Hey! It's Ok

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

To be sad that Maeve Binchy died. I became a fan of her books and writing after being introduced to her books by my grade 11 English teacher.

To be happy that Shane won HOH on Big Brother! And to be a little bit upset that I'm going to have to miss this weeks episodes.

To be surprised and shocked that today is the last day of July! Where did summer go? I can't believe we only have a month left!

To not be excited about moving. I get my new apartment tomorrow. I'm happy to be living in a city again...but I'll miss living by the lake. I'm also not sure about living in an apartment...I've only lived in houses.

To wonder about apartment etiquette. Is there such a thing? What are the 'rules' of living in an apartment? And how do I find out what they are? I really don't want to make anyone mad.

To be happy that the New York Rangers got Rick Nash, even though we had to trade Brandon Dubinsky to get him.

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As everyone knows, the Summer Olympics in London are going on right now. Personally, I find the Winter Olympics to be much more interesting, but I do plan to watch (some of) the Summer Olympics. Of course, I plan to cheer on Team Canada as the try to 'Own the Podium' again. 

Take advantage of the sportsmanship and talent of the Olympic athletes and watch some of the Summer Games.

LOL & Sunday Social

1. What is your dream job?
I am luck to have my dream job! Since high school, I've wanted to work in non-profit fundraising. Not only am I in non-profit, but I work for an organization (Alzheimer's) which is very near and dear to my family. It was a loooong and sometimes complicated, what-are-you-doing road, but I did it.

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?
I think I would still work, but on a part time basis. I really do enjoy my job. I would maybe volunteer with other organizations on a fundraising/event basis. I currently have my own scholarship, but if I won the lottery, I think I'd establish my own foundation. And, of course, I'd travel!

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
It changed all the time...Princess, ballerina, teacher, mom, lawyer/judge, politician, corporate something and marketing.

4. What piece career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?You have to REALLY love what you do. You will not make a lot of money, you will be unappreciated, you won't be supported by your boss, co-workers or the board, you will have to work nights and weekends, even though the office isn't open. You'll have to make a lot of sacrifices in your personal life, work under pressure and constantly be proving yourself. But if you REALLY LOVE what you do and are REALLY passionate about the organization, none of the above will matter.
Also, take a post grad related program (PR, Events, non-profit management) as it will give you hands on practical experience. And always full your gut...if you think something's a good idea, no matter how out of the box it is, push to make it happen. You have to take risks in this industry.
5. Biggest Pet Peeves either in life or in blogging or at work
Negative people...where all they do is rant, rave and complain. People who jump to conclusions and cut you off without giving you a chance to explain. People who don't signal when they drive and people who cut you off when you're driving- especially when no one's behind you- and drive under the speed limit. At work, co-workers who don't support what I do- yes, it's my job to do the fundraising but when I ask you to bring a poster to the place you are going, please do it. I know you say no because you think that fundraising has nothing to do with you, but remember it's the money I bring in that funds your job...so please, help a girl out every once and awhile. 
6. Biggest Fears
Fear itself- being so fearful that I miss out on opportunities. I never want to miss out.
And mice.
And ghosts.
And the pitch black, you can't see anything dark.

Favourite Thing- Lilly Pulitzer Planner

Many years ago (5+ years), I became "high tech" and put all of my appointments, important dates, deadlines, etc in my cell phone. It was great- I got a daily reminder of everything I had to do that day when my alarm went off in the morning. 

One day, the screen of my phone decided to die. My phone still worked, but I couldn't see anything. I may or may not have had a minor (or major) panic attack. Luckily, my friend Lauren had an extra day planner that her dad gave to her, which she gave to me. And thus I went back to my pre high tech days and wrote everything down. 

A month or so ago, when other bloggers started blogging about their 2012-13 planner choices, I thought it was something I should think about too (my previous work would purchase planner for us, but when my contract ended in May, I left my there...it wasn't mine to take...and have been planner less since).

Usually, I would just head over to Chapters and pick up a Peter Pauper Press planner. I decided to shake things up a bit...I had started blogging (albeit, months before), I was starting a new job, moving to a new city, and would have a new living situation so I decided to go with a new planner. I picked:

Lilly Pulitzer- UGotta Regatta (large agenda)

I had never purchased a Lilly agenda before...so this was a new experience for me. While I had read about the product on the website I purchased it from and read about it in many blogs, I still wasn't sure if this was the best agenda for me. 

