Hey, It's Ok

To be looking forward to this weekend! Tuesday is Canada Day, so I took Monday off, making it a 4 day weekend.

That I am exhausted. I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping the past few weeks.

To feel like a lackluster friend recently. Between the craziness of work, my dad's campaign and being sick, I haven't spent any time with friends. 

That I'm lucky to have great co-workers, who give up their Monday night to help me with an event.

 

To not be at all interested in the World Cup. I haven't watched a single game and I likely won't. But I have a great friend who tells me everything I need to know about the World Cup, so I'm good. 

That I hope you've entered the $1,000 giveaway. If you haven't, you can enter here.

Inspire Me- Life & Age

I have been MIA around her the past little while- between campaigns, no internet and being sick for a week and a half...seriously, who gets sick in June???...life has been pretty busy. I spent all weekend sleeping and trying to get over this cold...I'm not 100% better, but I am feeling A LOT better. 

While the weekend was underwhelming, this week will be busy; an event tonight, Brock Alumni Associations AGM, my cousin's graduation, a week full of meetings and a summer student who is starting today! I'm not entirely sure if I'll get to spend any time with her today, but at least she's starting today.

Some inspiration:

 

I love this quote!! How many times do we let our age influence what we do? And how many times does that influence result in us missing out on some fun?

We need to revert back to those childhood days of playing in the park, blowing bubbles and having water balloon flights. There's nothing wrong with reliving those teenage years of wondering around town looking for something to do and ending up in a hole in the wall kind of place singing karaoke. I frequently go back to my 20's where the nights were full of music and dancing, stumbling home as the sun came up. 

Yes, we need to be adults and we have responsibilities, but that doesn't mean we can't be carefree and create amazing memories.

There is no such thing as being too old for something. 

Live life, regardless of your age.

There's still time to enter the $1,000 giveaway here.

Hey, It's Ok!

 

To be proud of the New York Rangers. Even though they didn't win the Stanley Cup, they made it to the Finals and 3 of the 5 games went into overtime. They played well and had a great season.

That I don't like being sick in June. It's June! Why am I sick??? I've had this cold since last Wednesday. I need to get over it.

To have finally made it to the beach! Working on my dad's campaign has kept me from the beach the past month an a half. Now that the campaign is over, I can go back to my weekend beach stays.

That I had fun working on my dad's campaign. It was his 7th or 8th campaign, so it's just a way of life for me, but it was still fun.

To be proud of my dad and all of his hard work. He has dedicated his life to public service and continues to constantly work in the best interest of the citizens that he represents.

That I am very unhappy with Rogers right now. This is the second time in 3 weeks that my internet has been down for days at a time. They are supposed to be sending a tech today...hopefully my internet will get fixed today *fingers crossed*

The Canadian & The Cuban Guava

I had a great time in Cuba. It was a really low key trip (full recap coming soon) but I forgot what kind of traveler my friend is. She likes to go to bed early, like 9pm, and compared to me she is a bit anti-social...compared to me, most people come across as anti-social. My boss once said she could put me in a room by myself and I would turn it into a networking event, leaving with three new contacts. 

Anyway...I decided that our last night was going to be a good one and we were going to do it my way...no going back to our room by 9pm, we were going to have fun. I needed one night out being me and doing things my way- being super social and having a lot of fun. Plus, I needed something to blog about, up until this point the only 'story' I had for the blog were Canadians looking for hockey scores, and days spent by the pool/on the beach reading.

So, I did the good friend thing and told other people that we were going to the sports bar that night to celebrate Friends birthday, putting my Friend on the spot and not giving her a say in the matter. Sneaky, of course, but I knew it was the only way and that she would have fun. Friend complained all day about it and unwillingly followed me to the bar that night- after she took a nap from 8:30pm-10pm.

When we got there, three girls we became friendly with- K, S and T- were already there. We started the night off with birthday shots, which Friend originally said she wasn't going to do. But I peer pressured her and told her she had to do one shot and then I didn't care what she did the rest of the night- which ended up being her requesting more rounds of shots.

Birthday shots!! No idea what they were, but they were really good!!

Some time had passed and I decided that I could go for some French fries (we did an a la carte that night and the menu didn't really appeal to me)...the sports bar was enclosed and just outside of it was a 24 hour snack bar, where they could get you almost anything you wanted. Outside I went and there was a strapping young man waiting for a hamburger- he ordered 1 and somehow ended up with 3. We got into conversation and turns out that he was from Niagara. I pulled out my peer pressure skills and convinced him to come have a drink with us- citing that we were from the same place and it was my friends birthday, so how could he not? It was not a hard sell. 

