Wednesday 31 October 2012

Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! This is such a fun holiday and a favourite of my family! Plus, it's my grandma's birthday, so happy birthday to her!

My boss thought it would be fun to have a Halloween Social. There are 3 chapters from our organization, so I'm really looking forward to it. I think it'll be pretty low key- pizza and pumpkin carving. Costumes were optional, but I convinced my co-workers we needed to dress up! I was put in charge and since there are three of us, we're going as three blind mice! I made our costumes and pictures will follow!

I hope everyone has a fun (but safe) Halloween!

P.S. I found this on youtube and just had to share!




P.P.S. Join me over at Chelsea's blog, Yours Truly, for the Return the Favour Hop!

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time
 
To be uneasy about this Hurricane Sandy. It`s more powerful/dangerous/etc than Hurricane Irene last year. I live in Southern Ontario and we are experiencing the gusting winds and rain. Kind of scary when you live alone, in a building where you don't know anyone and have survived a tornado which has made you extra paranoid!
 
To be sad that the NHL has cancelled games until the end of November. I miss hockey and cheering my New York Rangers on. 
 
To have made Halloween costumes for myself and two co-workers. We're having a Halloween Social at work and I insisted that we get dressed up, so I was put in charge of costumes. I'm not crafty so making costumes was a bit of an adventure. They're very amateur, but hopefully everyone will like them.
 
To want to spend the day in bed, curled up, watching Friends- One of the funniest shows ever.
 
 To love the fact that I have so much going on! While it's exhausting being so busy, I love the fact that I have so much going on, so many things to do...I feel like I'm LIVING life and not just wasting away. 

Monday 29 October 2012

Inspire Me

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and has a great week!

Some inspiration to get you through your Monday (and maybe even week)!



Sunday 28 October 2012

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday! It is a cold, wet, rainy day here. Thanks to Katy, my Fall Into Fall Swap partner, my feet are nice and toasty- I'm wearing the socks she sent me and I've been saving them for a day like today!

I had another great, but busy, weekend. This coming week will be hectic as well, but I have a few things that I'm looking forward too- including a staff social on Halloween!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Sunday Social



1. What was your favorite halloween costume as a kid?
I have NO idea how old I was, but pretty little (3 or 4) maybe. My dad had these masks- they were bald heads (hair on the side), with glasses and maybe a mustache (not 100% sure). I wore on of the masks, a shirt, with some pillows in it and maybe a tie. I was a bald, old man. That was the year I won best costume at a contest at the mall. 

2. If you could go back and dress up as something what would it be? 
I have no idea! My parents were pretty good at letting me dress up as whatever I wanted. I was never Cinderella, and I don't believe I ever asked to be, but she's my favourite Disney Princess, so I guess I would go back and dress as her. 

3. Favorite costume as an adult?
I haven't really dressed up as an adult and when I have, it's been pretty standard- devil, angel, black cat.

4. Favorite Halloween Candy? 
I LOVE Candy Corn! And mini Snickers.

5. Favorite Halloween Memory?
I'm not sure! As a kid, all of my Halloween's have blended together. Half my class lived in my neighbourhood and we would all always end up meeting up and going trick or treating together...even if it wasn't pre-planned, and we just saw each other while we were out.

6. Whats your favorite scary movie? 
I HATE scary movies and refuse to watch them


Thursday 25 October 2012

Make With Me (& Swap Info)- Uptown Figs

Uptown Figs
Ingredients:
  • 24 figs, dried
  • 1 (3oz) container of cream cheese, softened
  • 2tsp powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp orange liqueur
  • 24 roasted, salted almonds

To Make:
  • Cut a slit in large side of fig, cutting steam to end (but not through)
  • Stir together cream cheese, sugar and liqueur
  • Fill each fig evenly with mixture
  • Top with alomond
  • Enjoy! 



Notes:
  1. Press figs to secure filling.



Amber, over at Brunch with Amber, is hosting a magazine swap! Sign ups close next Wednesday October 31. You can sign up here.

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Oh So Social- Awards Gala

Last Friday, I was invited to the local Chamber of Commerce annual Awards Gala. This was the first year that I attended.

