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! What a great idea! I love the concept of having all of your posts from the week in one post- it's a great summary of the week on a blog.

MONDAY: I started the week off with some inspiration.

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

WEDNESDAY: I posted Randa's answers to questions about BC.

THURSDAY: I shared what I got in my August Cara Box. 

FRIDAY: I finished the week with an a really unique giveaway. 

Bloggers Give Back Giveaway

It's no secret that bloggers are amongst the most caring, giving people on the internet. However, sometimes our budgets don't allow us to donate as much to our favorite charities as we'd like. Well, here's a unique giveaway that gives you the opportunity to do just that - donate a bunch of money to a charity of your choice! One lucky winner will have a donation of $120 USD (or equivalent) made to the charity of their choice in their name!

The giveaway entries work just like any other around the blogosphere but this time all of the money donated by our wonderful sponsors will serve a greater purpose!

Please take a minute to check out the giveaway sponsors and their favorite charities below.

 

 Learn about World Wildlife Fund

Learn about The Girl Effect

Learn about Cause for Paws Utah

Learn about Ottawa Humane Society

Learn about Alzheimer Society of Canada

Learn about St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Learn about Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research

Learn about Make a Wish Foundation

Learn about Humane Society of USA

Learn about Girls on the Run International

Learn about RAINN

 Learn about Chai Lifeline

Learn about GLAAD

Learn about Mollie's Dream TNR

Enter below for a chance to have $120 donated in your name to your favorite charity! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Season's Of Life: August Cara Box Reveal

I decided to participate in August's Cara Box, hosted by Kaitlyn from Wifessionals. 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!

The end of the month means it's time to reveal who we were partnered up with and what we got. I was partnered with LaDawn.

The theme for August was "Season's of Life", where we were paired with someone around our own age and in the same life stage (ex single, married, mother). Due to a low number of Canadian sign ups, LaDawn and I were partnered with each other, instead of having two partners (one to send to and one who sends to you). 

While we are not in the same 'life season', it was still fun to get to know her and put together a Cara Box for her. Head over to LaDawn's blog to see what I sent her. It was a little bit of a challenge to put together her box...but I came up with something.

LaDawn was tasked with putting together a Cara Box for me.

 

• • Mini recipe book with some of LaDawn's favourite recipes. I had mentioned to her how busy I am, so all of these recipes are quick, easy and sound REALLY good. I can't wait to try everything, especially the spinach cheese wheels!
  • Magnet from the town she lives in
  • Shot glass from the town she lives in. I actually collect shot glasses from different locations
  • Card from LaDawn (I can't tell if she made this or not...)
  • Felt Board Story. LaDawn actually makes and sells these. I had asked her about them and she sent me one!
  • Real Fruit Snacks,..which are one of my favourite snacks..I've already opened the bag. 
  • Fall themed table runner that LaDawn made...how talented is she??? I had mentioned that brown is a dominate colour in my apartment, so she used fabric that brown so it would match my apartment.

LaDawn- Thank you so, so, so much! I love all of the thought (and time) that went into putting this Cara Box together for me. I'm blown away by your talent. 

 

The August Cara Box Link-Up Reveal can be found here.

Starting in September, Cara Box will be changing from monthly to four times a year. For information on Cara Box and the new format, go here. September sign ups will open the first week of September, so keep an eye on Kaitlyn's blog for it.

 

Thanks to Kaitlyn from Wifessionals for organizing this!

Splendour Without Diminishment

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I have wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Randa, from The Bewitchin Kitchen, is answering questions about British Columbia.

  
     
1. Where are you from:
Originally from Houston, BC (yes, I promise it exists) 

2. Favourite thing about your province:  

The scenery, the mountains and lush vegetation in BC is fabulous and something I really missed when I lived in Alberta. PLUS we grow fabulous wine ;)

3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for: 

I recently moved to the Terrace, BC and it's known for world class fishing.