The hours passed by with drinks, more shots (as suggested by my once reluctant friend), food and laughter. T told us that we should eat cucumbers and plate of sliced cucumbers appeared from the snack bar. Cucumbers, apparently, are supposed to prevent hangovers- they contain water to keep you hydrated, electrodes and vitamins. Life was great, I was having a blast. 

We eventually finished the bottle of rum.

You know in Mexico how they have the worm in the tequila? Well, in Cuba they put guava in the bottle of rum...I can't remember if it's a piece of fruit or the pit or a seed or what...all I know is that someone had to have the guava (just like someone has to have the tequila worm). T, S, K and Friend all declined it. Niagara was asked to have it before I was asked (thank goodness).

Niagara did not disappoint. He took the cup with the guava in it and asked a couple of questions- what is it and will I die- before throwing that thing back like a champ. He became the hero of the trip. Everyone in the bar cheering for him. 

And to think, Niagara only wanted a hamburger and then I convinced/asked him to have one drink with us. He ended up staying for 3ish hours. Thanks goodness he did, because he made the night...he was a really great sport about everything...and became a hero to everyone in the bar.

Before Niagara left the bar, we split the last cucumber slice. I suggested that we wishbone it- making a wish as we broke it- but that was easier said then done.

We were eventually joined by Guelph, North York and Toronto. It was so, so, so much fun hanging out with everyone and I was sad to see the night come to an end.

This was hands down the highlight of my trip. Thanks to Friend for agreeing to go out and to everyone else in the bar who joined us. 

Oh and the cucumber theory? The next day all of the girls were fine. We ended up seeing Niagara just before we left and he told us that he had a hangover that morning...but he was the only one who had the guava, so that's probably why.

Hey, It's Ok!

 

To not be happy with the Rangers right now...they are killing me. But at least they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

 

That I'm on the hunt for new or gently used purses for a fundraiser that I'm doing. If you or someone you know is looking to get rid of purses, please let me know. This includes any bloggers that are doing a 'shop my closet' event.

 

To be excited that Big Brother is starting in a couple of weeks!! I love that show.

 

That I've enjoyed working on my dad's campaign, but will be happy when the election is over...I need a nap.

 

To be unimpressed that I broke my toe. My hands were full and I kicked my car door shut, something I do all the time, I heard a snap and prayed I had only broke my toenail...no such luck.

 

That everyone should enter this giveaway for $1,000. 

Raising Reagan's $1,000 Cash Giveaway

Celebrating milestones is always fun! Blogging milestones are no different and I am so excited to be celebrating Raising Reagan's TWO YEAR blog anniversary with Lanaya this week on June 12th! Two years ago she published her first blog post and began the online chronicle of Raising Reagan. 

 

 

To thank everyone for their support over the past two years, her blog friends came together to celebrate and make some very luck person $1000 richer this Summer! It's a celebration and YOU could be the recipient of the GRAND PRIZE! $1000 CASH! Who's excited? Please be sure and thank the amazing women that put together this phenomenal cash prize for you to win! Now, what are you waiting for? Go enter and then cross your fingers, toes and anything else you can think of to win $1000! Just in case you didn't get it the first couple of times ... it's $1000 people! Now GO ENTER! 

 

Meet your amazing co-hosts of this EPIC giveaway! From top right and clockwise:

Krystal - My Life of Travels and Adventures | Angie - God's Growing Garden | Katie - Calls Me Grace | Anna - Cuddlebug Cuties | Andi - Weary Chef | Jamie - Love Bakes Good Cakes | Tiffany - Mrs Tee Love Life Laughter | Janine - Janine's Confessions of a Mommyaholic | Koren - My Full Time Fit Life | Jaren - Diary of a Recipe Collector

Alex - Munckins and the Military | Taylor - Food Faith Fitness | April - 100lb Countdown | Kim - Day With KT | Cathy - A Peek Into My Paradise | Laura - Petite Allergy Treats | Tiffany - Daydreaming Realist | Melissa - Dreams and Colour | Angel - Sew Crafty Angel |Dara - Not In Jersey

These fantastic bloggers are truly wonderful and there is an amazing assortment of blog types represented. From personal to family blogs, fashion to having fun in the kitchen, there is a blogger for everyone to love! Now .. please meet the other special bloggers that sponsored this $1000 {Lanaya's hammering home the $1000 cash again right?} giveaway! In their own rights they are masters at their craft. Whether it's showing the new go to outfit, sharing the triumphs and failures of parenting, baking you a delectable feast or showing off ways to improve self or home, meet more of my favorite bloggers to love!