The event was held at a local golf club and the evening started off with a cocktail reception. The award nominees were given corsages when they arrived and a local winery provided a wine tasting for all guests. There was a bar where people could get cocktails and wait staff passed out hors d'oeuvres. I saw spring rolls, meat on a stick and Swedish meatballs, but I know there was more. They also had pictures and brief bios of all nominees on display. 

There were about 250 people there and I saw a lot of people I knew, some of them I hadn't seen in awhile, so it was nice to catch up. I ended up meeting someone who works in development from the University that I graduated from. She and I had a great chat and I really enjoyed meeting her!

We were later moved into a different room for the award ceremony. There was the mandatory speech by the Chamber Chair, the committee was introduced, sponsors acknowledged, etc. An MC told some funny stories and each award was presented by a character- Mama Bear from Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a Chinese businessman, a lounge singer, etc- who did a skit before introducing the nominees and the winner.

Two girls I went to high school with ended up winning the award for women in business! I was so happy and excited for them!

After the awards, there was more food and drinks. The area where the cocktail reception was, housed a dessert buffet and a cheese, cracker, pickles, grilled asparagus, etc table. On the other side of the building, there was a risotto bar. Just past the risotto bar, there was a room that had tables to sit at and prime rib sandwiches. This room also had a photo booth, which was fun!

I wore a black lace v-neck empire dress, black Ralph Lauren stilettos, black clutch, simple gold necklace, white diamond cluster earrings, black and white diamond cluster ring. (I should've taken a picture...)

It was a really fun night and I had such a great time!

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time
To think, as a Canadian, that Obama should be re-elected. That thought has increased with each debate I've watched.
To think am so lucky, and proud, to be Canadian.
To have co-workers who care about me and my well-being. It's a good feeling.
To sincerely hope today is the day that I get a couch in good condition. It's the 4th delivery of this couch. My experience with the Brick has been horrible and I'm hoping they get it right this time... (a blog entry detailing my experience is forthcoming)
That I watch the show Breaking Amish...I know a lot of people who watch the show, and all of them are embarrassed to admit they watch it.   


Monday 22 October 2012

Inspire Me

Oh Monday...you arrive to quickly for my liking! I had a great weekend- awards gala, some yummy cupcakes, volunteering in my community, dinner with a friend to celebrate her birthday, visit with another friend, and, of course, spending time with my family! My sister and I had plans to go to the pumpkin patch, which we vetoed due to the rain, but maybe next weekend.
 
Here is some Monday inspiration: 


Hope everyone has a GREAT week!


Sunday 21 October 2012

Sunday Social


Sunday Social
 
1. What do you value most in life?
My family, friends, faith. Those three have always stuck by me, done so much for me and are always by my side. 

2. What do you think is the greatest invention in your lifetime and why?
The internet! It has the ability to bring people together in a way that was never possible before. The whole concept/theory of Global Village. Love it. 

3. What do you think is the secret to a good life?
Kindness. If you are kind to people, they are (usually) kind back. 
I guess another secret is communication. All things stem from communication.

4. What would you most like to be remembered for when you’re gone?
Being a good person. Making a difference. 

5. What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Starting my own scholarship. Christian Service Award. Catholic Student of the Year. 
Raising $100,000 in a single year for a cause I strongly believe in and support.

6. If a movie was made about your life, who would you want to play you?
I have no idea! Maybe Anna Kendrick

Friday 19 October 2012

Favourite Thing- Salted Caramel Mocha

Friday...I thought you would never arrive! I had a super long week and while I do enjoy my job, I have big plans for this weekend! The biggest and the one I am most looking forward to is a Gala tonight put on by the local Chamber of Commerce. My sister, who I love and am extremely proud of always, is nominated for Youth Citizen of the Year!

As everybody know, we are now into Fall. It seems that all of the Starbucks fans love Fall for Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I'm not really a fan. But, I do love Salted Caramel Mochas, making them one of my favourite things!


I have always loved caramel, since I was a kid. I'd take caramel over chocolate any day! So good! If you haven't tried one yet, I suggest you do!

Have a great weekend!