I love how colourful it is, I love the print, I love the size, I love the layout. I love that it's a 17 months planner. I didn't love, that because it was shipping from the US and Canada that the shipping was more than the actual planner. 

Stickers that came with the planner...not sure if I'll use them in my planner, but I am known for giving out stickers to co-workers.

Individual days

Month at a glance

Cover pages for the month...love how each month has it's own quote and specifically designed print.

Dates to celebrate...great to have birthdays/anniversaries, etc all in one place and at a galnce!

I can't wait to start using my Lilly planner in August- which is, thankfully, only days away!

Make With Me- Herbed Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

Herbed Butternut Squash & Apple Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
• 2 lbs butternut squash- peeled, seeded and chopped
• 2 Granny Smith apples- peeled, cored and diced
• 1 large onion- chopped
• 2 medium shallots- finely chopped
• 2 tsp fresh thyme-finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary- finely chopped
• 1/2 cup half & half cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

To Make:

• Heat chicken stock until simmering
• Add squash, apples, onion, shallots and herbs
• Simmer covered for 30-40 minutes or until vegetables are tender
• Puree in blender
• Return to saucepan
• Add cream, salt and pepper
• Garnish with chopped parsley and sour cream
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. This recipe is from my cousin Moira.
2. After pureeing in a blender, you can freeze the mixture. This is good if you want to make a whole lot of this soup to be eaten at a later date(s) or if you are having a dinner party and want to prepare ahead of time.

Book, Song, Body

It's been awhile since I've been able to do a Book, Song, Body entry. As mentioned several times (I'm kinda of sick of mentioning it myself, so I'm sure you're sick of reading it), I was working 2 jobs, one 2 hours from where I live and the other 3 hours away. All the commuting has meant no time to read and little time to blog. But, I was able to spend the weekend on the beach and read a handful of books. So here we go...

BOOK- One of the first books I read this past weekend was:

I was able to read threw this book in a matter of hours and I loved it. But, I also loved the L.A. Candy series by Laurend Conrad. This story was very similar to the L.A. Candy books: 4 girls (two from L.A. Candy and two new girls) get picked to be part of a reality show that follows them as they try to make it in L.A. Original? Not really. The while the plot was similar, the story lines were different from the previous Lauren Conrad books. To me, it was a quick and entertaining read- perfect beach read. I enjoyed it so much that I've pre-ordered the next book, which will be available in October.
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I recommend this book to anyone who read and enjoyed L.A. Candy or is looking for a quick, fun beach read. If you didn't like L.A. Candy or if you like your books to have some substance, give this one a pass.

SONG- I have mentioned this before, I am a Luke Bryan fan! So this weeks song is:

Drunk on You by Luke Bryan

I've actually been listening to this song a lot and have it on my 'Summer Playlist'.

BODY-I am a fan of 'natural' or 'holistic' practices and frequently get Reiki, Ion Cleanses and Reflexology done. I'm always willing, if asked, to share my experience in these practices and have been lucky enough to encounter several practitioners that I can recommend to people.

For people who are skeptical, I usually recommend Reflexology first, because it's also a really good foot/lower leg massage, who doesn't love that? If you have the chance, definitely give this practice a try. My practitioners have been able to help clear up my sinuses, insomnia and have been able to tell if I had other issues going on. And did I mention it's a relaxing foot massage?

Hey! It's Ok

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

To have gotten the apartment that I applied for! I can't move in until August 1, so I have about a week and a half for 2 hour, each way, commuting. This will be the first real apartment I've ever lived in and I'm finding the thought of moving, purchasing furniture and decorating to be incredibly daunting. Everyone keeps telling me I should be excited, but I'm not.

To have been watching Big Brother After Dark every night on Slice (Canadian TV channel). I think I might be addiction to Big Brother. After Dark is on from 2am-5am and I watch all 3 hours. I must admit, it's kind of fun to see the live feed every night...there's no editing and it's broadcast in real time. Love it.

