Stop what you're doing and TRAVEL.

I will never forget the time I was talking to a coworker and he said that everything he needs to know about other countries he can learn on the Discovery Channel.

My response

My upcoming trip is making me so excited that I cannot go five minutes without thinking about it.  I've lost the ability to complete assignments, have interest in conversations about anything else, or sleep through the night.  So because of that guy, I give you ten reasons why he should get off the couch and see the world for himself.

1. ADVENTURE: I can't say I've never found a particular shift at the rink so awesomely memorable that I will speak of it for years to come, or a shift at the group home being the best day of my life (although there have been some pretty cool ones from both), but I easily admit that hang gliding over Rio de Janeiro is in the top 5.

2. STUCK IN A RUT: We have all been there and travelling is the best way to get out of one.

3. YOU BECAME PETTY PETER: If first world problems have actually become your biggest struggles, you need a little reality check. Cassalicious volunteered in Nicaragua for a month and came back with an even greater appreciation for having such luxuries available to her. She has never taken for granted the chance we have to attend post-secondary education and this awareness has constantly been in the back of her mind, which is probably the driving force behind her nearly perfect GPA.

4. REVITALIZING: Travelling is invigorating. It provides a mini chance to start over. You find yourself refreshed and becoming a more well-rounded person.

5. THINK OF ALL THE PICTURES YOU COULD INSTAGRAM

6. CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Humans are creatures of habit, as I prove to myself every single day as I make a cup of tea in the same travel mug and drink it during my drive to wherever I am going, but it isn't exactly thrilling. Wandering around Cozumel, Mexico and finding a random local restaurant that serves the biggest margaritas I have ever seen- thrilling. You might even say intoxicating. #zing

7. STORIES FOR LATER: Like that time my parents went through the Panama Canal and told me all about how the ships are raised and lowered by a series of locks which were built to accommodate two-way traffic.

8. FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD: Good or bad, half the fun is figuring out which foods you like and which ones you'll make a mental note to never go near again. It would be like being a contestant on Survivor (dream come true) and getting as far as the food challenge (easy), except with more than bugs offered. I am pretty sure this is also the number 1 reason we are going to India.

9. OPPORTUNITY: Getting the time off to travel can be particularly tricky (except when you've been a post-secondary student for half of your life) so if you find yourself between jobs, relationships, or school (ahem** all of the above for some people) then GO.  Close one chapter in your life the best way possible before starting the next. 

10: IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT: It is one thing to know Whyte Ave like the back of your hand (bravo), but to see your own country from coast to coast, or venture across the border into a new one completely is an incomparable experience. I'm not kidding, you can't make this stuff up.

SO WHY WOULDN'T YOU?

I'm right.

Theme Parties: NOW

I love house parties. They are way more fun than the bar.  House parties don't have overpriced drinks or sweaty drunkies spitting everywhere/talking to you, and you can do hilarious things like practice three person restraints and nobody will judge you; mostly because there aren't any hoes in 6 inch heels who think they are better than you. Well, not at my house parties anyways. 

I also always loved the idea of theme parties. I tried to host one myself but my costume didn't fit well and it turned into a very weird sex toy party in celebration of my dog turning 2... Anyways, I think every party should have a theme and there should be severe consequences to guests who don't oblige, like taking a shot of something disgusting. Enter Absinthe.
While I love having friends over and sharing some drinks, I am getting a little tired of the post-party cleanup (although the leftover bottles of alcohol are always a bonus- keep em' coming). That's why I think someone else should host a totally awesome over the top theme party, right now.

I have never been to a toga themed party. That said, my sheets are way too nice to have vodka spilled on them, so toga is out, along with my grade 9 buzz cut (whoa, what?).  There are some theme parties that I would love to be invited to! So if you are reading this: please organize one of the following (and don't forget to invite me).

COCKTAIL

No, a legitimate cocktail party. Every guest is told to dress to the nines, without anyone else making that annoying comment 'whoa why are you so dressed up' (stupid Edmonton). Look sexy, show what your Momma gave ya, but keep it classy. Miley's disgusting tongue face is not invited. Also, have each guest bring the ingredients required to make their favourite cocktail. I know I typically drink a vodka diet, or I spice it up to a double vodka diet, and when I am feeling unreal I splurge on the super stoked vodka coke. I like what I like. This way, we get to try other delicious bevvies out in the world while having some fun with friends. HELLO?? >> it's perfect.