P.S. A new item has been added to my Like page.

Thursday 18 October 2012

[Blog] Housekeeping & Life [Update]

Life has been hectic! I feel like it's just go, go go! No time to slow down, never mind actually stop or even take a relaxing deep breath.

Michele at Short Girl Long Island asked me to participate in a blog series she has, Teach Me Something Thursday. Last Thursday, was my post on pumpkin carving (without a knife), which you can see here.

Amber, from Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time, has finally released her book, which you can find here. It's $0.99 and honestly a good read. I'm about 80% through and I love it! Amber's blog was one of the very first blogger blogs I followed, ever.

Have I mentioned recently how much I love Jennifer and her blog, Southern Living: Preppy Style? Jennifer is one of my favourite bloggers and her blog is a 'must read' for me.

And finally, one of my best friends, Holly, (her blog can be found here). Her company, My Dream Sample Box is a favourite of mine. I know that her October boxes have gone out, but you can still order!



So, what have I been up to?

About 2.5 months ago, I moved to a new city. I'm still getting settled in my apartment and haven't had the chance to really explore the city and see what it has to offer. I haven't even made a trip to the local mall- which a lot of people are surprised to hear. 

I'm now working full time (which I hadn't done for 2 years), so that's been an adjustment. Plus, my social life is, well, social! When I was living in rural Ontario, my social life was non-existent, pretty much. 

Two weekends ago, a childhood friend got married. It was great to see her so happy! Her wedding was beautiful, elegant and fun! I had a great time and was so blessed to be include in her special day.

Two weekends ago was (Canadian) Thanksgiving. I loved being home and being with my family. We had our traditional turkey dinner on Sunday, which is when we also celebrated my 'baby' cousins 15th birthday! My aunt even brought out Disney Princess birthday hats for the 'kids'. So much fun. On Monday (real Thanksgiving), we had roast beef- which was good- with my grandma and celebrated my parents wedding anniversary. 

This weekends social calendar includes a gala tomorrow night, a to be announced outing with my sister and a house party invite both on Saturday. I'm sure it will be another busy but fun weekend. 

Last weekend, I ordered my Christmas cards. It might be a little early, but I send out a ton of cards and it takes me forever to write them all out!


Speaking of Christmas...

Kelly at Messy Dirty Hair is hosting a Secret Santa Swap.
  Gift Swap


Paige at Eloping Stethoscope is also hosting a Secret Santa Swap.





Wednesday 17 October 2012

Apartment Sweet Apartment- Smoke

One of the first things I noticed about my apartment when I moved in- and something that visitors to my apartment notice right away- is that it smells like smoke.

I am not a smoker. 

I was told the people who lived in the apartment before me were not smokers. The people who live on either side of me and above me are not smokers either. The common areas in the building (hallways, stairwell, lobby, etc) are non-smoking areas. 

So why does my apartment smell like smoke? This is something no one had been able to answer or even really resolve. 

I tried keeping windows open and airing out the unit. I've used air fresheners and sprays. I burn wax tarts in an effort to mask the smell. 

The building manager did come in and put tape over the vents, which did help. My apartment no longer smells like smoke 24/7, just every once and awhile. The smell no longer bothers me and I can live comfortable in my apartment. 

But...my front closet- the only closet I have besides the one in my bedroom- still has a horrible, strong smoke smell. I don't get it! There are no vents in or near the closet and the closet is in my unit, meaning it shares walls with my kitchen and entrance way.

When I open the door, I have to hold my breath. That's how bad it is!

I went to Yankee Candle and told the girl worker about my smoke scent issue. She informed me that Yankee Candle had just introduced a new product that eliminates odours called Just Plain Clean. I was desperate and agreed to give the product a try. 

When I got home, I opened the package and put a sachet in the closet. I'm hoping it will eliminate the smoke odour and not just mask it for 30 days (the lifespan of each sachet). 
I'm curious to see what the closet will be like after 30 days. Hopefully, this little issue will be resolved and I will have a smoke-free closet!

