There's a "hot" new eatery in #Ottawa - #MoralsVillageHotPot (#Ad) #Ottawafood #OttawaEateries

More than a meal ... a dining adventure.

Disclosure: I was not compensated, nor obligated to post or share about this experience. 

However as I was an invited guest or plus-one I did receive my meal free of charge. All opinions are my own.

When Julie (Try Small Things) invited me to be her plus one for dinner at the newly opened Morals Village Hot Pot Ottawa (located at Riverside and Hunt Club), she didn't have to ask me twice. My decision to accept her invitation was a good one, because our meal turned out to be an interactive dining experience. My first impression was the warm reds and golds of the beautiful decor, and the welcoming and friendly greeting we received from the staff. 

Things I learned as a Hot Pot newbie:

• The Morals Village name comes from their commitment to giving back and community. In keeping with that sense of community it's not surprising most of the seating is communal style with a flat top stock pot burner at each seat. 
• Hot pot is a traditional Chinese dish using soup stock to cook a variety of ingredients. 
• Morals Village is an all-you-can-eat restaurant with a flat fee that includes the hot pot ingredients. (Note: the stock and beverages are not included in the flat rate. Visit the website, or restaurant for pricing details). 
• The staff is friendly, and knowledgeable, which is important for a Hot Pot newbie like myself.
• Over the course of a meal the stock in your pot is topped up. Staff explained this was to keep the stock from getting too salty as liquid evaporates from the boiling stock.   
• The reason there are two sets of chop sticks (one white, one black) is to avoid cross-contamination. One set is for raw meat, and the other set is for cooked items. 
• My chop stick skills are virtually non-existent. 
• Elastic waist pants are an excellent fashion choice when hot-potting. 
• Sharing a hot pot meal with friends or family is a perfect choice on a cold day.
• I really really like my hot pot experience. 

The Stock:
The experience starts with choosing from one of a dozen stock options (priced from $3 to $8) that you will use to cook your chosen ingredients. Your pot-o-stock stays piping hot by way of table elements. I opted for the Mountain Cliff Wild Mushroom soup base which was very nice. 

The Ingredients:
There are dozens of ingredient options, with everything from fried pork skin, quail eggs, and squid rolls to seaweed, lotus roots, and tofu. Each visit is a new opportunity to be adventurous in your choices, and customize your eating experience. To my mushroom soup base I added: Rib Eye Beef Slices, Japanese Crab Meat, Broccoli, Sweet Corn, Napa Cabbage, and Japanese Udon Noodles. 
Into the hot pot they went, and not to start anything but ...  yes I stirred the pot. 

Service with a smile ...

The Toppings & Sauce Bar:
I bet you're thinking there is no way to top that ... but indeed there is. There are a dozen sauces, dips, and toppings to pair with your hot pot meal. This is where you'll also find spring rolls, sesame balls, and deep fried buns. I recommend all three! 

The Ice Cream Finish:
What better way to end a hot and spicy meal than with a sweet ice cream cone filled with Morals Village made-on-site vanilla soft serve ice cream. 

From start to finish it was a wonderful night, that included a great meal, shared with a fabulous friend. It doesn't get much better than that in my opinion. So next time you're in Ottawa, looking for a new dining adventure or find yourself asking "Where should we go to eat?" you might want to give Morals Village Hot Pot, or one of these Ottawa eateries a try. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Ottawa eateries, and adventures in dining. 

Spice up #MovieNight with #Bollywood movies & @TajOttawa Takeout (#Ad) #TajOttawa

Pairing your favourite Bollywood movie with the taste of India, 

is the perfect way to spice up Movie Night. 

Disclosure: Although I have worked with Taj Indian Cuisine in the past in exchange for a delicious meal, 

I was not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. 

In our house Friday night is Movie Night. For years it meant the whole family gathered to eat pizza and watch a movie. My kids are adults now, and more often than not it's just my Hubby and me, so I suppose now it could be called Date Night. I love our Friday Movie Night tradition, but after almost 2 decades of Friday night pizza I'm  ready to mix it up a bit, both in our cuisine and movie choices. So I'm spicing things up with Taj Indian Cuisine take-out (or delivery) and a couple Bollywood movies. 

