Sunday Social- Movies

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

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

1. What is your favorite movie of all time?

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

 

2. What is your favorite movie quote?

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

 

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

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

4. What is the best breakup movie?

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

 

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

Anna Kendrick.

 

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

Nikki Deloach, Reese Withersppon, Dilshad Vasaria.

Graduation: Sapere Aude

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

See? I really do have an amazing sister!

Funny Sayings

Just some funny sayings I've stumbled across...

Cara Box- July Sign Up



So, Kaitlyn from Wifessionals posted the July theme for Cara Box- Nautical!

Cara Box is kind of like a monthly subscription box combined with a blog swap, only better! Each month has a different theme and you're paired up with two people- one person who sends you a box and a person you send a box to- which makes the boxes super personal. Plus, each box includes a letter of encouragement!

Go here to learn more about Cara Box or to sign up!

Hey! It's Ok

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspire Me

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

Some inspiration to get you through the week:

Sunday Social- Fashion & Style

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

1. What is your favorite store to shop at?

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

 

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

Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger. 

 

3. What is your must have closet staple?

Cardigan...I wear one every day. 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Favourite Thing- Summer Hours

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

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

Make With Me- Nacho Pringles

Nacho Pringles

Ingredients:

• 1 can sour cream and onion Pringles
• 250 ml sour cream
• 2 cups chopped green onions
• 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

To Make:

• Mix tomatoes and green onion
• Lay Pringles on a serving dish
• Spread thin layer of sour cream on Pringles
• Sprinkle generous amounts of tomato/green onion mix on sour cream
• Garnish with cheddar cheese
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. Regular Pringles can be used in place of sour cream & onion.
2. This can also be served as a dip- mix tomato, onions, cheese and sour cream. Serve with Pringles.

Book Club: American Wife

Book: American Wife

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Amazon Summary: 
On what might become one of the most significant days in her husband’s presidency, Alice Blackwell considers the strange and unlikely path that has led her to the White House–and the repercussions of a life lived, as she puts it, “almost in opposition to itself.”

A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice learned the virtues of politeness early on from her stolid parents and small Wisconsin hometown. But a tragic accident when she was seventeen shattered her identity and made her understand the fragility of life and the tenuousness of luck. So more than a decade later, when she met boisterous, charismatic Charlie Blackwell, she hardly gave him a second look: She was serious and thoughtful, and he would rather crack a joke than offer a real insight; he was the wealthy son of a bastion family of the Republican party, and she was a school librarian and registered Democrat. Comfortable in her quiet and unassuming life, she felt inured to his charms. And then, much to her surprise, Alice fell for Charlie.

As Alice learns to make her way amid the clannish energy and smug confidence of the Blackwell family, navigating the strange rituals of their country club and summer estate, she remains uneasy with her newfound good fortune. And when Charlie eventually becomes President, Alice is thrust into a position she did not seek–one of power and influence, privilege and responsibility. As Charlie’s tumultuous and controversial second term in the White House wears on, Alice must face contradictions years in the making: How can she both love and fundamentally disagree with her husband? How complicit has she been in the trajectory of her own life? What should she do when her private beliefs run against her public persona?

In Alice Blackwell, New York Times bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld has created her most dynamic and complex heroine yet. American Wife is a gorgeously written novel that weaves class, wealth, race, and the exigencies of fate into a brilliant tapestry–a novel in which the unexpected becomes inevitable, and the pleasures and pain of intimacy and love are laid bare.

What I have to say: 
One of my all time favourite books is by this author, so I was looking forward to reading this book. For the most part, I really enjoyed it. The book is broken up into four section- each an address that Alice (based on Laura Bush) lived at and her life at that address. I love the first three sections, finding them engaging and hard to put down. When I reached the last section- The White House- I found it hard to follow and a struggle to get through...this was disappointing because I loved the rest of the book so much. The first three sections are laid out in chronological order (ex first section, the house she grew up in, follows elementary, middle and high school in that order) and the last section just jumped all over the place- it was really hard to follow. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, would read it again (but stop reading after the third section) and would recommend it.

