Hey! It's Ok

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

That today is the last day of April. This month just flew by. 

To be a little stressed out with work. I have so much on my plate right now and it seems that each day another project gets added or expanded.

To be long forward to the long weekend in May. I know it's still a couple of weeks away but I'm looking forward to spending it with my family and at the beach.

To be excited for NHL playoffs to start. GO RANGERS.

That my mind is drawing a blank on another thing that is ok.

Inspire Me

Another Monday, another piece of inspiration:

Hope everyone has a great week!

Weekly What?

Linking up with my darling friend Jenn from Party of One for Weekly What?

Basically, you put all of your Monday-Friday posts in one post on Saturday and then link up your Saturday post! What a great idea!

 

Here is my Weekly What?

MONDAY: I started the week off with someinspiration.

TUESDAY: I linked up for Hey! It's Ok Tuesday. 

WEDNESDAY: I shared My Blackberry Is Not Working.

THURSDAY: I posted a Black Bean Salsa Recipe.

FRIDAY: I finished the week up with Project Pinterest- 52 Week Money Challenge. 

Project Pinterest- 52 Week Money Challenge

Like everyone else, I am addicted to Pinterest and I've decided to actually try some of the things I pin. 

This month, I decided to try this pin-52 Week Money Challenge. The source of my pin is imgfave.com but not sure that this is where the pin originated from. The pin from imgfave.com can be found here.

Everyone is always in a position where they need to save money but not necessarily in a position to actually save. For example, I need to save money for a new car but with all of my set expenses and all the surprise expenses, it's difficult to actually save. 

When I found the 52 Week Money Challenge, I knew I had to give it a try.

You will need:

• A place to keep your money (bank account, money jar, etc)
• Money
• This chart:

The Verdict:

This challenge seemed simple and easy to follow. The good news, it actually is! The amounts you are saving are manageable and the increase of $1 from week to week doesn't put a strain on your overall budget...it's only $1 more than the previous week. But it all adds up. I like that the chart shows you both what you are adding to the savings and what the balance is.

I haven't completed the 52 weeks, but I'm enough weeks in to know this is something I can stick too. This is also something I plan on doing year after year- or 53 weeks after 52 weeks.

You can find me on Pinterest here.

Make With Me- Black Bean Salsa

Black Bean Salsa

Ingredients:

• 2 cups drained black beans
• 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cucumber (unpeeled)
• 2 tbs diced celery
• 2 tbs diced jalapeno pepper
• 1 tbs fresh basil
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 1 tbs lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 garlic clove (crushed)

To Make:

• Combine all ingredients
• Stir well
• Refrigerate for at least two hours
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. I knew a woman, Rhonda, who in 2007 put together a recipe book for her friends full of recipes for her friends. This recipe is from that book. 
2. Rhonda's friend, suggests making a double recipe.
3. Because I don't really like my food too spicy, I've made this with both no jalapeno pepper and chili powder, as well as using half the suggested amount. 
4. The longer you let this salsa refrigerate, the more flavourful it is.

My Blackberry Is Not Working

Here is some mid-week humour... Someone sent this to my dad and he shared it with my brother and me. I think is so funny and I really enjoyed it.

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be proud to be Canadian and to know what a great country I live in. 

To be looking forward to lunch today! Co-workers and I discovered a great place for lunch! For about $15, you get a boxed lunch that includes; a sandwich/wrap, salad, fruit, dessert and sparkling water. It's a great deal for everything you get and the food is so good!

To spend an entire day reading and not doing much else.

That I was happy to get a free drink from Starbucks yesterday. In honour of Earth Day and because I brought a reuseable cup, I got my tea for free.

That, thanks to a co-worker, I discovered coconut flavoured Greek yogurt. It's really good. Not as coconutty as I would like, but still good.

That I think you should head over here and enter to win a Kindle Fire HD. 

Inspire Me

Happy Monday AND Happy Earth Day! 

Some inspiration for the day/week:

Hope everyone has a great week!

Sunday Social- Weakness & Go To

Another weekend that came to an end too quickly. I had a great weekend, even though it snowed yesterday. 

Also, if you want to win a Kindle Fire HD, go here.