To have been able to spend the majority of my weekend at the beach reading! A luxury I haven't been afforded recently due to all of the traveling to and from work. 

To be bothered by all of the violence in the world- specifically the shootings that are happening in Canada and the US. What is going on? Why is there so much gun violence all of the sudden? 

To have finally seen American Reunion. I loved the American Pie movies (and American Wedding) and American Reunion was funny. I loved seeing all the characters back together and finding out where their lives had taken them since Jim & Michelle's wedding.

To be a little bit excited for the Summer Olympics. I think the Winter Games are so much more exciting but I'm looking forward to cheering the Canadian Athletes on as they hopefully 'Own The Podium' again. And my cousin and a childhood friend will both be in London to cover the games...I'm excited for them to be part of something like this.

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Something I love about summer is going to the Farmers Market. I love buying fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, etc. I also love shopping locally, supporting local farmers and I love the fact that a lot of the produce that I purchase is organic. All of the above helps me live a 'greener' lifestyle, which is a choice that I've made. 

This week, why not stop by your local Farmer's Market and see what you can find. This past weekend I was able to score Ontario grown peaches and cherries!

News, LOL & Sunday Social

I can't believe it's Sunday already and that the weekend is basically over! I'm very excited to announce that I have accepted a new job! While this will be my third week on the job, it will be my first full week working and my first Monday of work in a loooong time. I have a 2 hour commute to work, each way, which I'm not looking forward too. I will be moving into an apartment in a few weeks...more on that at a later date...so this looooong commute will only be happening for about a week and a half.

Anyway, some Sunday laughs courtesy of  someecards.com

Favorite handbag you've ever owned
 I'm not sure if I've had a favourite...I only buy bags that I like. I'm a HUGE fan of tote bags just because I carry so much stuff with me at all times. I do use this bag a ton, especially in the summer:

Lime Green Ralph Lauren

I bought this bag YEARS ago (you can see that it's been well used) but I get so many compliments on it. Plus it makes it easy to spot me in a crowd.

Dream handbag you lust over
Like practically every girl out there...i would love to own a Birkin! Or a vintage quilted Chanel. I've also been lusting over:

Monogrammed Seersucker Clutch - Small Wrap Bow

Daily essentials in your purse or work bag
Blackberry, car keys, Kindle, lip product, breath mints, water bottle (if a tote), wallet

What's in your purse(with pictures)

This is my current everyday bag. Again, bought it years ago and you can tell!

A lot of stuff in there!

1. Water bottle with filter 2. RL wallet 3. Kindle 4. hair elastic 5. UBS drive 6. Blackberry 7. pad of paper 8.Ava Anderson lip balm 9. Office/work keys 10. Mary Kay lip gloss 11. Starbucks VIA coffee (just add water!) 12. Lancome Juciy Tubes 13. pen 14. Advil 15. RL sunglasses 16. iPod 17. car/house keys 18. breath mints. NOT PICTURED: My digital camera...which I used to take these pictures.

Favourite Thing- Big Brother

I have mentioned a few times that I LOVE Big Brother and I am excited that the season started! I've watched every season of Big Brother and look forward to watching it. I'm excited to have Brittany back- she is my all time favourite female houseguest and in the top 3 of overall houseguest. She's so funny!

I was watching the season premier last week and was so surprised to see Shane was a houseguest!

Shane's sister dated a guy I know. I think Shane is a great guy- he's so sweet, really nice. I know he's seen as a threat in the house, but I hope he sticks around- and win!

Another favourite thing (besides BB14 and Shane) is the that for the first time ever Slice (a Canadian TV station) are showing Big Brother After Dark (which I'm watching as I write this)!

Big Brother After Dark airs from 2am-5am and it's live streaming from the house...this stuff will get edited to make the episodes. But it\s so interesting to see what they talk about and how alienated Willie (a player) is. You get to see what the house is like- no editing!

One of my favourites was a conversation that Danielle and Jen had, where Jen was giving Danielle advice on Shane- Danielle has a crush on him and she thinks that there's something real between them. Jen thinks that there's real chemistry between Danielle and Shane...I couldn't help but laugh!

I love this show...maybe a little too much.