Hey! It's Ok

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

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

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

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

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

To think that everyone should enter this great summer giveaway!

Inspire Me & Monday Mingle

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

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

And of course, some Monday Inspiration:

Sunday Social- Pet Peeves, Fear & Dinner

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

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

1. What is your biggest driving pet peeve?

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

2. What is your biggest blogging pet peeve?

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

3. What is your biggest general pet peeve?

People who are rude, inconsiderate and/or lie.

4. What is your most irrational fear?

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

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

Nikki Deloach, Luke Bryan, Joffrey Lupul.

Favourite Thing- Joffrey Lupul

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

Make With Me- Cheese Garlic Biscuits

Cheese Garlic Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Bisquick Baking Mix 
• 2/3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 
• 1/4 cups melted butter
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

To Make:

• Mix baking mix, milk and cheese until soft dough forms
• Beat vigorously for 30 seconds
• Drop dough by the spoonful on an ungreased cookie sheet
• Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown
• Mix butter and garlic powder
• Brush garlic/butter mix over warm biscuits before removing from cookie sheet
• Enjoy! 

Notes:

1. I knew a woman, Rhonda, who in 2007 put together a recipe book for her friends full of recipes from her friends. This recipe is from that book.
2. I love cheese and frequently make this with different kinds of cheese or mixed cheeses (ex cheddar and mozzarella).
3. I've also added parmesan cheese (1/4 tsp) to the butter/garlic mix.
4. These are best served warm. 

Update: Life, Bloggers & Giveaways

It's been a while since I've done a post with a bunch of updates...so here we go:

First of all, head over to Party of One and wish my sweet friend Jenn a happy birthday! She might also have some pretty great prizes up for grabs...

Speaking of prizes...have you entered this summer giveaway yet?

I recently updated my Likes page.

Everyone know that I'm busy, but what have I been busy doing?

-Work: 'Our Volunteers are Stars' Pizza Party, helped with a support group, AODA Training (so interesting and kind of fun), speed networking event, provincial conference, planning a client social, planning our AGM.

-Social: toured a chocolate factory, play at the Little Theatre, met up with an old co-worker and her husband, competed in my first Dragon Boat races, went to a young professionals networking event, had dinner with young Brock Alumni.

-Personal: decided to join Beta Sigma Phi, coffee and dinner dates with friends, learned to play pickle ball, celebrated my old dance studios 25th anniversary (and watched a close friend's- I met through dance- daughter in her first recital), learned to Dragon Boat/paddle.

-Family: cousins dance recital, celebrated my sister's 18th birthday (twice), watched my sister's soccer team compete at provincials (4th in the province!).

-The rest of June: my sisters prom and graduation, selecting a recipient of the scholarship I give out, the actual Social and AGM, dinner with a friend, meetings, meetings and more meetings, the start of our summer office hours!

And finally, some ladies that you should visit: Tif, Lacey, Sarah and Justine.

Hey! It's Ok

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

That I am sore from the Dragon Boat races on Sunday. We had three races in a 4 and half hour span. But it was soooo much fun!

That I finally got around to updating my Likes page.

That I'm still excited that Nikki DeLoach (Lacey on MTV's Awkward.) replied to one of my tweets! Yes, it was over a month ago...but I've been a HUGE fan of hers for years. This basically made my life.

To be ready for the Stanley Cup finals! Even though NYR were eliminated...good hockey is good hockey. Plus, my prediction of who would be in the finals (Chicago and the winner of the Boston/NYR series) was right.

To think that everyone should enter this great summer giveaway!

Inspire Me

I had a great time Dragon Boating yesterday with Brock Alumni- I'll be posting about that later this month. Despite the minor sunburn I have, I had a lot of fun connecting with other Alumni, representing Brock University and, of course, being on the water and paddling with my team. 

