It’s no surprise that this holiday season I have been faced with more opportunities than I can count to eat cookies, candies, chocolates and pastries. They appear like magic, in every corner of every room. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the type to be offended by an offering of holiday treats of any kind. I’ll take them shaped like trees, glittered with festive sprinkles, or loaded with chocolate. What really bothers me is the mixed messages we seem to receive between the first cookie tray and the first day back at work or school.

The holiday season has begun. I love this time of the year - everyone's excited as Christmas comes along, the winter means that it'll soon be snowy out, and there's a well-deserved break from school and work.

Living in Vancouver, there is certainly a presence of gym goers, devoted yogis, joggers, and cyclists. Having such mild weather and beautiful scenery to gaze at makes outdoor activity much less daunting and enjoyable.

Last week, a friend told me she was disheartened by a radio ad for a "Mommy Makeover". I assumed she was referencing a spa-day for tired and sleep-deprived moms. You know, the typical feel-good fare: mani/pedi, facial, hair cut, etc. I was completely off the mark. If you're curious to know what it really is, take a moment and do a Google search for "Mommy Makeover" (heed caution, results will contain partial nudity). Why the partial nudity?