MASQUERADE
Why has nobody ever had one of these in the history of parties in Sherwood Park? This would be so much fun if there was a group of people invited where they didn't already know everyone else 100%. I mean it was on Gossip Girl, it must be fun. Starting with creative invitations, to party favors (tiaras, boas, etc) and prizes for the best masks, this would be such a cool night. I also always secretly thought that having a masquerade themed wedding would be amazing. All of you engaged bitches should get on that. :)

SPINSTERLICIOUS 
I can't decide if this is pathetic or fun. Carrie Bradshaw started this trend with the I'm sick of buying hella expensive baby shower, engagement party, bridal shower, stagette, and wedding gifts type idea. She said it was time some of her friends returned the favour and bring her some sort of awesome single lady gift (lulu pants? wine? silver bullet?), as she was clearly staying single and babyless for the next few years. I think I would host this if I had more single friends, but most of mine are married, engaged, or having babies. I can envision this turning into an incredibly depressing pity party where I end up in the corner eating cupcakes alone with Finn licking the crumbs off my lap (obviously), while everyone else talks about wedding plans and amazing things their babies learned to do that day. If someone else has this party though, I am all over that.

It would look just like this.

PLEASE Tell me you remember this episode
Charlotte: I hate it when you're the only single person at a dinner party and they all look at you like you're a...
Carrie: Loser?
Miranda: Leper.
Samantha: Whore.
HAHA yaaaaaa, I do.Preach ladies, preach.

1920

I liked this idea before The Great Gatsby was made into a movie and suddenly all of the non-readers of the world loved the 20's again. However, that movie did bring flapper back and now it should be embraced. Ladies can rock the fringed dresses and get their hair done in retro styles while the ol' sports can fish a top hat and bow tie out of their grandpa's closet and have a good excuse to smoke cigars all night. It's a win-win for everyone. Everyone could even talk in 20's slang; like calling the ladies 'dolls', avoiding unemployed men who spend their days sleeping 'dewdroppers' (what the hell...), and hopefully nobody will need a 'meat wagon'/ ambulance.

Zigg's Man Cave

Ziggs has finally finished his man cave!  It is 100% over the top and unnecessary, but I have to admit I love it.  It is such a treat to be able to watch movies in the comfort of our home, without line ups and overpriced snacks, under a pile of blankets on the couch.  With the addition of a spare bedroom and full bathroom, it's also a perfect space for guests (if we ever have any...)!  Glee, Reba, Grey's Anatomy, and 24 repeats are pretty much on the tv constantly.  Well done Ziggs, well done. 

My greatest obsession.

The beautiful bar.

McDreamy on this big screen is truly a dream come true. 

A Me Makeover

Alright folks, we can all admit I have been a Sour Sam lately.  My anxiety is sky high, my stress levels have been out of control, and my energy levels have been way down.  I realize that I have been more moody than usual (just ask Ziggs… or anyone).  This is why I have decided it is time for a ‘me makeover’, and I am not just referring to my new hair colour, which APPARENTLY nobody likes. 

(Side note: tough shit, constant bleaching is expensive and damaging mmmk?)

First things first, Ziggs has got to go!  Just kidding.  He’s ok (for now).  I truly believe that in order for me to get myself back to normal I need to surround myself with a positive and calming environment, filled with wonderful people.   I also realize that I spent most of last summer agonizing over colour schemes for my house, but alas I have changed my mind (don’t tell Ziggs).  I have chosen colours that are much better suited for our house.  Why?  Well for starters, there will be no rooms that are so bright blue that upon first glance our guests will have no need to complete their dramatic double-take, nor will they find themselves momentarily unsure of whether or not to compliment the creativity or burst into laughter.  So we’re ahead already.  Secondly, the rooms will flow throughout the house.  Hooray!  I never thought I would be able to say those words.  Essentially, after a year of having a main room in the house which somewhat resembles a candy shop, it has been decided that the blue has got to go.  I am super excited about this task to tackle, however, I know Ziggs is going to have a small cow about it so hopefully he will continue to work out of town and I can do it during his rotation.  ;)   Not to mention he just finished his dream man cave (blog tour will be posted soon), so I have rights to start decorating again!



hey boy



The second part of my ‘me makeover’ is to start doing the things I love again!  I have five or six DIY projects I would like to attempt and this will be the time to finally do them.  I may rock crafts like a 90 year old woman, but it makes me happy and is often much cheaper than anything sold at Urban Barn.  Updating my LK + BZ scrapbook, making my own chalkboard paint, creating various canvas art, and using mason jars in random ways (and let it be known, there are WAY more things you can do with a jar than you first suspect) are all on the list of to-do’s. 