4. Where to:
a) Stay:
I heard "The Lodge" is really nice.
b) Eat: 

I still have yet to try it but I have heard nothing but amazing things about The Hot House (a Mexican/Indian fusion restaurant).
c) Go/what to do:
Taking advantage of the beautiful scenery is a must. Right now the river is a turquoise so a walk along the river is a great way to end the day. I also really enjoy the local Farmer's Market.

5. A "must know" about your province: 

Last weekend I went down to The Southern Okanagan and went on a Wine Tour with Unveil Shuttles. It was fabulous and I highly recommend it to all tourists (and locals). Wine tours are so much fun.

Thanks Randa for taking the time to answer these questions!!

For more information on British Columbia, please visit Hello BC.

Hey! It's Ok

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

That I am completely disgusted by Miley's "performance" at the VMA's. I was sick to my stomach watching her.  There's a difference between being 'grown up' and 'trashy'. Miley was trashy.

To be sad that this is the last week of summer! I know that we still have a couple of weeks until summer is officially over, but after Labour Day, everyone is back to school, back to work and ready for Fall.

To love the salted caramel scent that Yankee Candle has. I bought a couple of the wax tarts and have been burning them in my apartment. 

That I hope my neighbour gets evicted. He's loud, noisy and clearly has anger issues. I hear him threatening people every day (including to "[effing] bash in [the] head" of the guy who lives downstairs, when downstairs guy asked him to keep it down).

That I stumbled across Twitter Bio Generator. (FYI- The bio that was generated for me: Award-winning problem solver. Beer scholar. General organizer. Wannabe twitter aficionado. Total webaholic. Devoted coffee practitioner.)

That I received the draft of my new job description last week! I'm really looking forward to my new role and can't wait to full transition into it!

To be disappointed that I can't attend a launch event for a TV show that I was invited to. The event is today from 10am-noon. Because of work, I was unable to attend. Boo.

Inspire Me: Do It Right

It's hard to believe that this is the last week of summer! This summer has passed too quickly- so quickly, that I feel like I haven't done anything this year. Which isn't true because I've had a very busy summer...lots of different experiences and opportunities, lots of time with family and friends, lots of favourite summer activities. 

As we head into the last week of summer, here's some inspiration to help you through the week:

Sunday Social- Childhood

Second to last weekend of the summer and it was a good one. I worked until 12:30 before heading out of town for the weekend...I had a nice visit with a former work contact, visit with my summer friend, checking out a friends new business (that opened this week!), dinner and Batman cartoons with my summer friend. Saturday, I went to my friends new business as a customer, had lunch with my uncle and spent the rest of the day outside reading. Today, I'm having brunch with a friend and will likely head to the beach. It was a great weekend!

 

1. What do you miss most about being a kid?
Not having any responsibilities! 

2. Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it? 
My dad used to call me 'Bean'. Friends would call me 'Meliss' or 'Miss'. I think that was about it...

3. What was your favorite thing to do at recess? 
Play on the castle!  


4. What did you want to be when you grew up? 
A lawyer. 

5. Did you participate in any school activities? 
Not in elementary school...but there wasn't really an opportunity too- grade 6-8 we had soccer/volleyball/basketball/baseball, track and field was 5-8 (I think) and the grade 8's always did the yearbook. I didn't play any sports, but in grade 8 I was editor of the yearbook. I did a lot of stuff outside of school- dance, piano, softball, soccer, tennis, swimming, Brownies...that's all I can remember. I was super involved in high school (I did at least 12 co-curricular activities).   


6. What is the funniest thing you did as a kid that your parents still remind you about? 
I have no idea what the funniest thing was and my parents don't really talk about anything funny I did... I was creative kid and my dad says that he thought I'd be the next Picasso...I guess my artwork resembled his...?

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! What a great idea! I love the concept of having all of your posts from the week in one post- it's a great summary of the week on a blog.

MONDAY: I started the week off with some inspiration.

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

WEDNESDAY: I posted Alex's views about Ontario.

THURSDAY: I shared a recent book I read.

FRIDAY: I finished the week with one of my favourite things- Luke Bryan.