1. What is your shopping weakness?

Books! This isn't as bad as it used to be, but I still have tons and tons of books that I bought and I haven't read yet. 

2. What is your food weakness?Oh goodness...it's hard to say. This is something that changes all the time. But I have yet to meet a piece of cheesecake I can say no to. 

3. What is your go to movie to watch when nothing is on?Also something that changes all the time. Right now it's Legally Blonde.

4. What is your go to breakfast food?Scrambled eggs, bacon (Canadian Bacon, if it's an option), hashbrowns and whole wheat toast. But that's only if I go out for breakfast, Otherwise it's usually a granola bar or bowl of cereal.

5. Do you drink coffee? If so, how do you take it?I'm not the type of person who drinks coffee every day. In fact I only have coffee from Starbucks (in which case I'm usually getting a frap or a macchiato) or Tim Hortons. If I'm drinking just regular coffee, I usually have it black or 'double double' (for you none Canadians, that means double cream, double sugar).

Favourite Thing- CoCo Mango

A couple of weeks ago, I was on vacation in St Augustine, Florida. My sister had been two weeks before and told me about this frozen yogurt bar across the street from the condo, saying I had to try it. I like frozen yogurt, but didn't go until two days into my trip. I wish I had gone sooner!

This weeks favourite thing is CoCo Mango Frozen Yogurt! 

This place is amazing! Their frozen yogurt is SO GOOD! When I win the lottery, I'm going to quit my job and move to Florida so I can go here every day. Or, have them ship frozen yogurt to me. 

Anyway, they have four frozen yogurt machines, with 8 flavours. You can either get a regular flavour or a swirl flavour. For example, you can get either either chocolate or peanutbutter or you can get chocolate peanutbutter- which is what I did on my one visit. 

Once you pick your yogurt flavour, which you put in the cup- so it can be as much or as little as you want- head over to the toppings bar and pile them on. And again, as much or as little as you want. There is no limit on the number of toppings you can have! You can have one, five or all of them!

They change the flavours everyday, so you never know what you're option will be. And you can taste test the flavours before deciding what you want. The toppings...so many! They have everything! Fresh fruit, nuts, cheese cake pieces, sprinkles...you name it, they have it.

While I do love the toppings, their frozen yogurt is so good, you could just eat it plain- not as much fun, but still good. 

 My first time at CoCo Mango. I had Pina Colada frozen yogurt with...I can't remember the topping! Crispy Crunch or Butterfinger, maybe? Regardless, it was yummy!

As an added bonus, the owner and his girlfriend are supper friendly and helpful. 

I can't wait until I go to Florida again next year just so I can go back to CoCo Mango!

Website, Facebook, Twitter

Make With Me- Feta & Sundried Tomato Pringles

Feta & Sundried Tomato Pringles

Ingredients:

• 1 can Original Pringles
• 1 cup Feta cheese
• 1 cup pesto paste
• 1 cup sundried tomatoes (soaked in oil)
• Pepper

To Make:

• Drain and dice sundried tomatoes
• Lay Pringles on a serving tray
• Spread thin layer of pesto on one side of the Pringles
• Place a few pieces of sundried tomatoe over the pesto
• Sprinkle Feta cheese on top
• Add pepper to taste
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. This is a super easy and good recipe... a party favourite.
2. I've used goat cheese in place of feta.
3. The longer you soak the sundried tomatoes in oil, the softer they are. Aim for at least half an hour, but the longer the better. 

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be sadden by what happened in Boston yesterday and to keep the people of Boston and the marathoners in my thoughts. I know the question is "what's wrong with our world" but as someone pointed out yesterday, this also shows the good in humanity- runners kept running to the hospital to give blood, Boston residences opening their homes to strangers, and even (as video/pictures show) people running towards the explosion to help.

That I discovered that coconut Greek yogurt exists when a co-worker brought some to work yesterday. Of course, I went tot he store after work and bought some.

To have had a four day long weekend due to the weather, It was nice to have a surprise day(s) off, Surprise days off are the best because you don't know about them before hand, which means you don't pack your day with hings to do- they are pure lazy and relaxing days.