Book, Song, Body

As mentioned in yesterday's post...I am super behind in a lot of things, including my summer reading list. Due to the amount of traveling (2-3 hours one way for work 4 days a week) I haven't had much time to read. Also, because of the traveling, I'm spending less time at home which is resulting in less time to do groceries, laundry etc.

Hopefully I will be back on track come August. Today was my last day at one of my jobs (3 hours from where I live) and will be working full time at my other job (2 hours from where I live). I'm also pretty sure I found a place to live in the City that my job is in- just waiting for the building manager to call back so I can arrange to drop off my application and deposit tomorrow. 

Anyway...as a result of all the above, no books have been read and even the 'body' portion of these posts haven't gotten done. So, this week, just a song:

Some Nights by Fun.

This is one of my favourite current songs. Love it!

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be behind in my blog reading, commenting and posting. I'm in a weird transition phase right now- working 2 jobs, both 2 hours away from each other (finishing one job up and just getting started on a new one). One job is in my hometown, but 3 hours from where I currently live and the other is roughly 2 hours from my hometown and where I currently live (almost the half way point between the two). I'm kinda living out of my place, my parents place and my car. Lots of traveling. Plus I'm in the process of finding somewhere to live where my one job is...just a busy time. 

To be unsure how I feel knowing one of the contestants on Big Brother! I was surprised when they showed Shane getting his invitation. When I first saw him, I thought 'Hey! That looks like Shane...' and then it ended up being him. I'm not sure if it's weird or cool or both or what. Shane is such a great guy and I want everyone to love him...and I want him to win. Also excited that Brittany is back!

To have forgotten how much I love Bitchin' Kitchen. If you are unfamiliar with the show, youtube/google it ASAP. Nadia G is so entertaining and her food is delicious. 

To have to remind myself that my life is better because some people are no longer apart of it. Some people just don't deserve to be in my life.

To love swimming at night. "Night dives" are one of my favourite summer activities. I love being in the water at night. Not only is it a great way to cool off, but the water seems warmer and it's so peaceful.

LOL & Sunday Social

 

 

    Best trip you've ever been on:It's hard for me to pick just on trip...I've been lucky enough to do a lot of international traveling in my life. All of them were amazing! But I'm going to go with my trip to Australia. This was a birthday gift from my parents (which they and my brother joined me on). I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with family. Day trips to parks, the zoo and different beaches. We spent time in both Melbourne and Sydney. It was also a trip of 'firsts' (besides all the traditional Australian stuff, such as seeing a kangaroo in the wild, trying different foods, etc): horseback riding, going to the beach on my birthday, surprise birthday party- hosted for me by my cousin.   Best idea for a girls weekend:Toss up between a spa weekend, where you can just kick back and relax or a weekend in a big city, like Toronto, where you can do a variety of things and just have a wild, crazy, fun weekend. I guess it depends why you're having a girls weekend and who you're with.   Best idea for a couples trip: Somewhere you can go time after time. Where you become familiar with places and people get to know you (ie restaurant staff, so you always get 'your' table). It should be a place that you can visit year round, such as the Muskokas or Vermont.   Best vacation on the cheap: I have to say Niagara Falls. I say this, because I'm from the area and can get 'local' discounts. There is so much to do and see in Niagara Falls, including a lot of things that are free.    Place you most want to visit: There are so many...Italy, Greece, Ireland, Bali, Spain (again), Aruba... But I would love to see more of Canada! I've only been to Ontario (obviously) and Quebec. I would love to go West to BC, Alberta (Calgary Stampede is currently going on), Saskatchewan or Manitoba. Or East to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland or Prince Edward Island. Canada is such a beautiful country and each region is different and unique. I would LOVE to see more of my country.
  Vacation necessities: Kindle, comfy shoes and good company.

Favourite Thing- Blog Design

I am in love with my new blog design!

A HUGE thank you to Chelsea at

  

Chelsea was amazing to work with! She answered all of my questions (and there were many) and was so patient with me as I made decisions and even changed my mind a few times.  Not to mention that the end result is amazing!

Go check out Chelsea's blog and if you're thinking about doing a blog re-design...Chelsea's your girl!

