Hey! It's Ok

This idea was taken from Whispering Writer.

It's ok...

To have become addicted to Italian Soda, which is basically flavour and Club Soda. It's also ok to think because it uses Club Soda it's 'healthier' for you than regular pop/soda...not much healthier, but healthier none-the-less.

To be thinking of what you are going to do and/or watch on Sunday besides the Super Bowl. I REALLY don't care to watch the game- not even for the half-time show or the commercials. I'm just not interested and for the past several years have gone out of my way to avoid watching.

To be kinda creeped out with the Facebook Timeline. It's going to be harder to keep things private. If this article is accurate, you only have 7 days to make changes to your Tmeline and hide posts from your past. Not to mention all the new info they are going to try to collect on us...

To take a nap after work. Sometimes you just need that quick little rest after a long day at the office in order to get ready for your night.

To be super proud that our Chapter raised over $51,000 during our Walk for Memories this past weekend. We exceeded what we raised last year and exceeded the goal that we set for this year!

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month: Let's Face It

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i(dea)

Read this article from forbes.com on how to be more interesting in 10 simple steps and apply some of the ideas to your life. The ideas really are simple and anyone can do them.

My favourite is:

8. Hop off the bandwagon.
If everyone else is doing it, you’re already late to the party.  Do your own thing, and others will hop onto the spiffy wagon you built yourself. Besides, it’s more fun to drive than it is to get pulled around.

i & i (idea & inspiration) taken from Brittany at Happy Brittany.

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month: Let's Face It

LOL

In honour of the NHL All-Star Weekend (which was this weekend)...

This is a couple of years old, but it still makes me laugh every time I see it

Interwebz

This is the last Saturday of January and January is Alzheimer Awareness Month. So, in honour of this month and with Alzheimer Society of Canada launching a new website, I thought that it would be fitting for today's website to be Alzheimer Society's new website.

From this site, you can easily access the provincial and local chapter sites. It not only has information about dementia- explaining different dementias and Alzheimer's disease, information on getting a diagnosis, understanding behaviour, etc- but also information on living with the disease- for both people living with the disease and caregivers, information of safety, treatment and advance care planning and more.

You can find out how the Society can help you. This can be education, information and training. Provincial and local chapters also offer support groups, volunteer companion programs, music and pet therapy programs and valuable resources. The website also has information on how you can get involved via fundraising, donating and volunteering. And of course, information on the latest research.

I really like the Brain Booster part of the website. This has:

• Information on fitness- was that you can easily build fitness into your daily routine and lifestyle. There are even specific sections for everyone from children to older adults.
• Puzzles- a variety of puzzles to do that will keep your brain active and healthy.
• Recipes- easy and healthy.

This site has tons of information and with the new design is easy to navigate. Definitely go take a look!

Favourite Thing- Princess Penelope's Children Boutique

My Dream Sample Box introduced me to Princess Penelope's Children Boutique.

The piece that I received was a Korker Bow and a Crochet Headband.

We've all seen babies wearing these headbands and they look super cute! I immediately thought of my co-worker and friend, and hoped that she would have a baby girl just so she could wear this headband:

Not only did I think this headband was adorable, but I really love the fact that the korker bow is detachable. So, when the baby outgrows the headband, she'll still be able to wear the bow:

I also received these Barrettes, which I am giving to my little cousin:

If there is a little girl in your life, definitely head over to Princess Penelope's. The site has tons of great stuff available. From diaper bags to dresses, you are sure to find something that you love and/or would make the perfect gift.

Make With Me- Anzac Biscuits

Today is Australia Day! One of my co-workers is Australian and in honour of today, she make Anzac Biscuits and brings them to work for us.