That I am excited to be going to a speed networking event today. It's just like speed dating, but networking. I think it'll be a lot of fun and I can't wait to meet people. 

To have the friends that I do- both real life and blog. 

That I think you should head over here and enter to win a Kindle Fire HD. 

Inspiration

Happy Monday! I had an amazing and super unproductive 4-day weekend! Ontario had a winter storm warning on Thursday- schools were closed so our office was closed. The warning was lifted on Friday but we had a freezing rain warning, which combined with the outcome of the previous days weather (lots of ice), my boss closed our office on Friday too. I spent my days watching tv, napping and reading. My weekend was much the same, except I did laundry. Can't complain... I just hope I won't have too much to get caught up on at work. 

Anyway...here's your weekly inspiration:

Sunday Social- Twitter

We had a winter storm warning on Thursday, so our office was closed. We had power outages for most of Thursday. Friday wasn't much better, so our office was closed again. I had four day weekend! I didn't do much with it...just read, slept and watched tv/movies. It was super relaxing.

I have a busy week ahead of me, even more so since our office was closed for two days.

Also, if you want to win a Kindle Fire HD, go here.

1. When did you join twitter?

Almost a year ago...Not 100% sure, but my first tweet was the beginning of May 2012.

(EDIT: In reading other people`s posts, I found out about the website When Did You Join Twitter. I joined April 22, 2012...getting close to the one year mark!)

2. Who is your favorite non-celeb to follow?

Brock Alumni (@brockalumni), Molly Ford (@smartprettyawk), Shelley Cook (@shelleyacook), Cause We're Canadian (@madeincanada), Stats Canada (@stats_canada)

3. Who is your favorite celeb to follow?

Bob Mckenzie (@tsnbobmckenzie), Scott Michael Foster (@scottmfoster), Joffrey Lupul (@jlupul), Paul Bissonnette (@biznasty2point0)

4. Have you ever had a celeb respond to a tweet?

Yes! Brittany Toll (@brittanytoll)- Miss New Mexico USA 2011, Colby Armstrong (@armdog)- Professional hockey player for the Montreal Canadiens, Kate McKenna (@TSNKate)- TSN Sports reporter, Amber Myers (@whisperingamber)- Author, Dilshad Vadsaria (@dilshadvadsaria)- Actress, Rick Dykstra (@rickdykstra)- MP

I also had one of my tweets published in Flare (Canadian fashion magazine). 

5. What is your favorite store/brand to follow?

I actually don't follow a lot of store/brands... so CoCo Mango Fro Yo (@cocomango_froyo) and Starbucks Canada (@starbuckscanada)

6. Give us three tweeps we should be following.

Molly Ford (@smartprettawk)

Brittany Toll (@brittanytoll)
Paul Bissonnette (@biznasty2point0)

You can find me @dreamsandcolour

Win a Kindle Fire HD

There is no doubt that Isabelle Thornton of Le Chateau des Fleurs is talented.  This French-girl-gone-Utah has a wildly popular blog full of interesting DIY posts, photography, giveaways, and great reviews.  Aside from being an awesome blogger, she also creates fun apps for phones.  Previously her "Make Me Skinny" or Bon Bon app has kept many entertained as they edited and adjusted photos on their iPhones, and now I'm excited to announce she's released an entirely new app!  This one is different, and for Android!

Let's face it, sometimes you spend more time with your smart phone than you do with your spouse, friends, coworkers, and family... You sleep with it, eat with it, and admit it-you take it to the bathroom with you!  With Smartphone DNA you are creating a new kind of experience with your Smartphone.

What is Smartphone DNA?  

Smartphone DNA is an app dedicated to Twitter users, and it allows you to collect your Twitter DNA via your Android phone, and then compare it against other twitter users to see how much you match!  This is a great way to locate new Twitter friends that have things in common with you! 

How it works:

1. Smartphone DNA shows you a list of apps you currently have installed.
2. You select the apps you want to share as part of your DNA
3. Smartphone DNA shows you how closely you match the DNA of other users.

Smartphone DNA is 100% secure and controlled by you.