Next up, I need to remember what it is like to relax.  I don't just mean laying on the couch and watching reruns of Grey's, because realistically I already do that plenty.  I need to start 'relaxing' as in turning my mind off.  It is just too difficult to stop thinking about things, everything, anything, all the time.  Reading the pile of books that has built up on my bedside table, actually using the bath tub that so far Finn and I have used once (obviously his company was not a planned event) and Ziggs maybe twice, or even turning the alarm off my phone when I have a power nap and just catching up on much needed sleep are definitely things I will be spending my summer doing.



Pssht piece of cake



After 20ish years of playing soccer every single indoor and outdoor season, I have decided to take a season off.  WHAT?!?!?! I know, so crazy.  I am looking forward to possibly coaching with my dad, trying out hot yoga for the first time, and using the treadmill I hijacked from my parents' house for an activity other than shooting Finn's toys away from him and watching him fetch them over and over.  I'm pretty sure doing leisurely activities at my own pace, without screaming girls surrounding me, will be much more beneficial towards finding some sort of inner peace, or whatever.         

Finally, I am going to start eating food that doesn't come in a heart-shaped cardboard box.  My outrageously awful and unhealthy sources of food intake need to come to rest.  (Ok well maybe not my McCafe hot chocolates.  Have you tried them?!  They are amazing and Tim Hortins can officially suck it).  Vegetables, fruits, and meat being cooked for the first time are desperately needed.  Not only that, but now that our oven is working properly and I have obtained the basic level of ingredients a household should contain, I am ready to really try cooking on a regular basis. 

I'M SERIOUS MOM.

Now, I know what the pessimists and nonbeliebers out there are thinking.  How do you expect to do all this?  Well, pardonez-moi but I already have that figured out too.  School is almost finished for summer and for once I will not be taking any Spring or Summer courses.  That also means I won't be putting in any more hours at a placement (or for all of you non-CYC folks, practicum).  No placement is doubley wonderful because it isn't simply doing an 8 hour shift, it is intense and sometimes scary and requires alertness at all times.  As previously mentioned, I won't have soccer to rush off to, not that it took up a ton of time anyways, but still deserves to be noted. All I will have on my plate is work and house chores!  HALLELUJAH.  I have been waiting to say those glorious words ever since I moved out and became this stressball in the first place.  Ah, at the start of this post I mentioned peaceful surroundings and encouraging company.  I suppose all I will say about that is if you're mean, I am not going to call.  

That's that!  I am so excited to get started on my me makeover!  As soon as this semester comes to a close it is all a go!

Wish me luck :)

Baby Boy

Our little pooch is already one year old!  How did that happen?  Gone are the days where he was too timid to chase cars at a full sprint down the street, sat still and quiet throughout the long drives across Sherwood Park, and had a head well proportioned to the rest of his body.  Before my trusty blackberry loses everything I have ever saved on it (again), I figure it is time to share some home videos of Finn.  Honestly, I think one post is a little less obsessive than entire page dedicated to his name.  Oui?  C'est bonne. 

Here we go!    

Finn falls off the couch.

Finn dreaming of running through a field of daisies.
(Not really necessary to watch ENTIRE clip)

Spying on Finn as he plays with a beetle.

Finn scared of Ceasar Milan

(The best part is right at the end; watch his facial expression)

Finn scared of a cartoon character. 
(Actually, he did not stop barking for so long that we never did get to watch this movie)

Finn playing with his bff, Belle.

Finn understanding who "Belle" is.

Well I suppose that's enough for now.  I hope you enjoyed these as much as I do!  Finn sent me a text this morning, saying that he wants everyone to know he received their birthday wishes and says "Thank you."

The Price is Right

Hello there y'all!!  Well, I realized it has been years since I last hit the slopes, and this cowgirl needs some new skis!  Putting a few things up on Kijiji that are 

a)AWESOME, 

b) AFFORDABLE, and 

c) PERFECT for you or someone you know.  ;)
Just click on the caption below the picture and it'll take you to the listing on Kijiji for more info!

3 Bridesmaid Dresses and 1 Grad Dress

These dresses are super comfortable, look hot, and still allow mobility to shake your booty all night long!