My Taj Takeout Movie Night favourites:

Vegetable Samosas (a perfect way to start any taste of India dining and movie adventure)

North Indian Salad (a fresh salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions)

Butter Chicken (because you can never go wrong with Butter Chicken)

Chicken Korma (chicken with herbs and nuts in a delicious creamy sauce)

Alu Matar (Potatoes and peas in curry sauce)
Basmati Rice (Indu's personal recipe)
and of course lots of their #naantastic naan bread!

My top Bollywood Movie Night picks ...

As I laughed watching trailers for each of these movies I was reminded why I enjoyed them so much. (Just an FYI all of these are currently available to stream on Netflix Canada)

Finding Fanny: 2014 (NR) 
This comic and heartwarming movie tells the story of an aging man who learns the marriage proposal he sent to his girlfriend decades before was never received, and the road trip he takes to find her. 

Piku: 2015 (TV-PG)
The parent and child relationship is complicated, as seen in the interactions between an eccentric aging father, and his efficient, and opinionated daughter. Put them both in the same car for a long distance road trip and result is a comical clash of wills.    

Queen: 2014 (TV-MA)
After Queen is jilted at the alter, she decides to travel solo on what was to have been her European honeymoon. Her experiences push her out of her comfort zone, and challenge her to think about who she is, who she wants to be, and how that fits with her traditional family and life in Delhi. 

The Lunchbox: 2013 (PG) 
An error in the usually ultra-efficient and reliable, but complicated Mumbai lunchbox delivery service, unexpectedly leads to a housewife making the lunches, and the soon to be retired widower receiving them, to become become lunchbox penpals.   

Mumbai, Delhi, Mumbai: 2014 (TV-14)
This movie follows the typical Bollywood rom-com story-line of: boy and girl meet, boy and girl instantly dislike each, followed by a comedy of errors, misunderstandings, coincidences, and of course dancing, that eventually lead boy and girl to rethink how they feel about each other. The story begins with a young woman, who at her mom's insistence travels from Mumbai to Delhi to meet with a potential marriage candidate. Everything is going as planned until she loses her cell phone. 

Do you have a favourite Bollywood movie? If so what Indian dish would you pair with it to spice up movie night?  

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about spicing up movie night. 

For drool-worthy pictures of Taj's delicious dishes follow them on facebook, twitter, and instagram.  

Diary of an Unfit Mom @tdmottawa #DoItDailey30 Day #FitnessChallenge #Ad

Dear Diary ...

What have I done! I've agreed to participate in a 30 day fitness challenge, AND share my journey with the world via my blog and social media! 

Disclosure: Both my son and I received a month of unlimited classes at The Dailey Method Ottawa 

to facilitate our participation in the June #DoItDailey30 Challenge. All opinions are my own.

Dear Diary, it's official, I've lost my mind ... 
It took years for me to share pictures of myself on social media. Hell, I can only find myself in a handful of family photos for almost two decades. I call those my proof of life photos, so there is some proof that I exist and I'm part of something. I chose to hide behind the camera taking pictures rather than be in them. So what in God's name am I doing in a group photo in tights!?! Yes, they are fabulous tights, but they're still tights, and they do not hide the fact there is more of me to love than the others participating in the June Dailey Method fitness challenge. 

Dear Diary, I signed up for a trial barre class ...

I signed up to try a Dailey Gentle barre class at The Dailey Method Ottawa, which is "ideal for those looking for a slower paced, more nurturing barre experience". That definitely describes me. If I'm honest I felt self conscious about my level of fitness, my weight, and lack of fabulous tights. But I ignored my instinct to run and an hour later had proudly finished my first barre class. 
I learned 6 things from Sarah (owner) in that first class:

• "Gentle doesn't mean easy." 
• Sarah yelling "YES YOU CAN!" right when you think you can't actually works.
• I'm willing to work hard for an hour for a 5 second "final release", which in the first class consisted of Sarah applying pressure to my shoulders. Those 5 seconds felt as good as any hour relaxation massage I've had. 
• MELT is some crazy magic that somehow gives a tiny blue ball the power to take away stiffness in my hands, the pain in the arches of my feet, and even make my sore hips feel better.  
• I love sticky bottom socks ... I don't think I'll be able to settle for just one pair.
• Lastly I need to get myself some fabulous tights I feel good wearing, that are fitted so I can better see my alignment in the mirror.  

