Late night sounds:
* wind
* sirens
* rumble of cars on the street below
* low music
* my neighbour getting home
* my mind telling me to turn off the computer and go to sleep...
3 comments
Don`t ask a man what`s important to him,
just watch how he spends his time. -unknown
Photos:
1. Self explanatory.
2. Roses from my mom's garden (frost warnings in effect lately so they won't be lasting much longer, sadly).
Friday! You are finally here and you have been missed. I'm so excited for this long weekend, mainly to catch up on sleep. I've been pulling late nighters (not to be confused with all-nighters) all week and when you're supposed to get up at 6:15am and you don't get up till 7:15am, that tends to make one verrry late for work. I have this problem though: I hate going to bed. I love to sleep in, I love getting my rest and feeling rested, but I hate going to bed. No matter what time it is, there is always something I could be doing. It's like I feel like I'm going to miss out on something. It's 1am? I'm sure there is something I can do to pass the time... other than sleep. Ya. It's that bad. So, this weekend, sleep... and lots of eating. It's Thanksgiving in Canada this weekend and since I'm a huge turkey fan, I cannot wait for that delicious meal. Gobble gobble.
My girl friend just got engaged! Guess who has been asked to be the (lucky) MOH? Yours truly. That's riiiight. Which means I'm going to have mega hands full as my sister has also asked me to be her MOH and the weddings are within a month of each other and happening next September and October. Wowee!
A couple weeks ago we went wedding dress shopping for her, for the first time evah and it was awesome. She's already narrowed it down to two. Or so we thought. We are now going to be checking out more bridal shops tonight!
I, of course, played photographer and ensured to get multiple pictures of her in every dress she tried on and while I can't show you those, I can show you the photo I snapped while waiting for her to emerge in the beautiful white dress. Oh hello there, it is I, your local Maid of Honour, just hangin' out in the dressing room waiting for the beautiful bride.
Cavalini jacket (last seen here), Merona cardigan, Mexx top (last seen here) & fur snood (last seen here),
H&M pants, Glaze booties (last seen here) & Joe Fresh necklace
I have a major sweet tooth. Ask me what my favourite dessert is and I'll shout out, 'Pie!' in 1.6 seconds flat. Offer me some chocolate? Don't waste time with words, hand it over. Ice cream sundae? I'm in. I struggle constantly with my sweet tooth. Seriously. If it would be healthy (and I wouldn't gain weight), I would probably eat desserts and treats 24/7, I just love sweets so much. However, it doesn't work like that (duh) and I have come up with a few ways to curb my cravings.
Chew gum.
I chew gum for obvious reasons: fresh breath, taste, and of course, to stave off cravings (and prevent snacking). The later doesn't always work though, after the flavour is gone I'm searching for something tasty, and another piece of gum doesn't usually cut it, but it helps, in the interim.
Brush your teeth.
I find this the most effective, however, I'll sometimes resist from doing this because I know it will work (how silly is that?!). Once you get that clean, minty taste and feeling in your mouth, cravings are often abolished.
Snack on something healthy.
If you are legitimately hungry, or need to snack, grab something healthy. I like the combination of apples with cheese, Kashi cereal (GoLean Crunch is my fave). almonds, or (the semi-indulgent) a banana with Nutella.
Give in.
If you absolutely cannot get rid of your craving, give into it. Have a small piece of chocolate, or that pie that is calling your from your kitchen. Just do it. And then tomorrow, don't give in. See what you just did there? Give and take. Err, take and give?
I find this the most effective, however, I'll sometimes resist from doing this because I know it will work (how silly is that?!). Once you get that clean, minty taste and feeling in your mouth, cravings are often abolished.
Snack on something healthy.
If you are legitimately hungry, or need to snack, grab something healthy. I like the combination of apples with cheese, Kashi cereal (GoLean Crunch is my fave). almonds, or (the semi-indulgent) a banana with Nutella.
Give in.
If you absolutely cannot get rid of your craving, give into it. Have a small piece of chocolate, or that pie that is calling your from your kitchen. Just do it. And then tomorrow, don't give in. See what you just did there? Give and take. Err, take and give?
Fall is officially here and while I always am sad to see the summer go, I'm extra excited to break out of a warm-weather rut of sundresses and sandals and put my boots and leather jackets to good use.