Favourite Thing- Crash My Party

Happy Friday! I can't believe that this is the second to last Friday of the summer! Summer has gone too quickly for my liking. I was telling a friend the other day that I felt like I haven't done anything this summer, but if I think about it (or look at my calendar), I know that's not true...I've done a ton of things! I'm heading to the beach this weekend and hope to see my summer friend. 

This weeks favourite thing:

 

I may have mentioned once or twice, my love for Luke Bryan. His new album, Crash My Party, came out earlier this month and I have had it on constant repeat. My love affair with Luke continues...he didn't disappoint on this album!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Book Club: Jane Austen Ruined My Life

Book: Jane Austen Ruined My Life

Author: Beth Pattillo

Amazon Summary: 
"Smart chick lit that's an absolute pleasure to read." --Booklist Emma packs up what few possessions she has left and heads to England on a quest to find the missing letters of Jane Austen, sneding Emma on a series of Austen-related tasks that bring her closwer to the truth. However, the sudden reappearance of Emma's first love makes everything more complicated. In the end, Emma learns that doing the right thing has very little to do with other people's expectations and everything to do with her own beliefs. Laced with fictional excerpts from the missing letters, "Jane Austen Ruined My Life" is the story of a woman betrayed who uncoers the deeper meaning of loyalty.

What I have to say: 
My sweet friend Lacey, from Charm & Sass, sent me this book as part of my Pamper Me Pretty Swap Package. This was a cute book...really easy to get into. I'm not a Jane Austen fan but it was cool to learn about her life- both her real life and her 'life' that was created for this book. The Jane Austen connection/storyline, I felt, was really fleshed out and enjoyable. While there is a 'romance' element.storyline, it leaves a lot to be desired...but I'm ok with that, as I wasn't expecting a romance novel. 

Would I recommend this book? Kind of. I wouldn't say to anyone 'you HAVE to read this book' but if someone was looking for a fun, easy read or if they ask if I read the book, I would recommend it. In fact, I've already lent my copy to my grandma. Even though I'm on the fence about recommending it to someone else, I would read it again...I did enjoy this book.

Keep It Beautiful

Everyone knows how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I have wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Alex, from NorthStory is answering questions about Ontario.

 
     
1. Where are you from:
The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) in Ontario. I've moved a lot in my life so I don't have a specific city or town here that I have always called home.

2. Favourite thing about your province:
We have a city in it that's the Center of the Universe. I'm totally kidding. Even though I've lived a huge chunk of my adult life in downtown Toronto, I would never think that was true. The older I get the more I develop an immense love of small towns.
 
3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for:
The CN Tower is probably the biggest landmark aside from Niagara Falls.

4. Where to:
a) Stay:
Blue Mountain Ski Resort is great winter or summer. I have friends that are die hard fans of camping in Algonquin Park. My parents really love and constantly go back and visit Manitoulin Island and Tobermory.  
b) Eat:
I am the absolute worst person to ask this to because I can't remember the last time we went out for dinner (we have young kids and babysitting is hard to come by). My favourite sushi restaurant was Crispy Roll on Queen Street in Toronto but it has since closed down. 
c) Go/what to do:
After you come visit during TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival - my husband's Aunt and Uncle are huge fans and fly in from the US just for that each year) and do the whole Toronto tourism thing, get in a car and get out of Toronto. I know I am going to get killed for saying that but there is so much more to Ontario than just going to see the CN Tower and Eaton Centre. Go visit the small towns like Southampton by the shores of Lake Huron for the beautiful sunsets and check out the Southampton Market. Have a Beaver Tail pastry by the Rideau Canal in Ottawa and stroll the Byward market. Can you tell I like markets? One of the most beautiful smaller towns I have been to has been Goderich. Just get in the car, follow a road and drive. Each town has their quirks and small stores that are waiting to be discovered.
 
5. A "must know" about your province:
Yonge Street is the longest street in the world. Damnit, see I try to get out but I keep coming back to Toronto. Ok at the very least you can be assured that our baseball team (The Toronto Blue Jays) uniform colours will do you justice. 
 