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be disgusted that there is a Luka Magnotta Fan Club. Don't know who he is? Google. Also, it's ok to think that the woman who said she had a "school crush" on him should follow her husbands advice and see a psychiatrist.

To consult a medium when faced with choices. A friend of mine is a medium (and a good one). I've found myself at a crossroad in my life and needed some direction. Without telling her before hand what I was dealing with, she was able to shed some light on the situation and see the path I am meant to take.

To feel overwhelmed when looking for a place to live. I have always either lived at home/in a house my parents own, on campus or off campus with roommates. When it came time to find a place to live, I always let my roommates go check the places out and pick the place we were going to live. Now that I have to actually do it on my own...it's a bit daunting. 

To hate the thought of moving. It's a hassle to find a place to live, pack your stuff, buy new stuff, actually move and unpack. It's a lot of work. Not going to lie...I'm dreading the thought of moving and I am not looking forward to the apartment decorating. I need to win the lottery so I can hire a decorator.

That I worked at a place for about a month and didn't tell anyone. While it was a job with a respectable non-profit, I knew I wasn't going to be there long so didn't see the point in telling people about it.

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Blow bubbles!

As a child, blowing bubbles was a huge part of my summer. My parents would buy us the little containers of bubble mix from the store and my grandma would make bubble mix for us using dish soap and water (I think). My grandma would also always buy bubble related accessories for us- this would include different shapes and sizes of bubble wands.

Blowing bubbles brings together a couple of my favourite things- summer memories and spending time outside.

Something fun: I saw Pinterest, that if you break glow sticks and pour the liquid into the bubble mix, you will have glow in the dark bubbles. No idea if this actually works, but it would be kinda cool if it does and fun to try!

LOL & Sunday Social

The Middle Wife, By an Anonymous 2nd grade teacher:

I've been teaching now for about fifteen years. I have two kids myself, but the best birth story I know is the one I saw in my own second-grade classroom a few years back. When I was a kid, I loved show-and-tell. So I always have a few sessions with my students. It helps them get over shyness and usually, show- and-tell is pretty tame. Kids bring in pet turtles, model airplanes, pictures of fish they catch, stuff like that. And I never, ever place any boundaries or limitations on them. If they want to lug it to school and talk about it, they're welcome.

Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant. "This is Luke, my baby brother and I'm going to tell you about his birthday.

First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an "umbrella cord. She's standing there with her hands on the pillow and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement.

"Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, oh, oh!' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans. "She walked around the house for, like an hour, 'Oh, oh, oh!" Now the kid is doing this

hysterical duck walk, holding her back and groaning. "My Dad called the middle wife. She delivers babies, but she doesn't have a sign on the car like the Domino's man."

"They got my Mom to lie down in bed like this." Then Erica lies down with her back against the wall. "And then, pop! My Mom had this bag of water she kept in there in case he got thirsty,and it just blew up and

spilled all over the bed, like psshhheew!" This kid has her legs spread and with her little hands are miming water flowing away. It was too much! "Then the middle wife starts saying "push, push and breathe, breathe. They started counting, but never even got past ten." "Then, all of a sudden, out comes my brother He was covered in yucky stuff, they all said was from Mom's play-center! , so there must be a lot of stuff

inside there."

Then Erica stood up, took a big theatrical bow and returned to her seat. I'm sure I applauded the loudest. Ever since then, if it's show-and-tell day, I bring my camcorder, just in case another Erica comes along.

 FAVOURITE TV SHOW OF THE PAST:

One of the funniest shows and my personal favourite, Friends. Greek is a super close second.
If we're talking old school...I'd have to go with Facts of Life (thank you DVDs), Full House and Fresh Prince.

FAVOURITE TV SHOW CURRENTLY:

Big Bang Theory and Big Brother (which starts this week!). I also love The Apprentice (Celebrity and regular) and Dance Moms. And of course Hockey Night In Canada!

WHICH REALITY SHOW WOULD YOU NEVER DO:
I don't think I'd do most reality shows...But especially not Survivor or any show similar to it. I'm not a 'roughin' type of girl.

WHICH REALITY SHOW WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO:

I'm not really much of a reality show type of person...I value my privacy. If I had to pick, I would do Big Brother or something like The Hills, where it's just my day to day life.