Some inspiration to get you through the week:

Sunday Social- Get To Know You

Today is not just any Sunday...it's Dragon Boat Sunday! I will be racing in my first Dragon Boat Festival! I'm excited and hoping I can make it through the entire day- we'll have at least 3 races and I'm still sore from our practice on Wednesday! We're aiming for middle of the pack and to have A LOT of fun!

On to Sunday Social:

1.  How did you come up with your blog name? 

I have always loved the song "Better Man" by Pearl Jam and one of my favourite lyrics is "She dreams in colour/she dreams in red". "Dreams in colour" was already taken, so I changed 'in' to 'and' and that's how I came up with my blog name. 

2. What is your favorite thing about blogging? 

Like most people, my favourite thing about blogging is getting to meet other bloggers. I also like how my blog has helped me grow as a person- opening me up to new ideas, products, music, books, experiences...there are a lot of things I wouldn't have discovered or done if it weren't for this blog.

3. What is one thing you have discovered because of blogging and now can't live without?

I don't think I've discovered anything I can't live without... But I've made some good friends who've added to my life. I've also discovered Ipsy, which I enjoy each month. I've had some good book recommendations...

4. Facebook or Twitter? and why? 

Twitter because I don't have a Facebook page for my blog.  

5. If one celeb read your blog who would you want it to be? 

Oh gosh...Nikki Deloach and Dilshad Vadsaria both come to mind.

6. What is something you want people to know about your blog?

My blog is a very little piece of who I am...but it's pretty awesome!

Weekly What?

Idea taken from 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 Kayla answering 5 Questions. 

TUESDAY: I linked up for Hey! It's Ok and a giveaway.

WEDNESDAY: I shared a song that I'm currently loving.

THURSDAY: I posted...nothing. Took a blogging day off.

FRIDAY: I finished by linking up for Monthly Round Up.

Monthly Round Up- May

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 May I...

...started the month of with Luke Bryan.
...shared my Aunt Mary's recipe for Lobster Coquille.
...linked up for Monthly Round Up.
...posted artist Hillary Butler's answers to 5 Questions.
...did a recap of my trip to St Augustine, Florida.
...celebrated Chelsea's Birthday with a Giveaway.
...revealed what my Pamper Me Pretty partner sent me.
...reviewed a book I recently read.
...introduced a little Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie humour.
...wrote about Rum Punch.
...tried something I saw on Pinterest.
...participated in May Cara Box.
...ended the month with a letter to my sister.

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

I also participated in several weekly link ups;

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

Weekly What? (here, here, and  here) 

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

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

Falling In Love In The Sweet Heart Of Summer

Ohhh Wednesday...I have mixed feelings about you! I'm glad you are finally here because it means the weeks half over. I'm stressed that you are here because it's reminder of how I'm running out of time to do everything I'm supposed to do. I actually have a networking meeting this afternoon, which I'm looking forward to, and our last Dragon Boat practice before our races on Sunday! 

What this day needs is for me to decide what the Song of Summer is going to be! This weeks song isn't necessarily THE song, but it's definitely running and high on the list!

Cruise by Georgia Florida Line feat Nelly

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be a little unhappy that Rogers is no longer offering ABC Spark. While I wasn't crazy about the new programs...I loved that they showed Hope & Faith and Greek. I'm really not happy about the channel being removed.

That I'm not crazy about the Lilly prints/designs that are being used for the 2013-14 agendas. I don't really like any of the options...I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

To be very excited and happy for a good friend (who's also a co-worker) and her husband who are expecting their first child in December!

That I'm kind of nervous and excited about our Dragon Boat race this weekend! We've had one practice so far and have another one tomorrow...we've never raced before. I'm hoping it will be a really fun day and that we won't have too bad of a showing...we're aiming for middle of the pack!

To think that everyone should enter this great summer giveaway!