Tuesday 16 October 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time
To be very unhappy with the Brick furniture store right now. My issued started in July and has yet to be resolved. Blog entry will follow- I'm just waiting for the issue to be resolved first. It does involve 3 damaged sofa's being delivered to me, requesting to speak to a manager 8 times before actually getting to speak to one, my delivery day/time being changed and finding out when I call to confirm...it's just a lot of stuff.
To love Amber's book, The Swimmer's Assistant! I started it on Sunday and am just over half way through. If you love chick lit, you should read this book!  
To be curious as to what's going to happen now that Dalton Mcguinty (Ontario's Premier) resigned yesterday.
To feel a bit uneasy that October is half over. It's gone by too fast and I feel like I have missed out on some things!
That I really love soup. I can eat it every day. Especially now that it's colder.  
 


Monday 15 October 2012

Inspiration

Happy Monday!

Best way to start your week? With a quote! It gives you something to think about and maybe even inspire you. Have a great Monday!





Sunday 14 October 2012

LOL & Sunday Social

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Mine was pretty low key- and rainy- but super relaxing, exactly what I needed.

This weeks dose of humour:





Sunday Social
 
 
1. Favorite childhood book
When I was 4 or 5, I had this book, a gift from my Godmother, about a rabbit who goes to school. The cover was a peachy-orange and for the life of me, I can't remember what it's called! But I LOVED that book! 
I also had a book, from my Auntie Kay, that was a collections of stories and nursery rhymes. My dad would read from it every night. I loved that book so much and it got so much use, that the binding came undone.
We had a book that actually was my dad's when he was a kid. There was a story every day of the year. We still have this book at home.
As I got older, I started to read Sweet Valley and The Baby-Sitters Club.

2 . Favorite Book lately
Yesterday, I finished reading Sorority Sisters by Claudia Welch. This book made me laugh and cry...I really did love it and I can't wait to re-read it. Other current favourite books include Prep: A Novel, The Great Gatsby and Valley of the Dolls. And anything by Sophie Kinsella. 

3. Book you wish you could live in
What a great question! I suppose any chic lit book. Those are always fun. Or Prep.

4. If you could be any character from a book who would it be and why?
Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby...Aspeth from Prep...

5. Favorite Book turned Movie?
Confessions of a Shopaholic! I loved this book and I loved this movie! 

6. Favorite Magazines
Flare, Elle Canada, Town & Country


Friday 12 October 2012

Favourite Thing- The Swimmer's Assistant

I am a HUGE fan of Amber over at Air My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time and have been for years. Since I've started reading Amber's blog, she's mentioned that she had written a chick lit novel (think Meg Cabot & Sophie Kinsella) and was looking to get it published. 

Guess what? She finally did! 
The book is available from amazon here.

This is the book description from Amazon:
Meet Jane Williams.

She doesn’t understand the popularity of Twilight, can’t walk properly in high heels, struggles to speak Starbucks (venti what?), and nearly drowned in the toilet when she was a baby.

Meet Brian Parker.

He’s a star swimmer with a temper and has just hired Jane to be his assistant as he trains for the London Olympics.

Enter the problem.

Jane has developed feelings for Brian which is ridiculous because he has a dog who hates her, he chews with his mouth open, and has a perfect Twilight-obsessed girlfriend named Vanessa who plays Cinderella at Disneyland. Surely her crush can’t amount to anything. Or can it? There was that time when they nearly kissed…..
Doesn't this sound like a fun book??? And if you are familiar with Amber's blog, you know that she's a fun blogger to follow, so I'm sure her book will be the same!

So, do yourself a favour and go buy this book!


Thursday 11 October 2012

Make With Me- Dried Beef & Chicken

Dried Beef & Chicken

Ingredients:
  • 1small jar dried beef, rinsed
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 8oz container of sour cream

To Make:
  • Line bottom of casserole dish with dried beef
  • Place chicken on top of beef
  • Mix scream of mushroom soup and sour cream
  • Pour soup/sour cream over chicken
  • Bake at 350 for 45 minutes
  • Enjoy! 



Notes:
  1. Another recipe from one of Rhonda's friends, Jessie.
  2. Jessie suggests covering the chicken while baking, which I do.
  3. I usually serve this with rice or pasta. The soup/sour cream mixture goes will with both.


