200th Blog Post & Summer 2012

I can't believe that I've reached my 200th blog post! That is just crazy to me! Over the past few months and 200 posts, I've really enjoyed blogging, meeting new people and discovering blogs that have become part of my daily reading.I'm excited about what my blogging future holds and have some fun-and-exciting-to-me things planned.

I very rarely blog about the day to day details of my life. There are some things I'm just not comfortable sharing and there are other things that I feel people would not be interested in. I'm hoping that Summer 2012 will be memorable and just an overall GREAT summer!

Last weekend when I got an unexpected phone call from a 'summer' friend that I meant 2 summers ago. He was just in town for the summer of 2010, a week in the summer of 2011 and he's in town for summer of 2012. I'm excited to be reunited with him! I know that he will be part of my great summer.
Thursday, I had some girlfriends over for a BBQ. I thought it would be a great idea to have them all over for something fun and summery...which a BBQ is. I have never BBQ'd in my life and ended up having an un-BBQ BBQ. I made pasta with sundried tomatoes, pork tenderloin and salad. For dessert, we made s'mores! Everyone loved making s'mores over a 'bonfire', similar to this one:

Table top fire bowl

After a 3 hour drive home yesterday, I met up with my dad and two friends of ours. The two friends helped me get my BBM working- yes, I've had my Blackberry for over 2 months now and I am JUST starting to BBM. This was a bit of an ordeal, but funny, and I can now BBM so yea! For dinner we went to Pita Pit and I ended up seeing a childhood/high school friend who I haven't seen in 8-10 years. She is also in town for the weekend. It was great to chat with her a little bit. She is one of 3 Canadians (and 12 North Americans) going to London to cover the Olympics! I'm super excited for her and can't wait! It was great to see her again.

Today, after blogging, I plan to spend the afternoon poolside with my sister before heading out to a dinner in my uncle's honour. I'm looking forward to dinner and to spending time with and seeing my uncle and cousins (on my dad's side). On Sunday, we are celebrating my great-grandmother (mom's side) birthday! We are going out for lunch and then I'm not sure what. But it will be fun, family-filled weekend.

Tomorrow night, for Canada Day, I've been invited to a bonfire. It will be nice to see so many people I haven't seen in awhile and bonfires are always so much fun. To say I'm looking forward to it is an understatement.

July also means that my cousin from BC will be in Ontario. I love spending time with her and can't wait for our yearly lunch, which I hope happens! We attempt this lunch every year but it doesn't always happen.

I currently live in a tourist, beach town and plan to spend as much time as possible there. The town is known for it's beautiful sunsets and beach.

A while ago, I blogged about creating a Summer Bucket List. It's a great way to make sure you do everything you want to do in the summer and a way to have a memorable summer. I'm in the process of completing my list.

Something exciting and scary that I have coming up....I was offered a job at a non-profit organization. While this is a great organization and a good job (that I'm not 100% sure is for me)...it is located 2 hours south-east of where I currently live and 2 hours north-west of my hometown. The idea of finding a place to live, actually moving and furnishing a place is daunting. The opportunity to live in a city again and start a new adventure has an element of excitement.

This great, memorable summer that I want to have has the potential to be filled with lots of decisions and changes. But life is about opportunity, adventure and challenges. Life is to be LIVED.

Make With Me- Pink Flamingo & Vodka Gummy Bears

Pink Flamingo

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Mango Rum
• 2 oz grenadine
• 2 oz pineapple juice
• Sprite
• Ice 

To Make:

• Mix rum, pineapple juice and grenadine in a cocktail shaker
• Pour mixture over ice
• Top with Sprite
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. Makes one drink.
2. Also great as a blender drink.
3. This can also be made `virgin` for anyone who can`t or doesn`t drink. Replace mango rum with mango juice. or 4 oz of tropical fruit juice in place of rum and pineapple juice.  