Summer Giveaway- Two Faced & CK One

This summer Giveaway is Hosted by Le Chateau Des Fleurs blog

Too Faced Summer Eyes / CK one lipgloss 

You can win:

Too Faced summer eyes:

This newly updated resort-inspired eye shadow collection captures the fun, vibrant colors of summer with shimmery easy-to-wear neutrals. Be ready for the beach or brunch in this colorfully chic eye collection.

CK one lipgloss:

Lightweight high-shine lipgloss by ck one Color with vivid multi-dimensional color. Ergonomically designed applicator for easy + even application

This giveaway is sponsored by some of my favorite new Free apps and books. Check them out here:

Alien Lab - Alien Lab Free allows kids to easily create cute aliens. Kids can mix and match body parts, save and share their creations. Get Alien Lab for on iTunes here: http://goo.gl/Ou89R

Brush your teeth with funny animals for kids and toddlers (by Happy Touch Apps) Free - With the help of this really cute app, you can encourage your little ones to brush their teeth! Get the Brush your teeth with funny animals app on iTunes here: http://goo.gl/YT2is

'Dice Match 2' is relaxing and addictive. Simply match the colored dice and level-up. Challenge other

players and compete for high scores. Get Dice Match 2 here on iTunes: http://goo.gl/96p5a

Find Them All is a complete educational game about animals for children: find 144 animals from 6 continents in 5 languages, take them in photos and listen audio commentaries, create puzzles, answer quiz and watch videos! Get Find Them All here for on iTunes: http://goo.gl/9X2dn

Dork 2 - Kids ( and Adults ) loved Dork, the World’s only Interactive Joke Telling App, so now they’ve made Dork 2, and its free! Get Dork 2 for on iTunes: http://goo.gl/4JAdC

Good Long Term Care, How to Find it, Get it and Pay for it - A book for you about medicaid, nursing home, elder law, medicaid, veterans benefits, medicare, elder care, assisted living and home care. Get this book on Amazon here: http://goo.gl/7bA4v

International Giveaway from 6/04/13 - 6/22/13

Enter with Rafflecopter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

5 Questions- Kayla

One of my favourite bloggers, Amber, mentioned that months back that she was helping her sister set up a blog to document her adventures abroad. I asked Amber if she would ask her sister, Kayla, if she would participate in 5 Questions. Kayla said yes right away! Here's what she had to say:

1. Something on your bucket list:
The first thing on my bucket list is to travel more, meet new people, and eat all sorts of exotic foods that I will probably won't even like. :)

2. Best piece of advice and/or favourite saying/quote:
When traveling ALWAYS keep your money hidden and do not carry a lot on you. Pickpockets are everywhere.

3. Favourite place:
Paris (it's beautiful)

a) Where to stay: 
If you are low on money and want to travel longer a hostel is actually a good idea and most are really nice and fun. (Staying in a hostel with a friend is more preferable though, because you will feel more comfortable)

b) Where to eat: 
Anywhere as long as its food you haven't tried yet. :) The restaurant in the Eiffel Tower would also be exciting, but it's a bit pricey if you have a low budget. 

Chocolat Gourmand from a little cafe

c) What to see/do: 
All the tourist attractions. There is so much to see and do everywhere. In Nice they have tons of beautiful gardens and beaches, so many great vineyards in Bordeaux, the palace in Versailles is gorgeous, and Paris has everything, from the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, and Notre Dame to The Arc de Triomphe and The Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

At the palace in Versailles

The Eiffel Tower at night

The Louvre

Arc de Triomphe

View from Sacre Coeur

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:
If I had 10,000 dollars I would take my mom and go to whatever place she thought best and we would stay in the nicest hotel and eat the fanciest food, because out of all the people I know, she is the one who deserves a break and to go somewhere she has always dreamed. 

5. Historical figure or fictional character you'd like to be: I would have to pick Joan of Arc at the moment since I am living in Orleans currently and she is the hero from Orleans, who won France many victories and did many amazing things all before the age of 19.

Statue of Joan of Arc

HUGE thank you to Kayla for participating and taking the time to answer these questions. Also thank you to Amber for helping arrange this!