Wanna hear a story?  It's about my scarf.  So, many years ago (at least five) I was shopping at Club Monaco and that location was closing (read: lots of sales).  I tried on several things but didn't find much (I'm sure Amanda circa 2011 would have found much more than Amanda circa 2006) except a pair of navy wool crop skinny pants (which still have yet to be worn - unreal, I know).  As I was getting ready to check out, I decided to check out the accessories.  On a table were these scarves in grey and black.  100% cashmere.  What is cashmere?  (Yes, those were my thoughts back then).  I almost didn't buy it but finally decided to drop the $9 and pick one up.  Yes.  Nine dollars.  Down from one hundred dollars.  I should have bought five.  But then again, what the hell do I need five cashmere scarves for (except to be the most amazing gift giver ever).

 

We have all heard the news about Japan and the tremendous disaster they have and are experiencing.  You can see unreal before & after ariel photos of what the earthquake and tsunami did.  Husband found the video above last night and watching it was like watching a horrible scene in a movie. I kept repeating, 'Oh my God, oh my God,' over and over again because it is just so devastating.  Take a look, trust me, it's worth the two minutes.

There are so many ways to help and being an animal lover, I've made a donation to the Humane Society International.  No amount is too small and every little bit helps.

Inspired by her post, there are just some things you should know about me... I mean, we shouldn't keep secrets from each other, right?

I only started enjoying alcohol in the past couple of years.  For the longest time I hated it... until I found a few favourites (caesars, gin & tonic, red wine, bud light and bellini's).

I hate wearing socks and often won't wear them when I'm wearing boots (is that gross?).

I love, love, love all things whole wheat, whole grain, 12-grain, you name it, I love it.

I can't stand it when people clip their nails in public.

I bite my nails despite being a mild germaphobe.

I notice my physical flaws everyday and some days I have to talk to myself to shake it.

I drink at least four litres of milk a week (and if I don't get my daily intake, I go through 'milk withdrawl' and can get headaches).

All my wisdom teeth have been removed and it was the second worst experience of my life.

A car accident was the first.

I have a thing for dark-haired men (blondies have never done it for me).

I hate the look of my toes when not painted.

I have one sister. 

Sometimes I eat peanut butter from the jar.

I hate gardening but my mom has seen to it that we have a beautiful one.

I have hair extensions (which make my hair longer and thicker).

I hate flossing. 

I pee with the door open... but will shut it for the other end.

I'm impatient and easily frustrated.

I'm tall (5'11) and while I embrace it (I wear heels all the time), I would give up inches in a heartbeat to not tower over everyone (preference: 5'8).

I don't consider myself a 'gym person' although I've held a gym membership for three years and go consistently (or try to).

I steam my clothes every morning.

I take forever getting ready for bed, mainly because I'm analyzing my skin and plucking my eyebrows.

My trip to Florida was fantastic.  I spent a week by the beach relaxing, reading, shopping and eating, and of course spending time with my parents.  They have rented the same condo for the past four years and I managed to get a cheap flight, so I flew down to visit.  It was so nice wearing open-toed shoes outside (and not just in the office), no tights, light-weight jackets and bikinis!  What a treat.  I'm back home in the snow now but with the longer days and milder temperatures, spring is on the way, I just need to stay optimistic it's coming sooner rather than later. 

 

 { peacocks on peoples' front lawns }

 { we saw the space shuttle take off }

 

My parents and I went to Daytona Bike Week on my second-last day in Florida.  It was a long ride on the back of my Dad's bike (250km total) but totally worth the sore butt because it was so cool.  I saw a ton of amazing bikes, it was packed and it was such a nice day too.

I even put some of the salad on my buger!  Get creative.