Vodka Gummy Bears


Ingredients:

• Pack of gummy bears
  
• Bottle of vodka
  
• Container

To Make:

• Put the gummy bears in a container
• Add vodka until the gummy bears are covered
• Let sit at least over night, longer if possible
• Remove the gummy bears from vodka
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. If possible, do not use a plastic container (it does something to the vodka).
2. As the gummy bears absorb the vodka they will grow in size. If you leave them long enough...they will eventually absorb all of the vodka 4-5 days.
3. Super easy to make and just as fun as jello shooters!  

Hey! It's Ok

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

To feel old. I was at my high school's graduation tonight, presenting an award, when it hit me that I graduated 10 years ago! That's a whole decade. Double digits. It's ok that I was transported back to memories of my own high school grad and wish I could go back to those last carefree days of high school.

To start to feel stressed out about this BBQ on Thursday. I invited people over and have never BBQ'd in my life. I'm not sure what I'm going to do or what I'm going to serve them. Deep breath.

To be reunited with a Summer Friend! I meet Daniel 2 summers ago when he was in town working for the summer. He didn't work last summer but he is this summer. I got a surprise call from him Saturday night saying he was in town...can't wait to spend time with him this summer!

To be uncertain about things. I'm not sure that this job is for me (just started week 3). It's not what I thought it would be. I'm not sure about some relationships in my life...where they are heading, what I'm supposed to learn, if they are supposed to end or if I'm supposed to fight to save them. I just don't know.

To be be going to see a medium on Friday because of the above mentioned. I've gone to her in the past (this will be my 4th reading from her) and she is really good. It's not so much that I want to know everything that my future holds...I just need some guidance in my life.

To be unsure how I feel about the Glass House. It's basically just like Big Brother except the walls are glass. I love Big Brother and I for sure love it more than the one episode of the Glass House that I saw...but I'm not sure if I like it or not.

i & i

i(nspiration)

&

i(dea)

Summer is officially here! I have made it my mission to have a good, memorable summer and is there a better way to kick off the summer than with a BBQ?!? I don't think so!

Hosting a BBQ is so simple. All you need to do is invite some friends over and serve them some basic BBQ food (hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers), throw in a salad of some kind and you can serve ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Nothing fancy here and your food prep time is minimal- you won't spend the day locked in the kitchen preparing. If your guests are legal age, have cold beer and cocktails (daquari anyone?) on hand. Ice tea and lemonade are also BBQ favourites. Because you're eating outside, paper plates and plastic cutlery and glasses are acceptable.

Keep it low key, have some summer music playing and enjoy your summer kick-off BBQ with friends.

(I'll be hosting my BBQ on Thursday. Wish me luck as I've never BBQ'd before!)

LOL & Sunday Social

The NHL Awards were this past week. The NHL Awards always have funny skits and this year's skits included Tracey Morgan, Kevin Smith and a hilarious opening monologue by Matthew Perry (which I wanted to post, but couldn't find just the monologue...only the first part of the show, including a Nickelback and the opening credits before getting to Matthew Perry). Will Arnett also did a series of skits where he did impressions of Brendan Shanahan. You don't have to be a hockey lover to find these skits funny. 

Here is my favourite one:

Here's a clip of all the skits. Part 1 (above) and Part 3 are my favourite:

What is your all-time favorite song?
There are soooo many songs that I love, so I'm just going to pick a random one: Nowhere With You by Joel Plaskett

What is your favorite singer/band?
Again, soooo many...but who doesn't LOVE Luke Bryan?!?!?

What is your theme song/song that best describes your life?
Toss up between Just Stand Up by Various Artists and Girl Next Door by Saving Jane

What songs put you in a good mood?
Pretty much anything by Luke Bryan and anything you can sign and dance too!

What is your favorite road-trip music?
Depends where you're road tripping too! But generally speaking, see above.

What song are you embarrassed to admit you love?
What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction. It's a catchy song...

Favourite Thing- Havaianas

I consider myself a heel girl...I wear heels on a daily basis, with everything and can do anything in heels. I have always spent my summers at the beach and in beach towns (I grew up near a Great Lake) and heels are not appropriate beach footwear. So, I basically live in flip flops during the summer months.