Backless Bow

Beach Blue Bombshell

Black Beauty

Rhinestone Sparkle

I've also got 2 barely used (except when the Finnster takes his mid afternoon snooze or my laundry needs a flat surface to fold upon) micro fibre couches.  Only reason we want to sell them is to decorate our living room in a more functional way!

Suade Savvy


Enjoy :)

Cookie Exchange

Started with these...

My beautiful friend came up with the idea of a cookie swap between some friends.  For our cookie exhange, there were twelve of us who RSVP'd attending, therefore we had to bake enough cookies that we could give about 4-6 to each person.  Once together, we handed out our baggies or boxes of goodies to everyone, and in return we received eleven different packages of various sweets.  It was a wonderful way of getting all of the girls together for an evening of laughter and story telling, while enjoying some

Ended up with these!!

festivities this holiday season.  The picture on the right is just some of the delicious baked goods my friends came up with!  That plateful is less than half of the cookies I got to take home!  You could try something like this anytime of the year (possibly with bevvies in the summer ;) at a barbecue), or even a recipe swap for those who would like to try something new.  Either way it's a great excuse for all of the hens to gather when everyone lives such busy lives.  

Homemade knick knacks

I've been saving this post for a while, as I didn't want to reveal any Christmas gifts before December 25!  My internet time wasting activity has shifted from Facebook to the website Pinterest.  It is basically an online pinboard where anyone can post decorating ideas, DIY, random funny pictures or sayings, wedding ideas, etc.  I mostly use it for decor ideas and DIY.  I took 5 DIY and ran with them.  Here is how they turned out.

What pinterest suggested

My creation

Using maps to show were significant moments in your life occurred.  For my sister, I chose where she met the love of her life, where he proposed, and where we celebrated their wedding. 

What pinterest suggested

My creation

I really liked this cute wreath that can be displayed year round.  For my sister, I tried to use the colours most often seen throughout her house so she would have more options of where to display it. 

What pinterest suggested

My creation

How charming is taking a plain lampshade and turning it into a delightful accessory with character, that is genuinely symbolic of you?  I chose to use the song lyrics of Blake Shelton's - 'Honey Bee' and put it on my bedside table. 

What pinterest suggested

My creation

Transferring a picture printed off from your home computer onto a canvas was the DIY project I put off the longest.  I was warned it was much more difficult than it looked.  Finally, I gave it a shot.  They didn't turn out as well as I had hoped BUT lots of comments said that the imperfections gave them more character.  We shall see if Vanessa likes them or if I should try again!  I would recommend painting the canvas a colour other than white- so you can tell what is paper that you are rubbing off in comparison to when you have taken off the picture and are now rubbing at the canvas.  I might also stick to black and white photos.  That said, they aren't that bad!! :)

Original welcome mat

My creation

Last but not least, Vanessa's wish list included a welcome mat from Urban Barn that read 'Be Nice or Leave'.  The mat sells for $20, which was almost half of our secret santa budget. I wanted to try and make my own instead (for less).  Well that was a thrift fail.  The mat I got (which was actually pretty nice!) only cost $9, but I ended up needing way more paint than I anticipated.  The blog I got the idea from covered a red mat and mentioned that the painting over was a sinch.  LIAR.  It took me 3 cans of spray paint.  Next time, I will gift the $9 bargain.  As it turns out, Vanessa loves it!  HOORAY

2012

With the new year coming up I figured it was a good time to set some goals!  I love love love goal setting and try to do it every year.  It is always interesting to look back on the previous year's goals and see how many I have accomplished.  Some are more difficult to achieve than others, while some are just for fun.  Either way, they give me something to look forward to in the year to come!

Pinteresting Sunday

HA



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Genius



Wow



Neville Longbottom Got Hot



HA



Adorable Butterfly Clip



Next addition to the backyard



Dream Dress



Aweee <3 Good idea!!

 

Up!

Been There...



Nuff said



Stocking Stuffers

It's almost that time of year!! 51 days/ 1236 hours, but who's counting?  Just thought I would put together a few gift ideas, all from etsy.com and uniquely amazing, but without the heart stopping prices.

For her

Personalized Name Necklace 

just like Carrie Bradshaw's (but $100s cheaper).

Journal 

to keep memories close, write down ideas, or to just doodle.

Shoe Bows 

to make a boring pair of flats cuter.

For him

Scarf

So he is hot like Chuck Bass

Personalized Cuff Links

For his new job ;)

Bold Watch

Without the bold price

Happy Shopping :)