Anzac Biscuits


Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain flour
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup desiccated coconut (dried coconut)
• 125g unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup golden syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda (baking soda)
• 1 tablespoon boiling water

To make:

• Preheat oven to 180c
• Line a cookie sheet with baking paper
• Sift flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl
• Add oats and coconut
• Make a well in the centre
• Combine butter and golden syrup in small pan
• Stir over low heat until butter is melted and mixture smooth
• Remove from heat
• Dissolve bicarbonate soda in water & add immediately to butter mixture. It will foam up instantly
• Add butter mixture to dry ingredients.
• Mix with spoon until well combined
• Roll one level tablespoon of mixture into balls and flatten slightly on tray. Allow room for spreading
• Bake for 20 minutes or until just browned
• Remove from oven and transfer onto cooling rack
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. Recipe taken from DLTK-Kids.com
2. I have never made Anzac Biscuits.
3. According to my co-worker, ANZAC stands for Australian New Zealand Army Corp.
4. These are REALLY good.

Book, Song, Body

BOOK- A parody of last of week's book, The Book of Awful, is a fun read. If you are looking for something serious or super insightful, give this book a pass. But, if you want a light, easy read pick up this book (I think it's $1.99 on Kindle). It's a bonus that it makes you feel better about your life.

This book is a compilation of short essays on things that if they existed in life, they would be awful. My favourite, is the term 'you are what you eat.' As the author points out, if this was true...If we turned into what we ate...Can you imagine how hard it would be to pick what to eat, knowing you would become it. She also points out, there is no hot or sexy food for a human to be. You could pick a string bean, so you would be thin but you wouldn't have boobs. There's no winning.

If things in your life seem to suck, reading this book will not only make you laugh, but it will make you realize that things aren't really that bad. And it reminds you that life could be flat awful if things listed in this book, really did exist.


SONG- Street Pharmacy posted a newly written song a couple of days ago. The song is a tribute to Walk of the Earth (who were on Ellen earlier this week!).

BODY- Earlier this week, someone told me about the 100 Workout.

• 100 Jumping jacks
• 90 Crunches
• 80 Squats
• 70 Leg lifts
• 60 Jumping jacks
• 50Ccrunches
• 40 Squats
• 30 Leg lifts
• 20 Jumping jacks
• 10 Minutes of running

This idea taken from Brittany at happybrittany.com.

Hey! It's Ok

This idea was taken from Whispering Writer.

It's ok...

To think Chelsea Handler is funny. Chelsea Lately, After Lately, her books and even her new show on NBC ('Are You There Chelsea?')...it's ok to enjoy all of these things and laugh.

To be sad that this week is my co-workers last week at work before her mat leave. I really am going to miss her. I realize how lucky I've been to be able to go to work and see (and work with) one of my best friends. It's also ok to be a little bit scared that once her baby is born, she'll be too busy being a hot mama to worry about her friends, thus leaving me with one less best friend. Sad.

To spend the night looking at your high school yearbook. Sometimes you just need to be reminded of things; like your youth, Friday night Ski Club trips, or the cute guy who sat next to you in English. If you realize you graduated 10 years ago and instantly feel old, that's ok too.

To spend time browsing the ads on Craigslist as a source of entertainment. You never know what you might find...like a once used yoga mat for sale.

To not know whether or not you like something you've just tried, like a food or drink. Sometimes you need to try things a few times before making up your mind.

i & i

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Since this weeks quote is from Walt Disney, I thought that this weeks idea would be to watch a Disney movie.

It's always great to curl up with some popcorn and a great movie, and I have yet to meet someone who doesn't love a Disney movie. While I would recommend going with a classic aka animated Disney movie, you could always watch something more 'modern' like Pirates of the Caribbean. For me, it's a toss up between Cinderella and Beauty & the Beast (which was just released in 3-D!).

i & i (idea & inspiration) taken from Brittany at Happy Brittany.