I always used to know that summer was almost here when Old Navy had their flip flop sale (2 pairs for $8). I would take this opportunity to stock up on a variety of colours. Because I wore my flip flops so often, there were a couple of pairs that didn't last past one summer. I always loved Old Navy flip flops and found them to be super comfortable- and I still do. I'm still an Old Navy flip flop fan.

But...and this brings us to this weeks favourite thing...a couple of summers ago I was introduced to Havaianas. I heard of Havaianas but was hesitant to spend that much on a pair of flip flops. I was at the mall with a friend, there was a half price sale on Havaianas and she talked me into buying a pair.

Best. Thing. Ever.

(mine are pink instead of blue)

If you are a frequent flip flop wearer, do yourself a favour and invest in a pair of Havaianas! This are by far the most comfortable pair of flip flops/shoes ever. I can walk forever in them and can be worn with a bunch of different outfits and occasions. Not to mention, I have gotten a few summers of wear and tear out of them and they are still in great condition! Definitely worth the price and one of the best things I have ever bought, at least shoe wise!

Make With Me- Caipirinha

Caipirinha


Ingredients:

• 1 1/2oz of Cachaca
• 1/2 a lime
• 2 tsp of cane sugar
• Ice

To Make:

• Cut the lime into wedges, removing the white bitter rind
• Use a muddler to crush limes 
• Add sugar and Cachaca to crushed limes and mix
• Serve over ice
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. My cousin David did an exchange where he went to Brazil. When he came home, he was an expert in Caipirinha making. This is his recipe. 
2. White sugar can be used in place of cane sugar.
3. I have also made this drink in a blender, making a 'slushie' drink.
4. Perfect summer drink, best enjoyed on a patio, deck or near a body of water (including a pool)

 I've linked up with Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-As everyone knows, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee earlier this month. While all the focus was on the Queen (as it should be) and Jubilee activities, I decided to read:

I have always know very little about Princess Margaret but what I did know, fascinated me. I had been wanting to read this book for awhile, but had been unable to locate a copy. It eventually became available on Kindle, so I bought it a few months back and finally got around to reading it. 

Princess Margaret, to me, was a bit of a rebel royal. She was her own person and seemed to do what she please, not to mention she was incredibly glamourous. It seemed to me that despite her royal upbringing and obligations, she was exciting. Princess Margaret paved the way for Princess Diana and Kate...making royals like 'celebrities'.

Prior to reading this book, I was aware of Princess Margaret's more...interesting... life stories- The whole Townsend affair, her time on Mystique, etc. And I really wanted to know more about these aspects of her life. Yes, I was interested in the 'gossip' if you will. 

This is an authorized biography and the author was a friend of the Princess, which means that the details in the book are accurate (which I appreciate!) but as a friend, he was respectful of the Princess. Meaning, nothing new was brought to light and I felt that a lot was held back. 

While the book did lead a bit to be desired, I did enjoy reading it. But like I said, I've always been fascinated by the Princess. I did enjoy reading about her childhood and younger years, getting lost in the romance with Peter Townsend and was surprised at how religious she was. 

This book won't be for everybody, but I recommend to fans of the Royal Family especially if they aren't familiar with Princess Margaret.

SONG-I am a fan of the podcast Cabbie Presents and a few weeks ago Jarret Stoll (who recently won the Stanley Cup with the L.A. Kings!) was a guest. Him and Cabbie were talking about songs of summer- Cabbie had some list and he was asking Jarret if they were on his ipod. 

One of the songs was:

Whistle by Flo Rida

Prior to the podcast, I had never heard of this song. And while I'm hesitant to admit this...because Jarret Stoll said it was on his ipod, I made it my mission to track this song down and listen to it. I loved it and can tell why it is in the running for being one of the Songs of Summer.

BODY- We are all aware that summer is here and summer means tank tops! I saw this on Pinterest and had to share!

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be disappointed that my high school didn't do a lip dub a la Fossil Ridge High when I was a student. What a great and fun idea...I would have loved to have been part of something like that.