Dear Diary, further proof of my insanity ... 

I said yes to the #DoItDailey30 challenge. Tonight I'm off to meet and greet the other Ottawa bloggers participating in the June fitness challenge. I've bought myself some funky flowered tights, but I'm still feeling self conscious about having my picture taken in tights and a skin tight (not in a good way) Do It Dailey tank top, that will definitely be shared on social media. Me in tights shared on social media is WAY out of my comfort zone, but not wanting to appear to be a spoil-sport, I sucked in my gut, put a smile on my face, and prayed others would be kind with the filters and cropping. 

Now that I've very publicly announced to the world I'm participating in a 20 classes in 30 days challenge at The Dailey Method Ottawa, I don't think I can handle wearing the cone of shame by backing out. Besides I'm doing it with Thing 1, and what kind of example would I set if I quit. Barre class, sacrum, and back dancing sound fancy but in many ways it's the opposite of fancy. The classes really bring you back to basics, focusing on form and alignment, and using very little apparatus other than a barre, a mat, a ball, hand weights and a yoga strap. That's all that is needed regardless of the level of barre class to get a good workout, and strengthen your muscles and body. 

Dear Diary, the challenge begins ...

We had a bit of a rocky start to the challenge with app issues, which made us tardy for our first class. Did I mention I'm doing this with my son aka Thing 1? The Dailey Barre class was bigger then the Gentle, and full, so we couldn't find room for our mats, and all I could hear is the not so quiet voice in my head yelling "What the hell were you thinking! Grab your stuff and run, never to return!" I did not listen to that voice, and instead a very nice staff member helped to find room for our mats, and I finished my first Dailey Barre class. 
I learned 4 things from my first Dailey Barre class:

• The error of my ways in regards to the TDM app, and how to fix the issue.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before class, to avoid a mental breakdown.
• There is a big difference in the size, difficulty level, and speed between the Dailey Gentle and the Dailey Barre class. 
• The Dailey Barre classes (for me) are really hard, but "YES I CAN!"

Dear Diary, I'm like the little (or not so little) engine that could ...

Don't be fooled by the name of the class. I know that Candlelit Gratitude Barre Class sounds all Zen and a-u-m inspiring, but it's not! It was the hardest class I've done. I think they turn down the lights so they can't see my tears. I literally thought I was going to cry at one point, first because my muscles were screaming STOP TORTURING US! and then out of shear joy that the hold had ended. I was more than a bit surprised I lasted the entire hour. Even more surprising is I went back for another one the following week. If I can do this, truly anyone can. The key to success is to go at your own pace, be mindful of your alignment, and if you have questions, ask. The staff are open, engaging, knowledgeable and willing to help either after class or in your free one-on-one session. 
I learned 5 things from my first Candlelit Gratitude Barre Class:

• Candles do not mean sleepy time.
• Misery must really love company, because having Ann (KickAss Living) and Thing 1 suffer through "the hardest class ever!" is way more fun than doing it on my own.
• You can easily experience runners high after this barre class.
• Stephanie put some magical spell on us, because both Ann and I went back for more. All joking aside, we both feel really proud of our accomplishments after each of Stephanie's classes.
• Hard holds, shaking, and pushing a bit further is okay and very different than pain or injury.

Dear Diary, I like being a collector of stars ...

These ladies are fabulous support and a source of encouragement to me.

I'm starting to be a regular in Meghan's classes.