TV PERSONALITY/CHARACTER THAT YOU FEEL IS MOST LIKE YOU:
I'm not really sure...Maybe Rachel from Friends- a little materialistic, a little in her own world, but a good person. But again...not really sure...

TV CHARACTER YOU'D WANT TO DATE:

What a great question! I'm going to say Cappie from Greek- love him!

Favourie Thing- Muskoka

For many years, my family always officially started our summer in Muskoka.  Located in Central Ontario and is part of "cottage country", roughly 2 hours north of Ontario and located on Georgian Bay, Muskoka has over 1,000 lakes and is crazy beautiful. Steven Spielberg, Tom Hnaks, Cindy Crawford and Goldie Hawn & Kurt Russell are just some of the noteable people who have homes in the area.

I feel like I should be sitting on that deck right no.w..

Essentially, the day after school let out (late June, in Ontario) my dad would take us all to a resort. We stayed at a number of different resorts over the years, but they were all basically the same set...we'd stay in our own 'cabin'-sometimes attached to one or two other cabins, sometimes a stand alone- and the days were spent doing 'summer camp like' activities. This would include arts and crafts (tye-dying was popular, as was gimp bracelet making), sports (tennis, croquet, beach volleyball), nightly movies in the main lodge and bonfires. Usually, mornings were spent on land and afternoons on the water (boating, fishing, waterskiing, windsailing, etc).

So pretty!

I have many fond memories of my handful of summer days spent in Muskoka. It was all fun and laughter.

I remember...

• The variety night we (the kids) would put on
• Being taken out on the boat, off the main channel, and swimming in the middle of the lake
• Learning how to wind sail
• Making my first gimp bracelet (It was at night, the kids were doing something and one of the staff-can't remember her name for the life of me- seeing that I was a little shy and uncomfortable, took me upstairs to the craft room where I picked out some gimp, we sat on the covered balcony and made bracelets...she was really nice to me and I appreciated it)
• The fun of summer camp set in the luxury of an all inclusive resort
• All the friends I made...so many wonderful, entertaining and unique people. I learned something from them all
• My first kiss (he ended up living 4 doors down from me in residence in University...that was weird)
• Bonfires- making s'mores, telling ghost stories, laughing
• Horseback riding
• Late nights with friends, spent in the main lodge
• Scavenger hunt with Natalie and Ellie
• Staff telling me about their high school and University experiences, giving me great advice 

Severn Lodge...one of the resort we stayed at. Would love to go back!

So many great memories. I would love to say that I made life long friends...and if I had met them in the time of texting, Facebook, etc...I might still be in touch with a lot of them.  Instead, I have pictures (taken with a camera that holds film that needed to be developed), that I look at fondly and that transport me back to those, fun, carefree, beautiful summer days in one of the prettiest parts of Ontario.

Make With Me- Chicken & Beef Casserole

Chicken & Beef Casserole

Ingredients:

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

To Make:

• Line bottom of casserole dish with dried beef
• Place chicken on top of beef
• Mix soup and sour cream together
• Pour Soup and sour cream mix over chicken
• Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes
• Serve over rice
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. I got this recipe from Rhonda (an online 'friend' who put together a collection of recipes) who got the recipe from Jessie Williams.
2. Jessie noted that you may want to cover while baking.
3. I have served this over pasta instead of rice.
4. If serving over pasta, I usually cut the chicken into pieces prior to cooking.
5. For beef, I use the same beef you can get at the meat counter that is used for stir fry.

Book, Song, Body

BOOK- This weeks book was one I decided to read because it was set on Martha's Vineyard.

The author basically packed up and left Michigan to live on Martha's Vineyard for 3.5 months. This book, roughly 100 pages, documents his time on the Vineyard-from lobster rolls to his beach adventures to working for free and everything in between. He paints a picture of what Vineyard life is like, which will make you either want to go back (if you've been in the past) or visit for the first time. In reading this book, I could picture myself on the Vineyard taking part of the 'action' in this book. 

A quick, easy, heartfelt and entertaining read. Perfect for anyone that has a fondness for Martha's Vineyard or enjoys reading memoirs and learning about a person's experience. 