Dean - Mrs AOK, A Work in Progress | Ida - Second Chances Girl | Jamie - Handling With Grace | Beth - The First Year | Heather - Girlichef

Camille - Friday We're In Love | Ashley & Meegan - Flats to Flip Flops | Rebecca - Living Better Together | Jenn - Deliciously Sprinkled | Rachel - Sultry Indulgences

Ellen - Ask Away | Jennifer - Mommy Life After PhD | Amy - Love, Amybecca | Jen - Yummy Healthy Easy | Kemi - Beauty Style Growth

Sam - Honey Go Lightly | Sarah - Girlfriends Are Like Shoes | Sarah - Oh The Things I Think | Miche - Buttons and Birdcages | Carrie - Frugal Foodie Mama

Betsy - Musings of a Museum Fanatic | Shane - Whispering Sweet Nothings | Emily - Nap Time Creations | Mandi - All My Happy Endings | Sarah - Venus Trapped in Mars

Linda - Crafts a la Mode | Diane - My Life as Robin's Wife | Pamela - Macdonald's Playground | Noel - Third Day Hair | Sherry - The Life of the Party

Lyne - Anointed Heels | Diatta - Femme Fitale Fit Club | Heather - Notes From the Nelsens | Natasha - Lovely You | Amy - The Stitchin' Mommy

Ady - When In Doubt Just Add Glitter | Cherrelle - Grow It Girl | Amber - Bold Fit Mom

Now ... get entering and GOOD LUCK!

Please review the official rules and conditions of all contests at Raising Reagan.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please review the official rules and conditions of all contests at Raising Reagan.

Giveaway is open worldwide to participants 18 years of age or older with a verified PayPal account. By entering this giveaway you consent to be contacted for further information for verification of entries. Entries WILL be verified. Winner has 48 hours to respond to email requests for verification of entries. $1000 cash prize will be given in US Dollars. Any taxes, currency exchange or fees associated with the winnings will be the sole responsibility of the winner. Participants and sponsors of Raising Reagan and this giveaway are not liable for delivering cash prize. Any questions or concerns regarding this giveaway should be forward to contact{at}raising-reagan{dot}com BEFORE entering the giveaway. Void where prohibited by Law.

When I Saw You Walking Down The Street

Happy Friday!! This has been a crazy week- getting caught up after being off for a week, attending a conference in Toronto and finalizing an event for today. I'm happy the week is almost here, not that I'll have much time to relax.

With life being so hectic, I didn't have a chance to upload any of the pictures from my trip...hopefully next week. 

To end the week/start off the weekend, I thought I'd share a song that was constantly being played at the resort we stayed at. I love this song! Every time it played, people were singing and dancing a long wherever they were; the beach, poolside or riding around the resort in a gold cart. 

If this song doesn't make you want to be poolside with a drink in hand, having fun...I don't know what will!!

Hey, It's Ok!

That I had fantastic time in Cuba...I can't wait to go back!

To be looking forward to the Stanley Cup final, which starts tomorrow!! My New York Rangers are facing the LA Kings.

That I'm hoping the rumours of Big Brother Season 16 having family members as house guests is false. Unless they are going to do it and not include Rachel...in which case, I'd be ok with it.

To have finally found and tried Haagen- Dazs Salted Caramel Gelato...soooo good!!!

That I'm looking forward to a work conference today, and seeing my colleagues from across the province but I am not looking forward to the drive...sitting in Toronto traffic is not appealing. Ever. 

Inspire Me-Celebration & Happy Hour

As usual, I've been dreading Monday, today more than most Mondays...it's my first day back to work after a week in Cuba!!! I had a really great time and will be sharing parts of my trip over the next two weeks. I'm excited to share my trip and relive some of those Cuban memories. But I am not looking forward to work today...on top of being out of the office for a week, I have a conference in Toronto tomorrow and an event on Friday...it's going to be hectic. Can I please go back to Cuba??? 

Nowhere near as great as a Cuban vacation, but some inspiration for the week:

This is one of my favourite quotes (Lilly Pulitzer or otherwise). With the week (and month) I have ahead of me, it's so important to remember to live life, to have fun, to enjoy. There is always time for happy hour...there is always time to go out with friends and relax a bit, to take a timeout and have a bit of fun. Life is about joy, happiness and making the most of it. The mundane daily tasks or the hectic stressful situations sometimes prevent us from remembering that. 