To be so thankful that Hopsy of Monograms and Manicures was nice enough to let me use some information and photos from her blog for a presentation that I did yesterday. Without her help, my presentation would not have been nearly as impressive. While she's no longer blogging, you can still follow her on twitter @kappaprep

To be sad that (NHL) hockey season is over but also happy that the L.A. Kings won the Stanley Cup! Well deserved. It's also ok to be unsure of which is worse- playoff beard or playoff hockey hair (seen on jr hockey players who can't grow beards).

To be sad that the show Greek is no longer on air. I recently finished watching the last season on DVD and was reminded how much I loved the show.

To be unsure how I feel about the Dallas remake. I was too young to watch the original and I really want to love this show. With Desperate Housewives over and GCB canceled (not that I really got into the show...), I'm looking for a show that I can really get into and watch on a weekly basis. Plus with hockey over...my nights are now void of any entertainment.

That I invited a bunch of people over for a BBQ next week and I have never BBQ'd in my life. I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that...I'm not even sure I know how to turn a BBQ on...

To be excited that Emily Griffin has released The Diary of Darcy J Rhone- Darcy from the the books Something Borrowed and Something Blue- and you can download it from Amazon for free (or at least it was free at the time of this blog post writing)! It's only 76 pages...but still... You can find it here.

i & i

i(nspiration)

&

i(dea)

We all know that water is good for us and that we should drink at least 8 glasses a day. With summer around the corner and the extra hot weather already here, we tend to drink even more water.

I used to be a bottled water girl...taking one with me everywhere I went. I was aware that those water bottles were not exactly the best for the environment, even though I did recycle the bottles when I was done, but I wanted to know I was drinking clean water.

About a year ago, I found out about Bobble.



Bobble water bottles are reuable water bottles with a filter in them. Each filter can be used for about 300 uses before needing to be replaced. The large (34oz) is only $13 and replacment filters are $7...what great prices! These water bottles are BPA and PVC free, reusable and so much more environmentally friendly!

I have been unable to find Bobble in Canada, but my dad was at a conference a few weeks ago and one of the vendors was giving these water bottles away as a prize. My dad gave me his-knowing I've been looking for one for ages (and yes, I could have just ordered online)- and I now take it with me everywhere I go and use it all the time.

This weeks idea is to invest in a reuseable water bottle. With long summer days ahead and being aware of the environment, this is a grat investment! There are so many different kinds of reusable water bottles on the market, with and without filters, that you should have no problem finding one that fits your lifestyle!

LOL & Sunday Social

Happy Father's Day! I hope everyone had a great weekend and go to spend sometime with their dad. I know that everyone thinks their dad is the BEST in the world...and I am no exception! My dad has always been there for me and supports me in everything I do. He wants nothing except for me to be happy and he's always willing to do what needs to be done so I can be happy. He's a great role model and does so much for the community. Without knowing who my dad is, you'll have no idea how truly great and inspiring he is.

This is also the first Father's Day without my grandpa. I think about him everyday. He always said we were simple people and it was never to be about us and what people can do for us, but instead about what we can do to serve the communities we are a part of.

In honour of Father's Day...

This week I've also decided to participate in Sunday Social.

   

Favorite movie of all time?
It is so hard to pick one! I'm not a huge movie (thank you University film courses) fan but I do have a handful of movies that I do love. I'm going to answer this question with the movie that was my first favourite: Cinderella!

Favorite movie quote?
I am horrible at remembering movie quotes! So, I can't recall any quotes at the moment. My favourite movie tagline comes from Chicago: If you can't be famous, be infamous.

Best movie to watch for a girls night in?

Something funny and lighthearted, like Mean Girls or Legally Blonde or Bridesmaids. Now and Then is also a good girls night in movie. 

Best breakup movie?
Zoolander! It's so funny that it makes you forget about the breakup for a bit. This movie is guaranteed to make you laugh and laughing after a breakup is key. 