Win a Kindle Fire HD

To celebrate the release of Smartphone DNA, Isabelle is offering one lucky newsletter subscriber  a brand new Kindle Fire HD!  Can you say wow?  This is the reader of all readers-with a 7" full color HD display, exclusive Dolby audio, and ultra-fast WiFi it's top of the line.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to have one for yourself!  Follow the break to enter the giveaway:

Hey! It's Ok

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

To LOVE Luke Bryan! I think he did a GREAT job hosting the ACMs. When he won Entertainer of the Year...his reaction was so cute and made me love him more. You could tell how much he appreciated it. I love that he said it would be something he would never take for granted.

That I recently saw my first 3D movie- Oz The Great and Powerful. It was also the first move I have seen in a theatre in almost two years. My university roommate came to visit and we went to the movies. It was pretty cool seeing a movie in 3D. And I really enjoyed the movie- it was neat seeing how he became the Wizard of Oz.

To be unimpressed with Target Canada. They are not carrying a lot of the brands you can find in the US and the prices aren't as good either. I went to Target within a couple of days of it opening and there were a lot of empty shelves. The store opened a head of schedule and not all of their products were in. I think it would have been better to hold off on the opening.

That I'm writing this at 5:11am after a night of no sleep. If I can't sleep...I might as well be productive.

To wish I was back in Florida. It was a simpler, happier time.

That I'm so excited that Tarole from One Haole Girl picked Brock University for Saturday Style!

That I have a new blog crush...Sarah from Journeys of the Zoo! I want her to be my new BFF. Seriously.

Inspire Me

Like many people, I was sad to hear that Lilly Pulitzer passed away yesterday. Lilly was one of those people who inspired many- myself included. I was inspired by "the Lilly lifestyle", by her prints and designs. I was, most importantly, inspired to "lead a colourful life".

"Live everyday like it is a celebration,
& make every hour a happy hour"
--Lilly Pulitzer

Here's to the legacy that Lilly left and may it continue to inspire all of us to leave vibrant and colourful lives.

Sunday Social- Pinterest

Happy Sunday! Even though I'm sad that another weekend is coming to an end, I'm excited because tonight is the ACMs- which is being hosted by Luke Bryan!! How much do I love Luke? Well I do have an entire Pinterest Board dedicated to him. 

Speaking of Pinterest...it's this weeks theme for Sunday Social...

1. What is your favorite outfit pin?

This is actually a new pin (from yesterday!) Tarole does Saturday Style every week, and yesterday she did one for Brock!

2. What is your favorite food pin?

I have so many food pins, it was hard to pick one! This is actually one that I frequently make for lunch-hummus, avocado & roasted tomato.

3. What is your favorite wedding pin?

Unlike most girls, I don't have a board dedicated to weddings. But, I am an event person and have an event board and this is one of my favourite pins that also goes along with "wedding"- using a globe as a guest book!

4. What is your favorite DIY/craft pin?

I haven't tried this pin yet, but I plan to this summer-Butterfly feeder.

5. What is your favorite quote/verse/lyric pin?

I have so many favourite quotes! It was hard to pick just one, but here it is:

6. Share on more random pin you love.

I have mentioned more than once my love for the Muskokas...

P.S. Have you signed up for the Pamper Me Pretty Swap yet? If not, there's still time!

Weekly What?

Linking up with my darling friend Jenn from Party of One for Weekly What?

Basically, you put all of your Monday-Friday posts in one post on Saturday and then link up your Saturday post! What a great idea!

 

Here is my Weekly What?

MONDAY: Started the week off by telling you about a swap (still time to sign up!)

TUESDAY: Posted 5 Questions. 

WEDNESDAY: Shared a current favourite song. 

THURSDAY: Linked up for What's In My Purse.

FRIDAY: Linked up for Monthly Round Up.

Monthly Round Up- March

I'm so excited to be linking up with Jen, from Our Love and Our Blessing, for Monthly Round Up. What's Monthly Round Up? On the first Friday of each month, you recap some (or all) of your posts from the previous month!

In March, I...

...started the month of by by linking up for Monthly Round Up and sharing my February posts.

...posted Jenn's answers to 5 Questions.

...shared one of my (current) favourite songs.

...introduced you to Tif.

...talked about my HORRIBLE experience with The Brick.