As I reach the half way mark of the challenge I have 12 stars on the challenge board. Each one represents an hour of hard work and commitment. (Just for the record Stephanie's Candlelit Gratitude Class should be worth 2 stars! I'm grateful I can still walk after that.) I'm starting to get to know the regulars, and feel as if I belong here. Meghan sees me the most for either her Gentle or Basics classes. I love her positive vibe, and have more than once attended a class I thought I was too tired to do when I discovered she was the instructor. More than the sense of accomplishment each star gives me, I've noticed subtle changes in my abilities and my body. With each class I can hold a little longer, or push a little further. My posture is better, and my shoulders and back have less stiffness, or aches and pains. Same goes for my hips. My flexibility and balance are better. And on my 10th class I held a tabletop plank (no knees) for 30 seconds! I feel better, sleep better, and I believe my arm wings may be a little less wingy with each class I do, so yes I like being a collector of stars.

I learned 8 things on my star collecting adventure so far:

• Around class 3 that I learned you needed to sign in. Apparently some loving soul had been doing this for me, and it wasn't until Ann asked if I had signed in did I realize I needed to. 
• A group of friends and a support group like Ann (KickAss Living), Julie (Try Small Things), Danika (BusyGirlHealth), and even Thing 1 make staying motivated so much easier.
• Having a few new tights and tops make a classes with mirrors everywhere more enjoyable.
• I do not glow ... I ugly sweat. 
• I can do more than I think ... Yes I Can!
• Planks are hard! 
• On a hot day the best spot in the class is under the ceiling fan.
• Age, weight, and being unfit are not acceptable excuses for not trying The Dailey Method. The Gentle Barre class 3 days a week is doable. (Did I mention there is a promo on right now?) 

Dear Diary, I'm afraid of the cycle ...

One of my goals is to do at least one cycle class before the end of the challenge. Like the Candlelit Gratitude class, I am not fooled by the peaceful music and dimmed lights. I'm afraid the seats will hurt. I'm afraid I can't do it, and will have to do the walk of shame 5 minutes after the class starts. I'm afraid I won't be able to walk for a week after the class. But ... at the beginning of the challenge I was afraid of having my picture taken in tights, and I was afraid I couldn't do a barre class, far less 20 of them. More and more I'm taking the feel the fear, and do it anyways approach to life. So dear diary you never know, I may just surprise you and spin my way to my next star. 
Other things I've learned:

• Danika, and Julie are fast becoming my heroes ... enduring Jamie's cycle and/or barre classes. He looks all sweet and mild mannered, but I've heard him teaching a barre class, and he's no joke. Of course I mean that in the nicest of ways Jamie, and hope to someday graduate to "Jamie" class level.
• Ann is a trouper! Taking Do It Dailey to Do It Twice Dailey! 
• Each day there are more people I see regularly at classes. First it was eye contact, then a friendly smile, now a hello or a short comment or conversation. 
• Some have a constellation of stars, and are literally Doing It Dailey. I'm so impressed with their dedication and commitment. I hope they reap all sorts of benefits, both body and soul as a reward for all their hard work. 

You can find out more about The Dailey Method Ottawa, their classes, and the current promo on their website, or follow them on facebook, twitter, and instagram for updates and news. And for updates on the challenge follow the #DoItDailey30 hashtag.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud to Dear Diary about the #DoItDailey30 challenge.

Hockey Highlights & History @CanMusHistory #HockeyExhibit #Ad #CanadianMuseumofHistory #Ottawa

Ain't Nothin' more Canadian than Hockey, Eh!

Disclosure: I was invited as media to a guided tour of the #HockeyExhibit at the Canadian Museum of History free of  charge.

The Canadian Museum of History has pulled together a wonderful #HockeyExhibit that celebrates and highlights the tradition and history of Hockey in Canada. And it seems like a perfect outing to kickoff your celebration of Canada's 150th Birthday. 

The pictures below give you a small sampling of the interesting items you'll find on display in this exhibit. You'll also find all sorts of fan paraphernalia, artifacts, art, video and images, including several player contracts dating back to 1949. The Hockey Exhibit has interactive and multi-media components that make it fun regardless of where you sit on the hockey fan-dom scale. 