SONG- Canada Day was on Sunday...so, in honour of Canada's 145th birthday, three songs this week!

Oh...Canada by Classified
This is not a family friendly song, but this version was performed at the Junos (Canadian Grammys) so words were bleeped out.

Canadian Girls by Dean Brody
This one of my favourite songs of 2012!

Ahead By A Century by The Tragically Hip
What would a Canada Day 'playlist' be without a Hip song?!?!?

BODY- I spent the weekend at my parents house, which means I got to spend time in the pool! My parents have a salt water pool. If you have the chance to swim in a salt water pool, I HIGHLY recommend it.

We all know that swimming is a great form of exercise and a way to stay cool in the summer. Unlike chlorine, the slat water is easier on your hair and doesn't smell/sting your eyes/etc. What I really love about swimming in the salt water pool is what it does to my skin! My skin is softer, smoother, clearer and cleaner- it just feels and looks so much healthier!

 I'm not sure if this salt water skin secret applies to just me or everyone- which I hope it does!

Hey! It's Ok

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

To feel good about myself when someone told me they would have guess I was no older than 22 (I'm 28) Clearly on of the highlights of my weekend!

To finally, after more than 2 months, have my BBM set up. This was done with the help of my dad, two of his senior staff and two Telus employees. It's also ok that all 5 of them were nice to me when we discovered the reason why my BBM wasn't working was because I hadn't my 3G/Wireless/whatever turned off.

To be getting ready to embark on a new adventure (details to follow soon) and to go back and forth between excitement and dread, looking forward to a new beginning and scared to leave the past. Still not convinced that I made the right choice...but I made a choice.

That I cheated for my BBQ last week and made pasta with sundried tomato, store bought cesar salad and store marinated pork tenderloin, which I cooked in the oven. We had s'mores for dessert, that were made over a table top fire bowl. So much fun!

That I posted my 200th blog post on Saturday! When I started blogging, I never thought I'd make it to over 200 entries!

i & i

i(nspiration)

&

i(dea)

With yesterday being Canada Day, Wednesday being Independence Day and this week being Friendship Festival-which celebrates the friendship between Canada and and the US- this weeks idea is to watch this:

Tom Brokaw Explains Canada To Americans

This piece was aired on NBC prior to the start of the winter Olympics. It nicely explains the relationship between Canada and the US and is a reminder how lucky we are to have each other as neighbours. Bonus that it shows how beautiful of a country Canada is.

LOL & Sunday Social

First of all...HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Many years ago on Canada Day, CBC aired Rick Mercer Talking to Americans. This will only be funny if you understand the Canadian references (ex Tim Hortons is a coffee chain in Canada and 'double double' is a way to order coffee with double cream and double sugar). Here's a clip:

Obama (American) "singing" Carly Rae Jepsen's (Canadian) Call Me Maybe:

      What is your favorite store to shop at?I'd have to say The Bay (a Canadian department store). The Bay is my favourite because they carry soooo many different items- clothes, shoes, accessories, etc. It's also the place that carries a variety of designers, a lot of which are hard to find elsewhere in Canada.
If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?
Ralph Lauren. I own some RL stuff, but I would love to be able to afford the higher end labels. I love that RL is so classic and clean in design.  I also LOVE Marchesa! Not that I have anywhere to really wear there clothes...but I think everything they make is just beautiful!

Marchesa- Fall 2012

  Must have closet staple?Great fitting pair of dark denim jeans, denim skirt, cardigan, tank top, classic polo, black skirt, great pair of heels. I know that's more than one item...but with all of these items, you can mix and match and create a look that's perfect for any occasion.   Favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)? I recently blogged about how much I love Havianas. But I also love heels. I'm vertically challenged, so I wear heels all the time to give me some height. Plus, heels can really be worn with anything and I feel they give an outfit a bit of a feminine touch.   Best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale of amazing find)I found a pair of Ralph Lauren black suede stilettos at a HUGE sale price. Every time I wear them, I get so many compliments.    Style you'd love to try? Hmm...I'm not really sure. My style is my own. If there's something I like, I wear it. I don't follow really follow trends. I guess I could say that I would love to try any Marchesa style!