LOL

Years ago, a friend of mine was student teaching in a third grade class. She asked her students to create their own 'I have a dream' statements. She was kind enough, at the time, to share her favourites via e-mail with some of her friends. Here's what she sent:


Since it's MLK day... What my lil 3rd graders had to say about it:

"I have a dream to bild a yoga manchion in the midil of the wood. I will make this dream realate by making 1 billion dollers. This would make the world a better place by bringing pece to all in the art of love." -Marcus 

"I have a dream that there would be more pets in the world so people can have something to play with. I will achive this by bulding more habitat." -Andrew

"I  have a dream that my family will have a safe life like my nana and papa. I'll make this happen by playing football so I can be rich and pay for taxes and stuff." -Kip

 

Interwebz

A friend of mine recently introduced me to picnik.com.

This is a photo editing website and because it is closing in April, ALL features are currently FREE! It's really easy to use. Just upload a photo and use the tools to edit your photo. Tools include adding themed stickers and boarders to changing photo colours, adding make-up, tans and airbrushing. You can also make teeth whiter, get rid of wrinkles or reduce red eye. With this site, you can make sure you always look your best in photos. There's even a feature to make you look thinner! It's a fun site. I like turning my photos into polaroid's and I love the before & after feature.

Favourite Thing- Pregnant Co-Workers

I have to admit, I've recently discovered that one of my favourite things is pregnant women, very specifically my co-worker!

My co-worker is a friend of mine so she's always been a 'favourite' but her pregnant is phenomenal.

It's been fun watching her belly grow and for weeks, I'd get a weekly update letting me know the size of her baby as compared to food items. It's entertaining to hear her talk about pregnancy issues- such as her possibly having a liver disease because she was itchy. I've liked hearing about how her and her husband are preparing for this baby, their first, from prenatal classes to nursery decorating and possible baby names. Ohhh...the baby names. It was weird and cool seeing her ultrasound pictures. There really is a baby in there and not just beer, or in her case, McDonald's.

It was fun going with another co-worker last weekend to pick out baby stuff to surprise the pregnant co-worker with at our last staff meeting. And months ago when I saw a book, The Hot Mom's Handbook, I just HAD to buy it for her. Trust me, she will be one hot mama, even without the handbook.

But one of the best parts of her being pregnant?

Someone in our office is going to make some money! Yup, we have a baby pool going. We've been thinking about your guesses for weeks and they have been closely guarded secrets. This is kind of a serious deal in our office and we are all oddly competitive about it.

It hasn't been all fun and games...I could have done without the baby bumping and belly jiggling.

But all kidding aside, I've really enjoyed this little pregnancy journey that she's been on and feel honoured and blessed to have been part of it. Even though I am going to miss her terribly while she's on mat leave, I'm excited for her and her husband and can't wait to meet the baby, who is hopefully an 8lbs 4oz girl born February 14 at 2:50am...

Make With Me-Asparagus Salad with Bacon, Red Onion and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Asparagus Salad with Bacon, Red Onion and Balsamic Vinaigrette


Ingredients:

• 2 pounds thin asparagus (about 2 bunches), tough ends trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 6 slices of bacon (about 6 ounces), cut into 1/4 inch strips
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

To make:

• Toss asparagus with tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper
• Layer asparagus spears in a single layer on a baking sheet
• Broil, turning spears halfway through, until asparagus is tender and lightly browned (about 8-10 minutes)
• Cool Asparagus for about 5 minutes
• Arrange asparagus on a serving dish
• Fry Bacon strips over medium heat until brown and crisp (about 6 minutes)
• Transfer cooked bacon to paper towel lined plate, blotting extra grease, and set aside
• Whisk onion, balsamic vinegar, parsley and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl, season to taste with salt and pepper
• Drizzle mixture over asparagus
• Sprinkle with bacon
• Serve immediately
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. Serves 6-8 people.
2. I adjust the oven rack to about 4 inches from the heating element.
3. Parsley can be substituted with minced garlic.
4. I like to sprinkle parm cheese over the asparagus, this can be done prior to broiling or after the onion and balsamic mix has been added.