Wednesday 10 October 2012

Fall Into Fall Blog Swap

Back in September, I signed up for the "Fall Into Fall" swap on Neely's blog, A Complete Waste of Makeup. I was paired up with Katy, from A Little Bit Of Pixie Dust.

Not only is Katy adorable, but it was nice getting to know her and I had so much fun picking out items to send her. Want to know what Katy got? Check out her post here.

Like everyone, I love getting mail! On Monday, when I got home, I had a notice that the post office was holding a package for me. I picked it up yesterday after work. Katy decorated the outside of the package and the postal worker even commented on how nice it looked:

Katy spoiled me with the package she sent!

  1. Notecards- This are super cute and I actually send a ton of handwritten notes, so these will come in handy!
  2. Socks- They are so soft and comfy!
  3. Card from Katy
  4. Nail polish- Golden...it's sparkly =)
  5. Nail files! I moved in August and nail files were something I was in need of. I was actually looking for one yesterday morning.
  6. Lip balm-Who doesn't need lip balm this time of year? It's Strawberry Creme.
  7. Golden Bronzer- I had mentioned to Katy that I love trying new products. I've actually never heard of e.l.f, so I'm excited to give this product a try!
  8. All over cover stick-See above...excited to try it! I've never used an all over colour stick before. 
  9. Tissue...I love the print! These are coming to work with me tomorrow!
  10. Wax tart- The scent is macintosh! I LOVE wax tarts and burn them all the time! My apartment has a smoke smell in it so I use the tarts to mask the smell.
  11. Bobby pins- Love the fun colours! This was also something else I needed from my move. 
  12. Milky Way- I love Milky Ways...but they aren't available in Canada!


A HUGE thank you to Katy! I love everything you sent! I'm actually burning the wax tart as I type this =)

My favourite part about swaps is finding new blogs to read. Go check out Katy's blog, it's just as awesome as she is!

Thanks to Neely, Erin and Tracy for hosting!

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Hey! It's Ok


To have had a great Thanksgiving weekend! A childhood friend got married, spent time with family and had some really delicious meals!

To not want to go to work today. I need a day of rest and relaxation after the weekend.

To be disappointed that the orchid plant my co-worker gave me as a housewarming gift back in August is dead. It was fine when I left on Wednesday but when I got back yesterday, all the leaves and flowers had fallen off and the steams were moldy.

To have rekindled my love for Tim Hortons. I went twice this weekend.

That my parents will be celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary later this week. Not only are they still in love and happily married, but they actually like each other, get along and have fun. 




Monday 8 October 2012

i(nspiration)

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving with my mom's family yesterday and my dad's family will be over later today for our non-traditional roast beef dinner. Can't wait!



Sunday 7 October 2012

LOL & Sunday Social

Happy Sunday! Canadians get a 3-day weekend because of Thanksgiving and a childhood friend got married yesterday- so it's a great weekend for me! Come back this week for posts on both events. 
Your weekly dose of humour (at least from this blog):

 
 
Sunday Social
 
There aren't questions...WHA? Instead its an open ended kind of day all about Fall. Link up a recipe, your favorite fashion picks, trends, TV shows you love, movies you're excited to see, decor you love from Pinterest etc. Basically if it is remotely related to fall its acceptable. 
 
 
With a open slate for this weeks Sunday Social, I had so many options of what to post. It's no secret that I think Canada is a beautiful country (said the Canadian) so I thought I would post pictures of Fall from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
 
***Please note: None of these images are mine, no copyright infringement is intended. Images were found using Google image search and all images link back to the websites I found them on***
 
Image Vineyard in British Columbia
Image Canadian Rockies in Alberta
 
Image The Prairies in Saskatchewan
Image Troy Lake, Manitoba
Image The Muskokas (which I previously wrote about here) in Ontario
 
Image Montreal, Quebec
Image A blueberry field in New Brunswick
Image Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
 
Image A wheat field on Prince Edward Island (aka PEI)
 
Image Newfoundland
Image Nunavut Tundra
Image North Storm Hills, Northwest Territories
Image Tombstone Valley, Yukon