The same amount of time...

When I tell my friends that I go to the gym 6 days a week, I always get the same response... "How do you find the time!!?"  I just want to gently remind you that we are all given the same amount of time.  We get to choose how to spend it.  I make the gym a part of my day, (our day, Reese and I) for the example it teaches my daughter.  I believe in putting healthy eating and exercise first and I want to share that with her.  Reese always has her first nap at home, and then she wakes up and we slowly get ready to go.  I'm not doing any classes right now...right now it's just important that we get there.  

What I get is much more than a workout.  It's peace of mind.  I am very fortunate that my gym daycare has two remarkable people, Matthew and Donna, who Reese just adores.  They are always there, 6 days a week...providing a fun, loving and safe environment for my daughter to play.  I love when I pick her up and learn that she has been playing with a 10 year old for over an hour.  She is creating friendships and learning so much.  And what I get is beyond the 30-45 minute cardio workout.  I get time for just me.  I get to read, respond to friends' texts, fb messages or emails or just zone out to music or TV.  And then, I get a shower.  And this is the best part.  

I encourage you to make more time for you.  

"Taking care of YOU makes you centered, not self-centered." - Organic Wisdom 

*Special thanks to Donna and Matthew with  JUMP! Child Care minding and to the happy welcoming staff at Goodlife Fitness, Burlington Mall...Jenn, Deep, Sarah (I think this is your name...with the pretty gold polish!!) and Crystal.

A letter to the mom on Marilyn Denis...

This is a letter to the mom on Marilyn Denis yesterday.  I happened to catch this portion of the show while at the gym.   She commented on feeling overwhelmed with two kids and a house that showed fingerprints, having to wipe the counter numerous times in an hour.  She also mentioned putting the 3 year old down in front of the TV to give her time to tend to her infant.  When it was uncovered that her husband left early for the gym, the advice was to ask Dad to stay home and help.  

I have alternate advice for this pleading mother...

I think it is so important that your husband gets this gym time.  I am sure that this time that he takes for himself helps him to prepare for the day ahead.  Now, I’m just a mother of one, and a new mother at that.  And I feel like I should be careful here, I don’t mean to sound like I am placing judgement.  I am not.  But I have made the gym an important part of my day, and I realize the importance of this in my life.  They have a daycare, where for $32 a month, my daughter can stay for 2 hours a day.  I get a workout, and most importantly a shower.  I heard a quote once, and I want to share it with you.  “If you take care of yourself first, then you have the strength to take care of your family.”  I think that you need to find some ‘me’ time in your day.  It took me months to figure this out.  I threw my back out a couple of times and I couldn’t walk for 5 days.  Being back to the gym has made me stronger.

As for your morning routine, I encourage you to take a different approach.  Try putting on the spa channel and not the TV.  Make a play space with toys that will engage your 3 year old while you take care of your baby.   Stop and say three things out loud that you are grateful for.   Have fun with your day.  Get on the floor and play with your kids.  And take half an hour somewhere later in the day to wipe up the mess.  Smile and remember how crazy it got at times, these are the little things.  

I hope this helps you find more peace in your day.

Sandy Jamieson

Being a Mom rocks!

My baby girl is now 9 months old and I have to say, being a mom totally rocks.  I knew I would love this.  Reese is as fiery and passionate as her name describes.  I didn't know this kind of love existed.  I feel very, very lucky.  

What I wanted to share with you, well, is my book...Zaida Baby - My First Keepsake.  I published this book 6 years ago now, and JUST had my first child.  The love letter that you get to read was from my heart many years ago and I now get to share that with my own baby.  The reason I say that I wanted to share this with you, is that I have learned a new way to use this book.  And that's from memory.  When I am nursing my baby girl, I recite this love letter to her.  It's not just for her, but for mommy too.  A reminder of why we became parents in the first place.  A reminder to slow down and trust that everything is unfolding the way that it should.  If you have this book, please share it with your child tonight.  (If you don't you can get started with the words below).  Regardless of their age, they will remember this love letter that you shared with them in the womb. 

You may remember, it starts...

Thank you for coming into my life...
and for letting me love you wholeheartedly.  
I promise to nurture you...
And to teach you things about life that have inspired me.
I will encourage you to be an amazing person...
and to be proud of who are you are.


Enjoy, and happy parenting.


Sandy Jamieson

Living Dairy Free

I'm living dairy free for my daughter. It's been almost 5 months now (with the exception of the awful reminder when I accidentally ate a wicked Thai soup that contained dairy IN ADDITION to coconut milk. I hate to say it was almost worth it.) Giving up dairy is easily the hardest thing I have ever done. If you know me well enough, you know that I can eat an entire cheesecake. If you know me really well, you've seen me do it. Lol 

By eliminating this for Reese she has been a different person. A pleasant, comfortable, sweet little girl no longer bothered by an upset belly and gas (she farts like her father!) And the unexpected side effect...I feel SO much better.  

Breastfeeding has inspired me to be super healthy.  Eating nuts and seeds and lots of fruits and veggies...a favourite lunch is a tuna sandwich mixed with Dijon mustard and vegan mayo, celery, onion, pickle, fresh dill, fresh basil and fresh chives.  I also have at least one salad a day topped with walnuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese, fresh dill, fresh basil and fresh parsley.  Sometimes I top it with tofu or chicken sprinkled  with tumeric (we should put this on everything!) I love food and I love to eat and I have come to really master living without dairy.  Breakfast was granola with Brazil nuts, almond milk and a coconut 'yogurt' drizzled with agave nectar.  I'm living the good life.  And I know that Reese is grateful.  I love knowing that she is getting some pretty amazing breast milk.  Oh, and I'm 2 pounds smaller now than before getting pregnant.  This is a huge plus as I only get to the gym one day a week right now!

*If you want to know more or go for a grocery shop together let me know!  I'd love to share more of my favourite things with you.  Email sandy@zaidababy.com 

Dream your dreams...

Ever dream about being a photographer?

Looking to be inspired?

A unique opportunity has opened up!

Are you new to photography and want to explore?  Perhaps you are ready for the digital darkroom and want to learn a few tricks to enhance your photos.  

We will immediately begin on location with a photoshoot, followed by a discussion about creative intent.  A professional camera and laptop are available for your use, so all you need is an open heart and an open mind.  Booking one-on-one private sessions by the hour. Email sandy@zaidababy.com and let’s get started!  

About me:  I have a degree in Honours Sociology and a diploma in Early Childhood Education.  I started my photography business in 2004 which led to publishing a keepsake book in 2007...and that led to co-hosting the morning show on a radio station in 2009, without radio experience!  My goal is to inspire YOU to greatness.  See my work and more about me at zaidababy.com