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month: Let's Face It

Book, Song, Body

BOOK- This weeks book is The Book of Awesome. I have no idea how I originally heard about this book, but I bought a copy for my Kindle and read it a number of months ago. Someone had told my boss about this book and that she buys a copy for her staff as birthday gift. My boss decided to give us all copies for Christmas.

Originating as a blog, this books is a collection of things that are awesome and why they are awesome. What I love about this book is that it reminds you how great the little things are- such as bubble wrap or fixing electronics by smacking them. Things that really are awesome and make you happy or feel good but you don't think about or maybe even take for granted.


SONG- I had a co-worker ask me if I had heard Walk Off The Earth. She was asking because she had seen a video of theirs on youtube, which she thought was pretty cool, and thought I might have heard of them as they are from about 45 minutes from my hometown. I had actually heard of them in passing the day before (read about them on someone's Facebook status). I saw on Facebook via friend's status that Walk Off The Earth will be on Ellen! Here's Walk Off The Earth doing a cover of Somebody That I Used To Know.

BODY- Something I try to do every 4-6 weeks or so is steam my face. I know that sounds odd...but it's amazing for your skin. Sure, you can go to a steam room, if that's an option. Or you can get facials, as steaming is part of a facial, if you have the luxury. Or, you can do an at home steam. It's pretty simple.

1. Put some hot water in a bowl
2. Place your face above the bowl, where you are comfortable yet can feel the steam on your skin
3. Place a towel or cloth over your head and bowl to keep the steam in
4. Stay like this for about 10 minutes

That's it! Pretty simple and easy. The steam will open your pores, help you sweat the gunk out and clear your skin. Not only does it feel pretty good but it is great for your skin. Slather on some moisturizer and you're good to go! I think that this is one of the biggest secret and key to my clear skin.


This idea taken from Brittany at happybrittany.com.

Hey! It's Ok

This idea was taken from Whispering Writer.

It's ok...

To be a little bit whiny when you are sick and want someone to take care of you. Or at least make you soup. Or a cup of tea. And maybe bring you more tissue.

To spend an hour+ cutting out letters from a magazine to spell out words that you will later tape- because you do not own a glue stick- to plain wrapping paper. This will be done in an attempt to jazz up the gift wrapping because you really don't have artistic talents. And when you go to tape down the letters, it's ok if they aren't straight.

To not understand why Canada Post will not leave a package in your mail box when the package is small enough to fit in the mailbox and does not require a signature.

To still have your Christmas tree up and decorated with a present under it.

To take advantage of the January sales and treat yourself to a thing or two. Or seven. Even if you don't REALLY need a new pair of jeans or shoes or...

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The past few days, I've found myself battling a cold. I've been drinking tea non stop since Friday. In between cups of tea, I've been having Halls and Secrets. I've spent days in bed, trying to sleep this cold off and with a heating pad to my ears trying to make the pain bearable. Yes, the past few days have not been fun. Especially when I found myself out of tissue and low on meds. So, I got dressed and headed to the drug store to stock up on supplies. While I was there, I saw that they were having sale on Ben & Jerry's ice cream (2 for $10).

This weeks idea? Treat yourself to some Ben & Jerry's! It's so good and it really won't hurt you to have a little. My favourite flavour, or one of them, is Half Baked. So go on, head down to the store and pick up a container of this little flavourful piece of heaven courtesy of the Green Mountain State (aka Vermont).

i & i (idea & inspiration) taken from Brittany at Happy Brittany.

LOL

A co-workers daughter told us about this youtube video.

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month: Let's Face It

Interwebz

A website that I was recently introduced to is radioguide.fm. This is a pretty cool website because it let's you listen to radio stations from different countries.  You can search for stations by either genre of music or country. It's a great way to discover new music and artists that might not be known in the country you currently live in.


I've also used it if I know that I'll be traveling to a different area so that I can scout out potential stations to listen to when I'm there. I've also used it to find a new station in my area. For example, the country music station I love switched over to an oldies station, so I used the website to find a new country station that I could pre-set in my car.

Anyway, cool site, check it out. Happy listening!