...wrote about Bloglovin and a Bloglovin Link Up and a Bloglovin Giveaway.

...reviewed a book I recently read.

...did a recap of a Brock Alumni event at a winery.

...discussed what I've been up to recently.

...participated in Amber from My Three Bittles 1000 Follower Giveaway.

...revealed something shared with me by a co-worker, Children & Proverbs.

...tried something I saw on Pinterest.

...ended the month by letting you know about a giveaway opportunity.

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

I also participated in several weekly link ups;

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

Weekly What? (here, here, here, here and here) 

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

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

What's In My Purse?

Today I am linking up with Lauren to show you what's in my purse. As you all know, I was in Florida for the past week and I actually cleaned out my purse right before I left. Anyway...here's what's in my purse:

• My actual purse
• Day planner
• Business cards
• Wallet
• Office/work keys
• Party favour (which doe not work)
• Brock pen
• Hair elastic
• Lip balm (home made by my friend!)
• iPod
• Mini flashlight
• Another pen
• USB
• Sunglasses

I also have my Blackberry in my purse (not pictured because I was using it to take the picture) and I usually keep my Kindle in my purse as well.

It's Clear To Me That You Are Human Too

Happy Wednesday! I am back from my vacation. I had a great time (more details to follow) and wish I was heading to the pool instead of to work. Anyway... A song that I'm really loving right now is:

Red Hands by Walk Off The Earth

Have you signed up for the Pamper Me Pretty swap yet???

5 Questions- Amber

Happy April! A new month means a new 5 Questions! I usually post 5 Questions on the first Monday of each month, but I posted about the Pamper Me Pretty Swap I am co-hosting. 

So, I thought I'd post 5 Questions today!  One of my blog friends, Amber from Brunch With Amber, is answering the questions this month.

Here are Amber's answers to 5 Questions:

1. Something on your bucket list:
Go to Europe. It's something I've wanted to do foreverrrr, I just haven't had the funds ;)

2. Best piece of advice and/or favourite saying/quote:
Take off your makeup before bed! ;) That's my advice.
Favorite quote is: "Unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it's a waste of your time. There are too many mediocre things in life. Love shouldn't be one of them."

3. Favourite place: 

a) Where to stay:  I love staying in hotels when I travel!

b) Where to eat:  I love Italian food - my fave restaurant is Johnny Carino's.

c) What to see/do:  Anything that interests me. When I travel, I like to take it all in!

4. You're given $10,000 and 24 hours to spend it. You can't give it to other people, invest it or save it. What would you do:
I'd pay off my car and buy a house, for sure!

5. Historical figure or fictional character you'd like to be:
I think I'd wanna check out Lucille Ball's life. That'd be fun! :)

Thanks Amber for taking time to answer 5 Questions!

You can find Amber:
Blog

Pinterest 

Twitter

Pamper Me Pretty

The time has come where I can FINALLY reveal the little project I've been working on!

My friend Lacey and I have paired up to bring you the latest and greatest swapportunity! 

Who doesn't love getting pampered and feeling pretty? 

EXACTLY!

You'll be paired up with an awesome lady and the two of you will have time to get to know one another and find out what would make each other feel pampered and pretty. It could be a mani/pedi kit, bath salts and bubble bath. Or maybe it's calming music and scented candles! Whatever it is, it will be your mission to figure it out and deliver a sweet package to your new friend!

So you want to be pampered and get pretty?

Awesome! 

Here are the details:

• Sign up here between 04/01-04/10. 
• You will receive an email with your match by 04/14. 
• Spend some time getting to know your partner and then mail out a perfectly pampering package by 04/29!
• There is a limit of $15-$20.
• Then we'll all meet back up on May 7th to link up and share our packages! 

This swap is open to anyone - worldwide folks!  We will make every effort to match you with someone who resides in your country, unless of course you are open to shipping elsewhere (you can let us know on the intake form!) 

When signing up for this swap, please consider the time and financial commitment you are making. We want this swap to be a great experience for everyone involved and we'd hate for anyone to not get a package! 

So sign up! 

Join us for the major fun that is about to be had, and if you want us to feel extra special, grab our button and spread the word! We'd love you for it!

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