the first hold creates a moment of stillness that signals safety to your brain. The four-second exhale then triggers your relaxation response, and the final hold reinforces this calming effect. Your vagus nerve - the freeway that runs in two lanes from your brain to your body - gets its shit together and wakes up and relaxes…. Yes you read that right - it wakes up and relaxes for you! - This triggers your parasympathetic nervous system, your body’s natural built-in relaxation response. This calms your heart rate; decreases blood pressure and slows your breathing down; it helps to create mindfulness; makes you look at what’s going on in the now. It’s like your very own reset button that helps tell your body- whoa, you are totally under control- you got this shit! Here is a study that Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal - PMC can help with stress management and overall well being. I’m all about backing what I say with something that has been studied! See this drawing below for how to do it…. If you’re like me- I need to ‘see’ it to really get a grasp on wtf I’m doing 🤷🏻‍♀️. Giving credit to sketchplanations- here’s the link ( I didn’t draw this and have to give credit for who did ❤️) https://images.app.goo.gl/WsSMWWakzySVbdne8 I like keeping these reads short and sweet.. if you wanna chat more send me a message …. If you wanna try out the breathing check out my website to see when the next event is going on… gemmascorner.ca under the events section! Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, nurse, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Use of this blog does not establish a nurse-client or healthcare provider relationship.

Discover the Power of Breath Have you ever wondered how something as simple as your own breath can help you feel calmer, more energized, and deeply connected to yourself? Yesterday, a group of us at Gemma’s Corner  gathered for a breathwork session—and the feeling of calm it brought was an immense transformative experience brought on a feeling of lightness; centered just by breathing together. Breathwork is an ancient practice with modern relevance. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us forget to breathe fully, leading to chronic stress, fatigue, and disconnection. A guided breathwork workshop is an opportunity to pause, reset, and learn tools you can carry into everyday life. I guide you to: Breathe in the calm and breathe out the F%$ery… Breathe in clarity… and breathe out the bullshit. Breathe in the focus… breathe out the chaos. What exactly is Breathwork? Breathwork refers to intentional breathing exercises that activate the body’s natural ability to regulate the nervous system, process emotions, and restore balance. From calming slow breaths to more dynamic, rhythmic patterns, breathwork helps you: ✅ Reduce stress and anxiety ✅ Increase focus and clarity ✅ Release stored tension ✅ Improve sleep ✅ Feel more present and grounded What to Expect in a Workshop During our breathwork session, you’ll be guided through: An Introduction to Breath Awareness Learn how your breath affects your mind and body. A gentle introduction to the Vagus nerve Gentle Warm-Up Practices Prepare your body and mind with simple stretches and mindful breathing. Active Breathwork Session Experience a guided breathwork journey using safe techniques to help you access deeper states of relaxation and self-awareness. Integration and Reflection Time to process, journal, and share your experience if you feel comfortable. Closing Circle A moment to ground yourself, set intentions, and carry the calm into your daily life. Everyone can benefit from breathwork, whether you’re new to the practice or looking to deepen your experience. No previous experience is needed—just bring an open mind, comfortable clothes, and a willingness to explore. Why Join a Workshop Instead of Practicing Alone? While breathwork can be done independently, practicing in a group with a skilled facilitator offers: ✨ A safe, supportive environment ✨ Step-by-step guidance ✨ Community connection ✨ An intentional space away from distractions Many participants find they can go deeper and feel more held in a group setting. Ready to Breathe New Life Into Your Wellbeing? Sign up for my emails… trust me I do not send very often… I am too busy breathing (LOL) to know when the next immersive breathwork workshop and discover how breathwork can be a catalyst for transformation. ✨  As always… Much luv- V

Eucalyptus oil can help clear nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion, making breathing easier, especially during colds and allergies. The oil helps to decrease inflamed airways due to allergies and viral infections. Interesting fact; it can also help clear mental fog ( so who is premenopausal and has unusually thick fog sometimes 🤦‍♀️) this helps your thoughts become a bit more clear and manageable. I put mine in the shower as the hot water and steam bring out the eucalyptus oil enhancing the above names benefits. Not gonna lie I love having a shower with this hanging in there …. Helps me not want to wring my hubby’s neck when he’s being a bit extra irritating that day 😂😬- the stress relief is palpable …. I should say breathable 🤣! Breathing this in deeply helps relive congestion on those days you’re not feeling well and need a boost….. if nothing  it also is a nice decorative piece for your bathroom!