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month: Let's Face It

Favourite Thing- Peanut Butter M&M's

Peanut Butter M&M's are one of my favourite 'guilty pleasure' foods.

If you've never had them...you should do that asap!

There's just something about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter that tastes SO GOOD! And of course, M&M's are just delicious on their own. The only thing I don't like about them is that they don't come in a small bag, you have to buy the big one. Oh well, just more yummy-ness enjoy...or share.

Make With Me- Dressed Up Tomato Soup

Dressed Up Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 28 ounce can Italian Seasoned diced tomatoes
• 1 25 ounce can tomato soup, undiluted
• 1 32 ounce can chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• Sour Cream (optional)

To make:

• Pulse diced tomatoes 3-4 times or until finely diced
• Stir tomatoes. tomato soup, chicken broth and ground pepper in dutch oven
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated
• If desired, top with sour cream prior to serving
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. I got this recipe form, Southern Living Magazine years ago.
   
2. Other optional ingredients to top soup are: chopped parsley, basil, chives, rosemary, croutons, grated parm cheese, grated lemon rind.
3. Optional ingredients chopped parsley, basil, chives and rosemary can also be mixed in with the soup while cooking.

Book, Song, Body

BOOK- I have owned a copy of The Help for months but never read it. A co-worker also owned a copy of the book and it was passed between my co-workers with all of them loving it and telling me I HAD to read it. Last Thursday, I FINALLY picked up my copy and I finished it on Monday. Not only did I read this 500-ish page book in a matter of days (rare for me, I consider myself a slow reader) but I was left asking myself "Why did it take so long to read this book???"

If you have yet to read this book, I suggest you do!

Set in the 1960's, this book focuses on race issues (the book cover has a quote praising this book as a modern day To Kill A Mocking Bird), specifically the relationship between black maid and their white ladies aka employers. The story is told from the point of view of Abileen and Minny (two maids) and Miss Skeeter (a white woman). Miss Skeeter decides to write a book, a collection of interviews from black maids about what it's like to work for white families.

This book is a captivating read. If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for?!?!?

The 60's weren't that long ago...It's amazing to see and think how far our society has come.

***SPOILER ALERT*** While there was a lot I loved about this book, I really loved that the girl didn't get the guy. While this was a very minor story line, it was still refreshing ***SPOILER ALERT***


SONG-There is so much great music, and songs, out there that it's always hard for me to pick just one from week to week. This week, I decided to go with a band from my hometown. The band is Street Pharmacy and they have a ton of great songs- hard to pick one. I decided to go with a song that was used for their first music video- Welcome To Tha Street Pharmacy. Street Pharmacy's sound is hard to describe or compare to anything else out there in the musical world. So just listen to the song...And then look up more of their stuff (youtube, itunes, myspace, etc)

BODY- Lounge wear, especially from LaSenza. There is little better then coming home from a long day of work, slipping out of your uncomfortable work clothes and into a super comfy pair of lounge pants and just relaxing. And sometimes, you just need to show your body some love by hanging out in comfy clothes all day. Give your body a break from uncomfortable and/or restricting clothing.


This idea taken from Brittany at happybrittany.com.

Hey! It's Ok

This idea was taken from Whispering Writer.

It's ok...

To not watch The Bachelor. I've watched an episode here and there, and I'm not even sure if I watched an entire episode. I know I have never watched an entire season or a finale. I'm just not interested. While my co-workers discussed last nights episode I was able to participate in the conversation by asking questions. It's also ok that we were all bothered by the fact that there has never been a non-Caucasian bachelor/bachelorette.

To think after I gave one person successful relationship advice I am now qualified to write my own relationship advice column. Even though that person didn't take my advice and all was fine. But had he, it would have still worked out fine for him.

 To love the "50 Ways to Be Better At..." resolution like items that Elle Canada published in their January 2012 issue. My persona; favourite- how to steal someone's restaurant reservation. Genius. But maybe not for those who have ethics...