Hockey Fan-dom Scale:

• 0-3 FAN-potential: You know nothing about hockey. You're not sure what off-side or icing means. You watch the play-off games, but usually because someone else has control of the remote. I'm sure after seeing the #HockeyExhibit you'll be at least FAN-like.
• 4-8 FAN-like: You like hockey, and watch hockey on occasion. You would not say no to free tickets. You may be like me and your interest in hockey started when you were forced to learn what equipment goes where and how when your kids started to play hockey. You have fan potential. You know a bit but you're not an expert. After seeing the #HockeyExhibit you'll know enough to be considered a full fledged FAN. Grab yourself some cool hockey para-fan-alia at the gift shop on the way out so you look like a true fan. 
• 9-10 FAN: You're a fan. You love the game. You definitely watch and track your favourite team and the current season. You own at least one team Jersey and wear when going to a game, or while watching games at home. You might even wear it out and about on game days. Just add a few bits of para-fan-alia, and share some of the cool facts you learn at the #HockeyExhibit and you're well on your way to being a Super-FAN.
• 10+ Super-FAN: You're an extreme hockey fan! You live for hockey, it's the ONLY sport worth watching. You can quote hockey stats going back at least 10 years. You have a large collection of hockey jerseys (both home and away game Jerseys) and para-fan-alia (which you may have a separate shrine room where you display it). You wear your team jersey and or colours on every game day. You own at least one pair of hockey pyjamas and slippers. You plan vacations (and maybe your honeymoon) around the playoffs. You've probably painted your face in your team colours at least once (a season). You are indeed CRAZY ... about hockey. So clearly the #HockeyExhibit is a must see, if only to say "I knew that" at each display.

You can tour the #HockeyExhibit at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau Quebec (Ottawa), but only until October 9th, 2017. So I suggest you get a move on!

He shots! ... He scores!

Then ... 
You'll find many artifacts to help you see and understand (and maybe reminisce) the history of hockey in Canada. Even if you're not a hockey buff, you're sure to enjoy seeing the variety of player, team, and hockey related items on display. Everything from cereal to soup cans demonstrate the degree hockey has impacted the Canadian culture. 

Now ...
There will always be Canadian kids hoping to follow in the footsteps of Canadian hockey greats. And we have so many greats, and have always had so much hockey talent for our youth (both male and female) to look to for inspiration.  

These darlings belong to my friend who blogs at ReeseSpeaks Blog. 

Be sure to check out what the VP's had to say about their visit to the Hockey Exhibit.

And just because it's fun ...

Again you really don't need to be a big hockey fan to enjoy the varied and fun items and artifacts on display in the #HockeyExhibit. 

You can learn more at the Canadian Museum of History website, or follow them on twitter, facebook or instagram. And if you're looking for a fun hockey souvenir or para-fan-alia the Museum Gift Shop has a fun collection of hockey related items at all price points. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about the #HockeyExhibit at the Canadian Museum of History. 

Time to Practice What I Preach: Me, Thing1 & @TDMOttawa #DoItDailey30 #Ad #LivingaDaileyLife

Parenting 101: Sometimes you need to walk the walk. (or ride the bike)

And so it begins Mother - Son Bonding via The Dailey Method 30 Day Challenge!

Disclosure: Both my son and I received a month of unlimited classes at The Dailey Method Ottawa 

to facilitate our participation in the June #DoItDailey30 Challenge. All opinions are my own.

Don't get me wrong ...
I fully support the use of  "Do as I say, not what I do!", "Because I said so!" and "DO IT NOW DAMN IT!" negotiation tactics. After 21 years I'm at guru skill levels in defer and demand techniques, or to put it in terms my kids understand: If this approach was FPS game video game you'd all be dead. 

So why share this? And what's the The Dailey Method 30 Day Challenge connection?
Well because I have noticed a pattern of late. With Thing 1's classes done, and no summer job (yet!) we find ourselves spending day after day together. I spend my day "encouraging" him to put the electronics away, and do something. I regularly catch myself telling him (okay yelling at him) "You can't spend all day on your computer!" "It's a beautiful day! Get out of bed and get outside! Go for a walk or a bike ride!" followed by "DO IT NOW DAMN IT!" 