And it doesn't snow around the GTA as much as it used to despite the myths of all of us living in igloos in Canada overall, but it gets really cold here in the winter. So bring a good parka, boots, mittens and a real toque. One that covers your ears not the ones hipsters use as a fashion accessory. One minute outside in the windchill and you'll be begging for heated glove inserts.

Thanks Alex for taking the time to answer these questions!!

For more information on Ontario, please visit Tourism Ontario.

Hey! It's Ok

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

To think Aaryn from Big Brother, despite all of her racism, is playing a good game.

That I have 122 unread emails. I don't know how it got so out of hand...I'm working my way through them all.   

To have struggled a bit with this months Cara Box theme (age and life stage). I was able to come up with something and I hope my partner likes it. 

That I LOVE Luke Bryan's new album!

To be counting down to Brock Homecoming (one month yesterday)! It will be a really fun weekend and I'm really looking forward to it!

Inspire Me: Never Too Late

Happy Monday! I can't believe we are at the start of a new week and that there are only two weeks left of August! I had a really fun weekend- Brewery Tour with Brock Alumni and seeing The Wizard of Oz in Toronto. I'm exhausted and could use a day off, but instead I'm headed to work. 

Here's some inspiration to help get through the week:

Sunday Social- Life

I had an amazing time yesterday with Brock Alumni on our Brewery Tour- tried a lot of different beers, had yummy food, great tour and really enjoyed the company of fellow Alumni. Today, I'm off to see the wizard- a friend and I are headed to Toronto to see The Wizard of Oz!

 

1. What is something you've always wanted to do but are afraid of?Oh gosh...I have no idea! There really isn't anything that I haven't done because of fear. If I don't do something, it's because I'm either not interested, don't have the time or don't have the money. I can't think of anything that I haven't done because I was afraid...

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?I see myself right where I am now- in the job that I'm currently transitioning into, same organization, same city, same friends, same social activities, same lifestyle, etc...I love where I am in my life. Everything I have wanted to accomplish- both professional and personal- I have. 

3. What are you looking forward to before the end of 2013?Hopefully, being fully transitioned (or super close) into my new position. 

4. What are your hopes for your blog?Like every blogger, I hope to continue to grow my blog. I would love to be able to make money from my blog, but I know I don't currently have the time to dedicate to doing so. I hope that my blog continues to be a place that I enjoy, can write and connect with other people. I hope that my blog will always be something I love and never turn into something I have to do.

5. Do you always see yourself living in your current town/city?I'm not sure...I love living in my city and I love everything the city offers. I've made some great friends here and my job, which I love, is here. I would love to eventually move back to my hometown and 'settle down' there...not sure how I'll be able to do this (my hometown is an almost 2 hour commute to where I work). 

6. What is your morning routine?

I don't really have a morning routine. I get up and get ready for work. Sometimes I check email/other blogs/Twitter...it's a lot of reading and not a lot of replying/commenting. I might work out. I might have breakfast or prepare something to have for breakfast at the office. I might do dishes. If I'm going away for the night, I'll pack. I don't do the same thing every morning...no set routine.  

   

Weekly What?

Idea taken from my darling friend Jenn from Party of One for Weekly What?

After not doing a 'Weekly What' post for almost two months, I thought I'd give it a try again. I love the concept of having all of your posts from the week in one post- it's a great summary of the week on a blog.

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

MONDAY: I started the week off with some inspiration.

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

WEDNESDAY: I posted Sarah's views about Ontario.

THURSDAY: I shared a boys answers for Boys Behind The Blog.

FRIDAY: I finished the week with an update on my life.

Update: Blog, Beer & Beautiful Things

I had a busy, productive, never ending week. Even though I LOVE my job, Friday and this weekend couldn't come quick enough. I've been looking forward to this weekend for WEEKS. 