So, this week when I am replying to hundreds of emails, returning dozens of phone calls, either training or finding a summer student, preparing for and actively participating in a conference, finalizing event details and running said event, managing and motivating a group of volunteers and dealing with who knows what else this week will throw my way...I'll remember this quote and attempt to inject some fun, joy and moments of pure bliss into my day. 

Monthly Roud Up- June

Idea taken from Jen, from Our Love and Our Blessing. What's Monthly Round Up? On the first Friday of each month, you recap some (or all) of your posts from the previous month!

In June I...

...started the month off by having Kayla answer 5 Questions.
...posted a great Summer song.
...linked up for Monthly Round Up.
...recapped what I've been up to recently.
...shared a recipe for cheese garlic biscuits and Nacho Pringle
...reviewed a book, The American Wife, that I recently read.
...introduced a little mid-week humour.
...wrote about my sister's graduation.

Throughout the month, I shared several of my favourite things (here and here) and some inspiration (here, here and here).

I also participated in several weekly link ups;

Hey! It's Ok (here, here, here and here)

Weekly What? (here, here, and  here) 

Sunday Social (here, here, here, here and here).

Lots of different posts...I can't wait to see what July will bring!

Sunday Social- Movies

Happy last day of June! I can't believe how quickly this month has gone! There are basically two months of summer left...so far it's been pretty good. We started summer hours on Friday- our office closed at noon- but I had a meeting that went until 3. After the meeting, I headed up to my parents second home, which is where I've settled in for the weekend! My parents and sister will be joining me later today.

This is also a long weekend in Canada...so happy Canada Day weekend!!

1. What is your favorite movie of all time?

I have a handful of favourite movies, so it's hard to pick just one! Cinderella, Legally Blonde, Empire Records, Camp, Clueless, Zoolander... I like to laugh. Oh, and Mona Lisa Smile.

 

2. What is your favorite movie quote?

I am horrible at remembering quotes...My mind is drawing a blank right now. But, one of my favourite movie taglines is from Chicago: If you can't be famous, be infamous. 

 

3. What is the best movie to watch for a girls night in?

Hmm...Clueless, Bring It On, Mean Girls...anything with a female focused cast/storyline. And funny. 

4. What is the best breakup movie?

Anything funny...Zoolnader, Mean Girls, American Pie.

 

5. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Anna Kendrick.

 

6. Which movie star's closet would you want to raid?

Nikki Deloach, Reese Withersppon, Dilshad Vasaria.

Graduation: Sapere Aude

The title of this post, Sapere Aude, is Latin for 'Dare to Learn' which is also the motto of my high school. I love our motto for so many reasons- which I will not get into now. 

My sister graduated from high school yesterday. I already wrote about how great my sister is and how proud I am of her. Seeing her graduate and reflecting on everything she has done and how much she has grown in four years...let's just say, I have the most amazing sister in the world.

One of my favourite moments from the night, was right at the end of graduation, before the graduates left the building. The grads all stood and sang the Alma Mater. I love the Alma Mater and I can't express what it was like to hear our newest alumni singing it.

 

During graduation, my sister was given the Peer Tutor Award. This award is given to a graduating student, who is nominated within the school, for the work they do with their peers who have special needs.

My sister was also the recipient of the Community Living Scholarship. This is awarded to a student who is dedicated to working with and enriching the lives of people in the community who are living with special needs.

Did I mention that my sister is an Ontario Scholar as well? An Ontario Scholar is an award from the Ministry of Education and is based on academic distinction. Basically, my sister is a pretty smart cookie.

It was bittersweet watching my sister graduate. She is the last one in our family to graduate from this school- my dad, uncle, brother, two cousins and I are all graduates. While it's the end of an era, it's also exciting to welcome her to the Alumni Association and share the Alumni experience with her. 

Up next for my sister? A 6 week University program in Quebec (which she earned a full scholarship for) before heading to another one of my Alma Maters (she earned an entrance scholarship), where she will pursue a double major.

See? I really do have an amazing sister!

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To be unhappy that Chicago won the Stanly Cup last night. I wanted Boston to win.

That my sister is graduating tomorrow and it makes me think back to my own graduation.

To be looking forward to summer hours starting on Friday, I'll be done at noon, and to the long weekend this weekend.

That I spent all weekend on the patio reading. It was an unproductive weekend, but so relaxing.  