One day a few weeks ago, my sister and I were emailing back and forth (as we tend to do daily) and we got onto the topic of fall. I asked her what her favourite things about fall were, and listed my off quite easily. (and it was kind of fun). My list included simple yet sweet things such as:
* cool evenings
* wearing boots
* sitting by a fire
* cuddling
* spice foods
* pumpkin pie
* crockpot meals
* cozy knits / sweaters
How do you feel that fall is officially here? The only thing I dread about fall is what comes after it (many, many long months of bitter cold and lots of snow. Le sigh).
Photos taken with iPhone. Edited with Instagram.
Remember those Aldo boots I was coveting? I am officially a proud owner (squeal!). I ordered these boots online at the store* in lieu of an exchange. My bestie bought me a funky pair of wooden wedge sandals for my birthday, but after some debate, I decided they were just too high (and still hadn't worn them). I held onto them for many months as with Aldo there is no deadline to do an exchange (I had a gift receipt) and wanted to wait for something I really, really wanted. Insert these boots and it's a match made in heaven. I wasn't super sure about the pointed toe on them when they arrived and I put them on, but after a couple wears, I love them (and they love the compliments they get).
* Something I love about Aldo is that when they don't have your size in store, they can (usually) order it for you online and have it sent to either the store, or your home. The best part? The shipping is free (unlike when you order online yourself). I tend to order most of my Aldo shoes online as I need the highest sizes (10 or 11) and they are always sold out in store. And if they arrive in the mail and you don't like them/they don't fit? No sweat, simply return them to the store and get a full refund. Perfect online shopping.
Old Navy top, Parasuco jeans (thrifted & last seen here), BCBG heels (last seen here), Joe Fresh necklace,
H&M bangle & Bay ring
H&M bangle & Bay ring
I am a creative person. Or at least that's what everyone tells me. I love blogging. I love reading other blogs. When I see others blogging about the most random things, I often find it interesting, fun and I enjoy reading it. It can be as simple as a new snack they've created, showing off a pair of new shoes, giving us a sneak peak of their work space or simply giving us a glimpse into their day-to-day life. So why is it with such simple ideas to blog about, and things I personally like reading on others' blogs, I continue to get bloggers block? Am I not taking enough photos? Am I not letting these ideas sink in? Or am I simply not creative enough?
Creativity doesn't include listing what I'm wearing and why I'm loving it. That's not creative, those are facts people, and if I could come across witty and humourously sarcastic,I might actually be onto something. However, we can't all be like that (and by 'like that' I mean have words that jump off the page at readers and make them snort their milk through their nose as they read, laugh, and enjoy those far-too-creatively-funny words for someone like me to come up with). Ha! Ha. ha. Not so funny, right?
Regardless. Let's up the ante, here, okay? Stick to to me as I plan to lay the creative smack-down on this blog from here on out. Okay, maybe don't hold me to that, what if I lose my creative juice flow? Does anyone have a good recipe?
I was recently gifted with a Maybelline SHINEsensational lip gloss (not from the company) and was excited to try it out. I can be a very picky person, especially when it comes to lip gloss but I must say this one is excellent. I normally use Lip Smacker Clear Shine (in Cotton Candy) or Bath & Body Works 'Ultra Metha lip shine' but am always willing to try something new, but often tend to revert back to my tried-n-true. Not this time. I love this stuff, it goes on thick, but not goopy, has a bit of shimmer, but not too much, and the flavour. is. awesome. The 'Treat Me Sweet' (number 20) flavour is kind of a strawberry-banana and while I wouldn't eat it straight from the tube (do people actually do that? No judgement.), the taste is pretty good.
Red reminds me of French. Why, you ask? I'm not sure why, actually, it just does. I speak French, technically. For my job it was a requirement, and I worked oh-so-hard to pass my exams (reading, writing & oral) a few years ago, only to practice less and less and see signs that I'm losing my French. If you don't use it, you lose it (popular saying... that sadly seems to be holding true in my case).