Tomorrow, I'll be doing a brewery tour with Brock Alumni. The tour will go from 1-6 and will include 3 different breweries. At the last brewery, we're doing a food and beer pairing. This is what's on the menu:

Niagara's Best Blond Ale & Bacon Marmalade with Chipotle Aioli
Taps Red Cream Ale & Roasted Red Pepper Dip with Grilled Pita
Niagara's Logger Lager & Truffle Popcorn with Steak on a Stick
Taps Sinister Sam's India Pale Ale & Rich Chocolate Smore

How good does all of that sound?!?!? Plus it's always nice to meet and spend time with other Alumni. The past Alumni events (Dragon Boats and Sip & Skate) were a lot of fun, so this one should be too. 

On Sunday, I'm going with a long time friend to see the Wizard of Oz in Toronto. She has been talking about going to see this since December and it actually closes on Sunday. I've heard great things about this show, so I'm looking forward to seeing it. I'm sure that we'll also go for dinner, shopping, etc while we're in the city. 

My Lilly Pulitzer agenda came this week! I LOVE Lilly agendas but I wasn't crazy about this years prints, so it took me awhile to decide. While debating this, a co-worker decided she would order a Lilly agenda too- she really liked my agenda, how it was laid out, etc. They finally came this week and we may or may not have done a happy dance when they arrived.(This would be the beautiful things referenced in the title.)

Also this week, I made my first official presentation to a regional sponsor. As everyone knows, I work in non-profit fundraising. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this on my blog or not...but I'm actually in the process of transitioning into a new position at my organization. I currently do special events but am transitioning into a position where I will be specializing in sponsorship. While I knew this sponsor from our events, it was the first time I was the one requesting money from them. It went REALLY well. They were very happy and impressed. I'm exciting for this partnership. 

I also had the opportunity to attend a spa grand opening this week! It was nice to have that opportunity to mingle and network, plus get some pampering. I had a chair massage and a paraffin hand treatment. This also did paraffin feet treatments and mini makeovers. They were serving real iced tea (my favourite) and sangria. They had tons of food out too- creme brulee, mini tarts, fruit, salami bruschetta, smoked salmon on crackers, marinated chicken on a stick...there were more, but those are the ones I saw. It was lot of fun. 

Chelsea from Olive & Ivy added a search function to my blog for me this week...thanks Chelsea. If you are looking for a blog designer- either a full design or just one item- I HIGHLY recommend Chelsea! 

I've also added a Disclosure Policy to my blog, which can be found on my About page. 

I once again signed up for Cara Box, which is hosted by the super sweet mom-to-be Kaitlyn. This month, I've been partnered with LaDawn. I'm almost done putting her package together and can't wait for her to get it!

Finally, if you have a chance....go say hi to Tif, she's been MIA in blogland and is finally back...yea! You should also go say hi to Sarah, she's my blog crush, and Molly, who's blog EVERY girl should be reading.

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Boys Behind The Blog- Round 3

Boys Behind the Blog is a monthly linkup featuring your husband/fiance/boyfriend/best guy friend/dad/brother/grandpa! Stephanie & Mal created this link up to brag about their men and get them more involved in their blogs.

Here's how it works: They post the questions on the 1st Thursday of the month, you ask your man to answer 5 easy questions and then link up with us on the 3rd Thursday of the month. 

Before getting to this rounds questions, let me tell you a little about the boy. A random text brought us together and a love for the New York Rangers bonded us. He was nice enough to answer the following questions:

1. What would you do with $1,000,000?
I'd do smart things, not just blow it- pay off debts, buy a house, invest some. Maybe take a trip.

2. What is your dream job?
Fire fighter.

3. Who is your celebrity crush? 
Kate Upton.

4. What is your favorite sports team?
New York Rangers. 
 

5. What was your AOL/AIM screen name back in the day?

Didn't have one. (Note: AOL/AIM wasn't that popular in Canada...)

Yours To Discover

Everyone know how much I love Canada and for the longest time, I have wanted to showcase Canada on my blog. So, I've decided to ask Canadian bloggers to answer 5 questions about their province.

This week, Sarah, from Journeys of the Zoo, (aka my blog crush) is answering questions about Ontario.

1. Where are you from?
I grew up in Toronto, however, as of this year, I’ve spent more than half my life in Ottawa (with a three year hiatus in Chiapas Mexico).