To being loving this weather! The high today was +4, but with the sun out and virtually no wind, it felt so much warmer! How warm you ask? Walking around in jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with no jacket warm. Not even a sweater. I hope it stays like this for a bit longer. Like until Spring.

To not understand wax tarts (or wickless candles). While I do like tarts, and I have one burning as I write this, I don't really understand. A tart is a wickless candle, but you're supposed to melt the tart- that's the whole point of them. How do you melt a wax tart you ask? By using an unscented tea candle. Put the candle in the holder, tart in the burner, light the candle which warms the bottom of the burner which in turn melts the wax tart. Why not just buy a scented candle and burn that?

To have watched the new CBC show "Mr D" last night and loved it. But I've been a fan of Gerry D the Sports Reporter for years. Anyway, funny show. If you're Canadian, watch it Mondays at 8pm on CBC.

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I was talking to a friend last night and he has dinner every Sunday with his girlfriend and her family. For whatever reason, he didn't feel like going (maybe because he was tired and hungover from the night before?). I told him, if he didn't want to go he didn't have to. Just to call the girlfriend, tell her he wasn't feeling well, send flowers to her mom, apologize for missing dinner and say that he's looking forward to next weekends dinner. This made me think of two things; 1. Maybe I should write an advice column and 2. I have this weeks idea.

Buy flowers! Studies have shows that flowers do make people feel better, happier. So go on, buy some flowers for yourself, your girlfriend, mom, neighbor, whoever. Flowers will brighten your, or the person you give them to, day.

i & i (idea & inspiration) taken from Brittany at Happy Brittany.

LOL

Happy Sunday! Hope Everyone had a great weekend!

Interwebz

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month so I feel that I should recommend the official website for the 2012 Awareness Campaign: Let's Face It.

On the site you can find information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementia's and how to contact your local Alzheimer Society, who will help you through the services and programs that they offer- most of them free of charge. Your local Society will also be able to help answer any questions you way and navigate life after an Alzheimer's disease or dementia diagnosis for either you or a loved one.

The site also has the results of a survey done by over 950 caregivers, with a focus on the respondents knowledge of warning signs and their willingness to get an early diagnosis. 44% of respondents waited a year before seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and 75% wish they had gotten a diagnosis sooner.

The focus of this years campaign is early diagnosis and the importance of it. You can get information on getting a diagnosis as well as information on brain health and how to prepare for a doctor's visit. You will also get personal stories for people with the disease, caregivers and family members.

Tons of useful information... so, go over to the site and take a look.

Fvaourite Thing- Ifs & Butts

This weeks favourite thing: Ifs & Butts!

I had never heard of this game, Ifs & Butts, until my sister bought it for me for Christmas. I've since played it a few times and love it! This game is sooo much fun! The more people you have playing, the more fun it is.

Everyone takes a turn being the leader of a round. The leader draws an 'If' card and a 'Butts' card, picking an 'If' for everyone to answer and two 'Butts' for 2-4 players to perform during the round. Everyone answers the 'If' question (ex 'If you were a rockstar, what would your stage name be?') and pass their answer to the leader, who reads them out loud. When an answer is read out loud, everyone guesses who's answer it is. While the answers are being read and author guessed, people have to perform their 'Butts' (ex 'Propose to anyone who guesses your name'). It is seriously such a fun, and funny, game!

Make With Me- Grilled Garlic Shrimp

In Canada, there are roughly 500,000 people living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Over 70,000 of them are under the age of 65 and about 50,000 of them are under the age of 60.

My grandpa had this disease and when he was diagnosed, he was under the age of 65 (he lived to be over 80). One of his favourite foods was shrimp. So, in his honour and memory this week's recipe is...