While not ideal, this story is hardly news worthy. Right?! 
Wait up, not so fast! As the days go by I realize I'm "telling" him this from behind my laptop. A computer I spend a large part of the day behind. I know it's a nice day because I saw the weather report on the morning news, and I'm yelling this slouched over my laptop on my bed, or the couch. A little voice inside my head started to say "You get up, you get outside! You go for a walk or a bike ride!" and "You can't spend all day on your computer!" followed by "DO IT NOW DAMN IT!". 

Yes folks, it's time for me to walk the walk. 
So I accepted the offer to participate in TDM Ottawa's #DoItDailey30 June Challenge, and I also accepted on Thing 1's behalf. Together we're going to get out of bed, get outside, get some exercise and balance in our lives, bond over our shared experience, and we're going to "DO IT NOT DAMN IT!". 
Did I mention we get those cool grippy socks! 

So as of June 1st, 
You'll find us trying as many classes as possible (I'm signing Thing 1 up for all the really hard spin and cycle classes ... what?!? I need some pics for my blog posts). And as always, I'll be a loving supportive mother ... encouraging Thing 1 to "Go faster! and DO IT NOW DAMN IT!"
My plan for myself is to start out with the Daily Gentle 3 times a week, plus at least 1 other class such as the Daily Basics or Daily Barre on the weekends. 
My plan for Thing 1 is for him to do those classes with me and at least 1 Cycle class a week. 
We may find Thing 1 prefers Cycle classes to Barre, but we'll adjust as we go. Who knows by the end of June he may even convinced his Mom to try a Cycle class.

So wish us luck in our quality time adventure, and our quest to find more balance in life. Be sure to follow our journey on social media using the hashtag # DoItDailey30

For more information about The Dailey Method Ottawa take a peak at their website, or follow them on twitter, facebook, and instagram. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about first steps to better fitness and walking the walk. 

List of #ThingstoDo in #Ottawa this June #MyOttawa #OttCity #Ottawa2017

Will you be in Ottawa this June?

If so here's a list of things to do. 

Weather you live in Ottawa or are just visiting, you'll find there are all sorts of things to do in the Capital. Why not venture out beyond the Parliament Buildings and discover all there is to do.  
Click on the link below for my list of events and activities happening in and around Ottawa in June. Bonus: Many of the events and activities listed are free! 
Continue reading ...

Although my list is long, it's far from complete, so if I've missed something please let me know in the comments section.

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about what to do out and about in the Capital. 

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any form. The purpose of the post is simply to share information I feel is of interest to my readers. All opinions are my own. 

June 3 & 4 #DoorsOpenOttawa 2017 #Ottawa #MyOttawa #ThingsToDo

Hey Ottawa! Did you know that every June in Ottawa you can see a collection of buildings and locations otherwise not open to the public?

Doors Open Ottawa

Doors Open Ottawa 

This year they have really upped their game. In addition to the more than 150 buildings that open their doors June 3rd and 4th, 2017, they've added:

• A photo contest (ends June 5th)
• An App for Android or iOS developed by students from the Algonquin college Mobile Application Design and Development program.  
• An Interactive Map
• A Free Ottawa-Citizen Shuttle Bus that stops within walking distance of almost 70 of the participating Doors Open buildings. 
• Escape Bicycle Tours are offering a Doors Open Bike Tour and bicycle rentals on Saturday June 3rd, weather permitting. 

The 2017 Doors Open Ottawa buildings I most want to visit are:

• Bank of Canada
• Canadian Aviation and Space Museum Reserve Hanger
• Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
• Canadian Space Services
• Embassy of the United States
• Geological Survey of Canada Building
• National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Facilities

Looking for more fun things to do in Ottawa? 
Be sure to check out my Things To Do in Ottawa post. 

Yep, just me Cathy thinking out loud about Doors Open Ottawa 2017. 

Note: I was not compensated for this post in any way. It's purpose is merely to share information I think will be of interest to my readers. All opinions are my own.