2. Favourite thing about your province?
Maple Syrup and our Lakes/Parks. We currently live on 15 acres, mostly forested and this year, our neighbour tapped a bunch of trees on our property. Nothing like eating pancakes with maple syrup from your own maple trees.

3. What is your region (province and/or city) known for?
Ottawa is the capital of Canada so it’s known for it’s politics and heritage.

4. Where to:a) Stay:
Whenever we have a staycation, we enjoy the hospitality of any of the small B&B’s.
b) Eat:
If you want to be in the middle of the scene, eat at one of the many restaurants in the Market. If you want something a bit quieter and more formal, you’ll find tons of delis, coffee shops and restaurants on Wellington in Westboro.
c) Go/what to do: 

There’s something to do all year round here. In the winter there’s skiing in the Gatineaus, skating on the canal and Winterlude. In the summer there’s the local farmers stalls in the Market and Bluesfest, an annual summertime blues music festival.

5. A "must know" about your province?
Algonquin Provincial Park is a must see. Paddle, kayak, swim, fish, experience the outdoors first hand. For those that don’t like the outdoors, enjoy four star restaurants and spas. My family spends time there every year and has since the 1950’s.

Thanks Sarah for taking the time to answer these questions!!

For more information on Ontario, please visit Tourism Ontario.

Hey! It's Ok

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

To be super excited about this weekend- Brewery Tour with Brock Alumni on Saturday and then going to see The Wizard of Oz on Sunday. It'll be a busy, exhausting weekend, but so much fun. Can't wait!

That my Lilly Pulitzer agenda came in yesterday! I was so happy that it FINALLY arrived and I can't wait to start using it! 

To be disgusted by GinaMarie from Big Brother. Some of the things that she said to Candice before she was evicted were super out of line. And the fact that she carries around Nick's hat...ugh.

That I think Jon Montgomery is awesome. He's the host of Amazing Race Canada and an Olympian. I became a fan of his during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. And he's an auctioneer. When he won his gold medal, he was walking to his interview, someone handed him a pitcher of beer (which he drank),

To think that I might not like my new neighbours. They moved in two weekends ago (when I was away) and they are noisy! I don't hear anyone else, but them. TONS of swearing, fighting and coughing. I hope this is a temporary thing.

Inspire Me: Better Than You Imagined

I can't believe it's Monday already! I had a really busy and fun weekend. I have another great weekend planned for next weekend- Brewery Tour with Brock Alumni and seeing The Wizard of Oz with a friend! But first, I need to get through this week... and here's some inspiration to help me:

Sunday Social- Random Question

Happy Sunday! I can't believe the weekend is basically already over! I've had a very busy weekend. My office closes at noon on Fridays during the summer. When I was done work on Friday, I has lunch with a co-worker/friend before heading away for the weekend. 

This weekend was Celtic Festival weekend! I love Celtic Fest and look forward to this weekend all year! I spent it with family and friends. When we weren't enjoying the Celtic celebrations, we were at the beach! 

I'll be spending the morning with friends, before heading back home for a BBQ! The BBQ is with news friends that I've met a couple of months ago. I'm looking forward to it and it should be pretty fun!

Lastly, today is a meaningful day for me. Two years ago today, my grandpa died. I think of and miss him every single day. Loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather. I continually struggle with how to honour him, especially on this day...nothing is appropriate, good enough or will do him justice. He was my world.

   

1. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lot of things...ballerina, queen, mayor, a lawyer. 

2. What was your favorite way to kill time as a kid?
I liked to read, get lost in books. I was also very artistic- I liked to paint, make things from clay, pottery, etc

3. When did you get your first cell phone?
Well...we had a family cell phone, which I would take with me sometimes (ex at the mall). I don't know how old I was when I first started using it...maybe 11 or so. But it wasn't until I was 18 that I got my own cell phone. 

4. What is your favorite magazine to read?
Town & Country, Elle Canada, Flare and Fashion.

5. What is the one random object people would be surprised to find in your purse?
I have a ton of random things in my purse...the most surprising, probably a USB.