Grilled Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1.5 pounds raw jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lemon
• Salt
• Pepper

To make:

• Heat butter and garlic in an skillet over medium-high heat
• Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes, turning once half way through
• Squeeze lemon over shrimp
• Add salt and pepper
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. Olive oil can be used in place of butter
2. Shrimp can be purchased already cleaned and deveined.
3. Can also be made on a barbecue- add melted butter/olive oil and garlic to tin foil, add shrimp, seal tin foil, and barbecue. I have never barbecued in my life, so I'm not sure how long it takes to cook shrimp on a barbecue. I don't even know if barbecued shrimp tastes different than oven grilling. I suggest consulting a barbecue expert in your life or using Google to determine shrimp barbecue cooking length.

Book, Song, Body

Book- January is Alzheimer Awareness Month (in Canada). There are currently 500,000 Canadians living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. As a support of Alzheimer Society and the granddaughter of someone who had this disease, I have to recommend the book What's Happening to Grandpa?

Yes, this is a children's book, but it's STILL a good book. The main character, Kate, notices a change in her grandpa. Her mother explains to her about Alzheimer's disease. Kate decides that her and her grandpa should make a scrapbook, something to help preserve their memories.

This is a great book to introduce and explain Alxheimer's disease and related dementias to kids. Or even adults. Go ahead, give it a read.

Song- I am a huge Ashley MacIsaac fan. I had the chance to see him live this past summer and it was AMAZING! One of the songs he played was White Velvet, I feel in love with this song the minute I heard it. I ended up buying the CD so I could listen to the CD in my car and frequently play this song on repeat. I couldn't find a full version of this song, but you can hear a short clip here. You can also hear a portion of it on itunes. Seriously, give it a listen.

Body- Ultimate Clean 3 Way Cleanser by Garnier. This is a a 3-1 product. You can use it as a daily cleanser, exfoliating scrub or a mask. I've it as a cleanser and a scrub. While I'm not crazy about the smell (and it's only subtle), I love this product. I like products with scrubbing beads because it makes my skin feeling cleaner, which might just be psychological. But this product does leaves my skin feeling great. My skin is noticeably brighter and smoother right away. and also softer.


This idea taken from Brittany at happybrittany.com.

Hey! It's Ok

This idea was taken from Whispering Writer.

It's ok...

To know and promote the fact that January is Alzheimer Awareness Month (in Canada). 1 in 4 people will be affected by Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. There currently no test to diagnosis Alzheimer's disease (you get tested for everything else and if you don't have any of the other disease you were tested for, you get an Alzheimer's disease or dementia diagnosis). There is also no cure. Alzheimer Societies (in Canada) and Associations (in the US) provide much need programs, services and support for people living with the disease, caregivers, family members and health care professionals.

To have a beyond frustrating day. Some people are just going to get to you sometimes. It's ok to get frustrated with them. It's also ok to take your frustrations out on your keyboard as you type away. Or to dig in to some comfort food.

To be excited that the January boxes from My Dream Sample Box are now available. Can't wait to order mine!

That we didn't get our first major snow fall until today. Living in Canada, especially the snow belt, this is kind of a big deal. In fact, I really would have been ok if the first major snow fall had waited a little longer to happen.

To be thankful that I have the co-workers that I do. They make it easier to go to work some mornings. I appreciate their support and encouragement. They do make things easier on me.

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& 

i(dea)

Watch the NHL Winter Classic! This is a once a year outdoor  ice hockey game, planned between two NHL teams. This years teams are the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. The Classic is the like superbowl of hockey. A ton of people, even non-hockey fans, tune in for the game. What I love about The Classic, is that they bring hockey back outside, to the outdoor rink- where virtually all hockey players got their start.

So, invite your friends over and enjoy the NHL Winter Classic, which takes place at 3pm on NBC,

i & i (idea & inspiration) taken from Brittany at Happy Brittany.

LOL

21 ADULT TRUTHS

1. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind-of tired.
10. Bad decisions make good stories.
11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.
14. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Light than Kay.
15. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.
16. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
17. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?
18. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
20. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey- but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.
21. The first tentacular gaurd, the "Cup" was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.