To be thinking of the people in Alberta affected by the flooding.

Inspire Me

Happy Monday AND happy last week of June! I can't believe how quickly this month has gone! It's been super, super busy but a lot of fun too. I have another busy-but fun- week ahead of me, including my sister's graduation!

Some inspiration to get you through the week:

Sunday Social- Fashion & Style

Another weekend great weekend drawing to an end. It's been a pretty relaxing one- spent it either on the patio reading or out with friends. Perfect way to gear up for this upcoming week- meeting tomorrow, sisters graduation Wednesday and the start of office summer hours on Friday.  

1. What is your favorite store to shop at?

I'm actually not a big shopper...I can't even tell you the last time I bought clothes, never mind what it was. But, I do like Tommy Hilfiger- clothes transition from day to night and are the perfect business casual and comfortable for my work. 

 

2. If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?

Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger. 

 

3. What is your must have closet staple?

Cardigan...I wear one every day. 

 

4. What is your favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)

Hmm...besides flip flops (Haviannas are soooo comfortable). I like peep toe heels. 

 

5. What is the best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale or amazing find)

I don't know if this is the best ever...I had heard of Haviannas and how great they were but I wasn't willing to spend THAT much on a pair of flip flops. I was at the mall with a friend and a store was having this buy one get one free sale, so my friend and I split the cost of one pair and we each got a pair. 

 

6. What is a style you'd love to try?

Hmm...maybe like a 1950's pin-up?

Favourite Thing- Summer Hours

Happy Friday everyone! I have had a super long, super busy, super hectic week...I know it's almost over, but I still have to get through today. We have a regional meeting this afternoon. I asked what time the meeting would be over and a colleague replied with "based on the agenda, you better bring your jammies". It'll be a loooooooong one. 

The good news? This is the last Friday before we start our summer hours! Starting next Friday, I will be done work at noon! You have no idea how much I am looking forward to this. I LOVE my job but I also really love the beach, being on the patio, spending time with family and friends, etc. Summer hours will let me enjoy/experience summer that much more.

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time.

To be exhausted and needing/wanting a day off. Sadly, my work schedule is so packed that there's no day off until next week.

That next week we start our summer work hours- we close at noon on Friday! I cannot wait for this!
 

That, as an event planner, some venues I host events at send me home with a package of leftover food. This happened yesterday and from one container, I'm getting three meals.

To be nostalgic over my time at Brock University. Convocation was this past week and seeing all of the posts, tweets and pictures from grad has made me think back to my own time at Brock and wish I could go back and re-live those days. 

To think that everyone should enter this great summer giveaway!

Inspire Me & Monday Mingle

Happy Monday! As I mentioned yesterday, I had a great weekend and I actually ended the weekend by watching Miss USA last night I was a CT Fan since the beginning and was happy to see her win! I spent a good chunk of the pageant tweeting with one of my favourite pageant girls, Tarole (and following the tweets of my other favourite pageant girl, Brittany). 

Tarole hosts a weekly link up, Monday Mingle. You should check it out.

And of course, some Monday Inspiration:

Sunday Social- Pet Peeves, Fear & Dinner

Another great weekend coming to an end- filled with friends, food and fun...just the way all weekends should be! I'm sad to see it come to an end, but I'm looking forward to next weekend, which should be much the same. I just have to get through this week! Two events and a meeting on Friday, which I feel will be pretty long.

I also wanted to wish my dad a very happy Father's Day! My dad is an incredible man...he has always made sure I was happy, loved and had everything I needed. He is a very busy man but always made sure his family came first. I know everyone thinks there dad is the best...but mine truly is. 

1. What is your biggest driving pet peeve?

When people cut me off and proceed to drive under the speed limit-especially if there is no one behind me. 

2. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve?

The cattiness and cliques...see it all the time. 

3. What is your biggest general pet peeve?

People who are rude, inconsiderate and/or lie.

4. What is your most irrational fear?

Oh gosh...either ghosts or worms being in hamburgers (don't ask).

5. Name 3 celebrities you'd want to have dinner with.

Nikki Deloach, Luke Bryan, Joffrey Lupul.

Favourite Thing- Joffrey Lupul

Happy Friday! This week has gone so quickly...it's been busy! I have a busy day in the office today- we have an event on Monday and our AGM on Wednesday. So, because I've been so busy...I'm kind of going to cheat with blog post. Instead of writing about a favourite thing, I'm just going to post a picture of Joffrey Lupul. *sigh*