I started learning French in grade 1 and took it every year from then on until I graduated high school. Typically, after grade 9 you can drop the French course, but I continued (one class per year) in order to (hopefully) maintain. It provided somewhat of a base for me, but when the pressure to get a permanent job was put on me, pressure that relied on my language skills, it felt as if I'd never spoken a day of French in my life. The stress was enormous; I was doing ten hours per week of language training (via night school, a private tutor, and a semi-private tutor) and there were definitely bouts of tears. However, in the end (aka four months later), I passed my exams and got to stay in my job (and move up eventually).
Do you speak any other languages? When did you learn? Did you struggle like me?
Photos from my trip to Toronto
Do you use Ebates? I never used it until a few months ago, now I kick myself if I forget. Earn cash back for purchases you were already planning on making? I'm in.
Ebates is basically a host site. Simply put, you visit their site (create a free account), search the store you are looking for, and click the link. Ebates then transfers you to that store you do your online shopping as you normally would. Once your purchase is made and processed, you will receive a percentage of your total bill, back in your Ebates account. Yes, free money.
There are various sites you can shop with on Ebates. A few of my favourites for clothing are:
* Karmaloop
* GoJane
* Alloy
* ASOS
* Victoria's Secret
* Old Navy
* Lulu's
Most sites offer 2% cash back, but some are generous with up to 6% or 8% cashback. I purchased my Ash booties from Karmaloop via Ebates. I also purchased a few tops from Old Navy via Ebates. I currently have a balance of $9.42 in my account simply for clicking a link. Highly worth it (that could be your twice weekly coffee or a new pair of tights).
Sign up for free here (and earn $5 for every friend you refer).
* I am in no way affiliated with Ebates, I simply love getting deals on things I buy (especially online) and if I can share that with you all, I'm happy to do so. I blogged a while back about another great site where you can find super coupon codes.
While perusing the Lulu's website I fell in love with these (a) boots (b) wedges (c) sandals or (d) all of the above? They have one pair left, in my size! Meant to be, or serious man-repeller? Hey, that's never stopped me before...
What kind of music do you like? I'm a huge fan of hip-hop, rap, dance/techno, r&b and urban pop (in that order). I was recently turned onto The Dream's (aka Terius Nash) new album (listen here; my fave is, 'Long Gone'). It. Is. So. Good. Apparently it's somewhat dedicated to his ex-wife (that he cheated on) Christina Milian. Have a listen, you will understand.
I often have a habit of killing tracks. If I like a song, I will literally kill-the-track (aka play it over, and over, and over again until I can't stand it). For instance, I have listened to the above track, oh, about fourteen times within the last two days. Um. Ya.
Here are a few other tracks I'm 'killing' at the moment:
* Black Eyed Peas - Someday
* Pitbull feat. Sean Paul - Shake Senora
* Kelly Rowland feat. Big Sean - Lay It On Me
* The Weeknd feat. Drake - The Zone
* Gums - Don't Give Up
* Remady - No Superstar
Negative qualities. We all have them. I prefer to focus on the positive, but hey, we all have a little something or another to work on to be, as I like to say, the best version of ourselves. Sometimes our not-so-positive qualities are obvious to us and others need or will point them out. Other times, we know exactly what they are, and how they come across to others.
I think in the world of blogging we often tend to portray a 'picture perfect' version of ourselves. Why on earth would a blogger write something negative about themselves, or reveal something less than perfect? However, I'm a real person, with real emotions and feelings and (gasp!) negative qualities. There are the types of things I work on, on a daily basis. Okay, sometimes I forget to work on them, and the bitch comes out, but I try, and that's what counts, right? Sort of.
My negative qualities come out when things aren't going my way, when something is taking too long, when someone is asking too many questions. In other words, I'm super impatient. I get frustrated easily and have a hard time staying calm. I am a big fan of yelling, and I honestly wish I could stop. It's not fun, attractive, nor fair. Why can't I speak out like a cool, calm and collected person? As a self-proclaimed type-A personality, I have a hard time being easy-going, letting things go, and 'rolling with it'. I try to fight it, but it's naturally me to be this way. It's not an excuse, it's a fact, and it's something I try to fight against.
I aim to be the best version of myself, all the time. Sometimes I slip up, we all do, but I work on it. I work to turn those negative qualities into something a little less negative, to be a little bit better (even if it's taking a deep breath or counting to three before totally losing my cool), and to be someone I would want to be friends with.