Favorite celeb eye candy?
Taylor Pyatt...not really a celebrity, but a professional athlete (NHL). 

But...wow. *sigh*

Which movie stars closet would you want to raid?

Reese Witherspoon!  

i & i

i(nspiration) 

&

i(dea)

June is Senior's Month.

In honour of this month, visit with a senior citizen. While you can visit with a grandparent or other relative, you can also visit with another senior that you may know. We all likely have a senior citizen that lives in our neighbourhood so why not invite them over for a cup of tea/coffee/etc or bake them cookies and deliver them. These visits are a great way for you to learn something new about someone and it will likely bring a lot of happiness to the senior you spend time with.

If you are feeling extra motivated (and have the time) organize a trip to the local nursing home or long term care facility to visit with seniors or volunteer at an adult day program.

LOL

Another weekend has come and gone...but here's a little humour for you!

Favourite Thing- Beach Day

Traditionally, at least in the area that I grew up, the first Friday of June was Beach Day! While this was NOT a school sanctioned event the majority of the students at my high school as well as the rest of the high schools in the area would skip school to go to the beach. Growing up near one of the Great Lakes (the furthest high school was maybe 20 minutes away) we had a lot of beach to use!

To me, and I just realized this last week when talking to my sister about her own Beach Day, that Beach Day signifies to me one of the greatest, iconic moments of high school/teenage life.

Yes, you should be in school but instead you and your friends all take the day off and head to the beach to be joined by thousands of other students. Beach sports (volleyball, frisbee, etc), sunshine, music, laughter, picnic or BBQ meals, meeting new people, creating memories with friends... This is such a fun, carefree time.

In Ontario, our school year goes until the end of June. Placing Beach Day close enough to the end of the year that the really hard lesson plans have already happened but leaving enough time that you can still catch up on what you've missed. And with final exams a couple of weeks away, it's the chance to blow off steam before settling down to study.

Technically, Beach Day was last Friday, but due to it raining all day, it was rescheduled for today.


For high school seniors, this is one of your last chances to do something really fun with your friends, making life long memories, prior to graduation. I highly doubt there will be another time where you and thousands of your peers or a specific demographic will be at the beach together.So enjoy it and remember...

Make With Me- Seaweed Salad

Seaweed Salad


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of seaweed
• 1 tbsp peeled and minced ginger
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp rice
• Sesame vinegar

To Make:

• Rinse the seaweed and let soak in water for about 5 minutes
• Drain seaweed and place in a bowl
• Cook rice as directed on package
• Add rice, ginger and toasted sesame seeds to seaweed
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds
• Add sesame vinegar to taste
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. A very, very close friend of mine told me about seaweed salad and I actually got this recipe from him. I have never made seaweed salad but it does taste delicious!
2. Recipe serves one-two people, depending if salad is a side or main course.

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-I had heard a bit about Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer and on a whim, I decided to buy a copy.

The plot was pretty standard for a chick lit novel. Small town girl leaves for NYC, she lands a 'glamorous' job, makes new friends, falls in love, gets hurt and ends up with a guy. In this case, Minty moves from Charleston, SC to NYC, where her sorority sister helps her land a job in PR. Her boss is tough to deal with, but she manages. Minty also ends up being photographed at an event, combined with her new boyfriend, and Minty becomes the new 'It' girl and a gossip column staple. The boyfriend is someone she 'dated' as a teenager and happens to run into in NYC. The gossip eventually gets to Minty, so she returns to SC to recoup and heads back to NYC, where things just fall back into place for her.

While reading the book, I found it to remind me of a book(s) that I had previously read, but I couldn't pinpoint which exactly. Regardless of the familiarity of the story, I did enjoy the book and was surprised how lost I became in the book, losing track of time and finishing the book within days.

I am a fan of chick lit, so I did enjoy this book and recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre or is looking for the prefect, light beach/poolside read.

SONG-Today, the commencement at my alma mater was held. I couldn't help but reflect on my own memories from grad and I recalled a song that had significant meaning at the time:

I Feel Home by O.A.R.