Disclaimer: This is a very novice blog... like very novice. I love feedback so lay it on me, lol! As I sit here on the toilet in the hotel bathroom sipping my coffee so I don’t wake anyone up I started to think about boundaries, how I have a lack of them, and how irritable I am about it. There’s nothing connecting the toilet and boundaries. Just having my coffee here made me really look at the closed bathroom door and see the concrete boundary I put in place so I could enjoy my coffee in peace. Strange, I know, but as I age and get older not many things seem to phase me anymore. It got me thinking - How do other women manage their boundaries as they age and go through perimenopause and menopause and all the crap that goes with it? With the change in hormones, mostly the decrease in estrogen, I have definitely noticed a difference. My patience with EVERYONE is dwindling if not gone altogether… I never had time for stupid people, and now my time is in the negative! Then I get the good ole Catholic guilt about that and make myself feel bad that I feel this way… like FFS! (Are you following?) I have a question - How do you set your boundaries? Is it a systematic or on-the-fly kind of thing? Mine typically are set by yelling NO or STOP or the silent treatment because I have reached the end of my rope and could give two shits. Then I pour a stiff one, yes it’s a scotch (neat please), which then makes me realize that is not the best way to approach the situation or to be around my kids. (Notice how I am excluding my husband in this one... LOL). Apparently, I set mine on the fly! I did a little reading to educate myself on how I can set boundaries. I like to figure shit out on my own, then I will go and ask questions. I will say this - The proverbial ‘they’ really need to include boundary-setting classes in each year of school from kindergarten to grade 12, so hopefully by the end of grade 12 we may have an inkling of what it means to set boundaries and how to navigate them as we age. Then these classes need to extend into mandatory work sessions throughout our careers! Claudia Petrilli (Functional Health Coach, Integrative Nutrition Coach and Women’s Health educator) tells us we need to make sure to know exactly who we are giving our energy to and this in turn helps us to create the boundaries we need to help navigate our lives! They are crucial in helping us maintain our mental, emotional, and physical health. Historically, as women, we are viewed as the primary caregiver: the wife, the mother, the maternal figure that is supposed to give her heart to absolutely everything and everyone else but herself. (I am not excluding men as I know there are amazing men, dads, and spouses out there but for the purpose of today we are going to focus on the estrogen/progesterone dominant two-legged mammal!) As we get older it doesn’t seem to get any easier... ‘They’, again, here ‘they’ are telling us that everything gets easier as we get older. It absolutely bloody well doesn’t! It. Gets. Harder. That simple! I will tell you what has not  gotten harder… to give a f*^%!  I am truly bearing down on holding my ground on the give-a-f*^% meter. (No pun intended as I sit on the toilet writing this and thinking of what I have to say). I really don’t give a fuck about many things as much as I used to. I say so much more now. A dear friend of mine taught me ‘No’ is a complete sentence - best advice ever! I do what I want to do, within reason (I still have some of that), and when I want to do it. There are only a few people I will never say no to and one of them is my 91-year-old grandmother. After immigrating to Canada in the 1950s without speaking a lick of English and having to make it work - just her and my grandpa, she has earned the right and the respect. How can you say no to her? (That is another story for another day).  I have boundaries on who gets my time after work hours (and let's be real also during work hours) or on the weekends. I have started aligning my boundaries with personal values.  I have stopped feeling bad for the time I want to spend on my own doing what I want to do. Don’t get me wrong - my family is well taken care of and a top priority, I love them, but I choose very wisely who else gets my time outside of my husband and children. I need to make sure it works for me, that I am comfortable (well relatively - this toilet seat is starting to hurt my back end), and that it makes me feel happy. Gina Mitchell tells us that personal boundaries help with self-empowerment and allow us to develop, or I should say re-develop, our self-worth and honour what the meaning is for us.  I don’t want to make this too long of a read but I want to give a shout to all of us women treading the waters of motherhood, wifehood, lifehood (are those even words?!), sisterhood, friendship, and all the titles I can’t think of in this moment. I really need to take my own advice. Some days are definitely better than others, and other days I give myself a time-out with a bottle of scotch. After all, please remember this... Be gentle with yourself. Honour your boundaries. "No" is, in fact, a complete sentence. Drink your coffee on the toilet, locked in a hotel bathroom, if it means you get to drink it while it’s hot AND with no interruptions. Choose wisely who gets your time. The above list is not exhaustive but rather a starting point. It is working for me. It's not easy but it's definitely worth it. Much Love Always, V References (not in any special format but need to recognize the authors I read to get this info!) https://claudiapetrilli.com/21-why-you-need-boundaries-in-perimenopause/ How Personal Boundaries Can Improve your Life - Australian Menopause Centre (Image) Setting Boundaries Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock (Image) 742 Whiskey Splashing In Glass Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images ( pinterest.com )