What are your negative qualities? I dare you to comment, post, or discuss. Not always easy, but certainly interesting.
PS - I'm always late. Add that to the list.
September has started and fall is just around the corner. While I absolutely love fall for dressing, I don't love what comes after it: a long cold winter. I also find fall is too quick to arrive and too fast to leave. I'm always sad to see the summer end too because (1) it's not long enough, and (2) I love the warm weather (and clothing and footwear that goes along with it).
When do you start transitioning into your 'fall' wardrobe? Is it by a certain date? Dependant on the weather? Or do you incorporate fall-like clothing into your year-round wardrobe like me?
Needless to say, it's the last long weekend of the summer and I'm going to enjoy it to its fullest (hopefully in my swimsuit. C'mon hot weather!). Hope you all have a happy and safe labour day weekend. See you Tuesday!
Someone pretty great taught me how to make an omelet... in the microwave! Perfect for a 'gourmet' breakfast at work (beats my bagel); it's quick, it's filling, it's healthy but most important, it's easy.
When my bestie asked me how I was making this omelet, I decided to snap some pictures of the process to share with her, then thought you lovely readers might like to see it too. Will you make this tomorrow morning at work?
1. Grab your ingredients (& be creative). I like broccoli (but substituted spinach & argula this time), grape tomatoes & cheese
2. Crack an egg...
3. ...or four (but only one yolk; keepin' it healthy)
4. Whiskkkk
5. Add your veggies...
6. ...and your chunks of cheese (I just rip the cheese apart) & stir it up
7. Into the microwave for 2 minutes and 22 seconds (just because I like punching only one number, multiple times)
8. And eat.
Gap top, Mexx skirt, Anne Michelle heels (last seen here), Joe Fresh belt,
Suzy necklace, Bay ring, F21 & Mexican bangle & BCBG beaded bracelet
Goodness*! It's the last day of August; hard to believe. This month my resolutions didn't sit too well with me, and by 'sit well' I mean I barely followed them. It's as if I forgot I'd made them... funny how that happens. Onto the list!
1. I have spent many-a-time lake-side this summer, which I'm super grateful of. It's so nice to get away on weekends in good company.
3. I didn't go thrifting once.
4. Resolutions #3's outcome didn't help me save money this month... I just shopped at regular retail stores instead. (oops?)
5. I didn't just run 1km without stopping, I ran 2km. Woot. Woot.
6. I wore sunscreen on the tops of my hands once. I blame the non-sunny days.
* I've been using the term, 'Goodness' in regular everyday life. It's strange. Where does one pick up this sweet, but slightly senior-citizen-like term? I'm not sure. Someone tells me something shocking, 'Goodness!' I say. I burn the dinner, insert-the-term-here. I'm talking to a friend and they show me a new purchase, 'Goodness.. that's pretty'. I forget to do something... you know the drill. The word is really quite versatile. Try it. You might feel 70+ yrs. but maybe I'm starting a trend. Just sayin'.
Ash booties, Costa Blanca belt, Deux Lux bag, Suzy necklace, F21 ring & Zara cuff
Apparently I'm a walking billboard for H&M in this outfit (and I didn't even realize it until I started typing out the deets).
So I have been on a real bag binge lately (wtf) - I've been having so much luck in the purse department, it's getting a little ridiculous (and I am stopping immediately... or am I?). This one is new and is by Deux Lux (pronounced: deluxe, for all your non-French speaking people out there) and I picked it up at Winners for a cool $60. Normally I tend to keep my purse purchases under $50, so this was a splurge (for me. What!?). However, I have since found the bag online and it sells for $150 (insert happy dance here)!
So last week was super hectic, hence the lack of posts, but I've got a few lined up for you this week, so check back. And I know, the give-away, I haven't forgotten, I swear and you've all been so patient... it's coming!
So this was the first time wearing my new Ash booties (that I'm completely in love with, for the record). When they arrived in the mail, my Dad was curious to see what I had ordered so I showed him. His response? Silence. And then, "Oh... interesting'. I laughed and told him he didn't have to like them, and it was okay (I think he then breathed a sigh of relief). I understand not everyone has the same taste in shoes as I do, and that's okay. I sometimes like 'out there' shoes and while there aren't for everyone, these booties got many looks and several compliments (bonus!).
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