BODY-My all time must have hair product is:

 

I love, LOVE, Surf Hair by Garnier. I have naturally curly hair and the humidity of summer makes it hard to tame my hair and it make it look like anything besides a big ball of frizzy (this actually applies to all year and not just the summer). My sister, who has straight hair, uses this product as well.

A few summers ago, I read about this product in a magazine (Town & Country, I believe) and decided to give it a try. By far, one of the best things I've ever done! While my hair is wet, I put the product in my hair and go, letting my hair air dry. I end up with either loose beachy waves or tamed curls- depending on my hair that day. Either way, it's an easy wash and go style to pull off and the frizzy is gone! I actually bring this product to the beach/pool with me, so that after I get out of the water I can put some in my hair and not worry about how my hair will look. 

Hey! It's Ok

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

To love the fact that Kindle/Amazon allows you to download a sampler (usually the first chapter or so) of a book for free. It's great if you're not sure if the book in question will appeal to you- it gives you the opportunity to read a bit of the book and if you like what you read, you can purchase the entire book. If you don't like what you read...on to the next book!

To be a little annoyed when you buy cookies marked as 'Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip' only to find that they are actually oatmeal, chocolate chip and raisin. If I wanted raisin, I would have bought the oatmeal raisin cookies. I'm not really a fan of raisins...

To be sad and a bit disturbed by the shooting at the Eaton Centre in Toronto on the weekend. I'm glad that the lady who was pregnant was ok. I hope the other victims have speedy recovery and I pray for the family of the young man who died. This act of violence was uncalled for and very unfortunate.

To be amazed that Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for 60 years! Since Canada is a member of the British Common Wealth, Queen Elizabeth is our official Head of State. We celebrate Victoria Day in May in honour of Queen Victoria, who was the longest reigning monarch at 64 years. I wonder if Victoria Day will be replaced with Elizabeth Day, or if Elizabeth Day will be created as a separate holiday.

To love the way Miss Rhode Island (and the new Miss USA) handled her final question about a transgender woman winning over a natural born woman. Awesome answer, definitely the hardest and most controversial question asked and so happy she won!

To love that Jennifer over at Southern Living: Preppy Style (one of my favourite bloggers!) has been inspired to do her own Hey! It's Ok entry. Check it out here.

i & i

i(nspiration) 

&

i(dea)

Create a summer Bucket List!

Studies have shown, if you write things down, you are more likely to do them. We all have things that we want to do during the summer- BBQ's, beach days, fireworks, camping, concerts, etc- so why not make a list of the things you want to do this summer. It doesn't even have to be a long list. By having a summer bucket list, not only does it help you plan out your summer and help you do the things you really want to do, but it also helps to ensure you will have a great, memorable summer.

Who knows, your summer bucket list memories might even help you get through the cold and dreary winter months of 2013.

LOL

Happy Sunday!

Favourite Thing- Peach Bellini

When I was in university, I always took a class in the summer. I did this so I wouldn't have to take a full course load during the actual school year- giving me more time to focus on the social aspect of university without having my education suffer- and still graduate on time.

One summer, I took Popular Film as my summer course and a friend from high school happened to be taking the same class. It was during this class that she was talking about how much she loved Peach Bellini's and it was her 'go to' drink in the summer. I had never heard of this drink, never mind tried it. She told me that I HAD to try one the next time I was out.

A few days later, I found myself sitting on a patio of a favourite restaurant with some friends and I noticed that they had Peach Bellini on the menu. Remembering that my friend said I HAD to try one, I ordered one.

I right away saw why this was her summer go to drink! Bellini's- which can come in several flavours, but peach is the original- are so refreshing! The drink is a combination of peach puree and sparkling white wine. Some places use white wine spritzer, some places add sangria and some places serve a frozen version of the drink.

The next time you are out for drinks, especially if it's summer, I highly recommend ordering a Peach Bellini. Alternatively, I'm sure you can find a recipe online so you can make it at home. I'd also imagine, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this drink, using peach puree and 7-Up/Sprite/Club Soda.