Inspire Me- Right Thing

Not only is today the last Monday of October but it is election day in Ontario. Today is the day that residents of Ontario will be heading to the polls to elect our mayors and councillors; the people that will lead our municipal and regional governments for the next four years. 

I don't want to make this a political post; and as a daughter of a politician, I could do it no problem.

 

Elections are like my Superbowl or Oscars; I analyze, research, predict and am glued to the TV and internet, tracking polls as they come in.

My dad is a politician, so I thought it would be fitting to use a quote from him as this weeks inspiration:

"Always do the right thing, not the popular thing. The two are rarely the same thing."

~Dad

Beauty Candy: October Ipsy

I wanted to write a post about ipsy and I was surprised to see that in the almost two years that I've been subscribing to ipsy, I've only written one real post about ipsy!

For those of you who don't know, ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription box. For Canadians, it's about $15 a month; $10 for the subscription, $5 for shipping. With the exchange, I end up paying around $20 a month. I really like ipsy, I think they send great bags and I usually love what they send, but I have been thinking about cancelling my subscription- it's not really worth $20 to me, I feel I get a lot of the same products just different brands and after almost two years, I'm just feeling meh about it. Don't get me wrong, I still like ipsy...and I was happy with the October bag they sent me:

Ayres Body Butter in Patagonia - The smell immediately reminded me of a spa I used to visit in Huron County, so that brought back happy memories. I was happy to see a 'different' product- I can't even tell you the last time I received a body butter, if ever!  I have super dry skin, so I'm excited to try this product. It's exactly what you would expect from a body butter; heavier texture, a bit greasy...but it did feel nice. I
Retail value: $15 for three 1oz (travel sizes)
ipsy value: $5 for one 1oz

Jesses Girl Mineralized Baked Powder Eyeshadow in Ocean Breeze- This is really, really pretty. Unfortunately, I don't wear blue eyeshadow...so I would have loved to try Esmeralda (a lighter green) or Plum Frost, as those are colours I'm likely to wear. Kinda meh about this...I seem to get eyeshadow every other bag.

Retail value: $3.99 for .07 oz

ipsy value: $3.99 for .07 oz

H20+ Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment- I feel like a broken record...I have super dry skin. To date, I have only found one product that truly moisturizes my skin. Unfortunately it's fairly expensive (like $100 expensive), so I am consistently on the search for something effective and affordable. I was really excited to get a hydrating product to try! This product is actually a gel and it feels like you are putting gel on your face. To the touch, my skin felt smoother and hydrated. It looked hydrated too, but my skin still felt tight. I'm hoping I just need to use it a few times to get used to it. This was definitely a new product (and brand) for me to try...so I was happy to see variety.

Retail value: $36 for 1.7 oz

ipsy value $7.20 for .34 oz

Skyn Iceland Glacial Cleansing Cloths- See above re: dry skin. I've used products that were "Iceland Glacial" and while they didn't hydrate my skin, they did cool and sooth my skin. I was so excited to see this product and had high hopes. I didn't particularly like the smell. These are foaming cleansing cloths, and foam there was, but the cool and soothing I was anticipating never happened. I was pretty disappointed. They still might be good for on the run cleansing/make up removal. We'll see. Again, this is a product that I haven't received in awhile, so I was happy to get it.

Retail value: $15 for 30 sheets

ipsy value: $5 for 10 sheets

Starlooks Lip Gloss in Guilty Pleasure: This is really tiny...like I don't think I've seen a lip gloss this small before. It's a nice size to throw in my purse for traveling and the colour's pretty. But again, I seem to get lip glosses all the time...nothing exciting here. 

Retail value: $12 (size not listed on the website)

ipsy value: $2 (size not listed on the product, and I'm guessing at the value. You can get a lip pencil, lip stick and gloss set  for $24 or you can get the set without the gloss for $22).

Total retail value: $81.99

Total ipsy value: $23.19

I was happy to see different products (body butter, hydrating treatment and cleansing cloths) and I do like ipsy, I thought over all this was a good bag. The price I pay- with subscription price, shipping and exchange- compared to the value of my bag, is almost equal. I'm going to stick with ipsy for another month or two...but I really am thinking about cancelling.

Hey, It's Ok

To be sad to hear Oscar de la Renta died. His designs were beautiful, functional and classic. He truly made fashion art. 

That unexpected visits can be just what the soul needs. I had someone stop by my office last night, we had a great talk, a couple of laughs, and she really raised my spirits.

To be lucky to have supportive people in my life. I was in a minor car accident last week. My family, especially my sister, went above and beyond in taking care of me. My co-workers were quick to jump on board and pick up some outstanding tasks for an event this week. My friends have made visits, sent texts, called and repeatedly offered to help out. I am truly blessed.

That I'm feeling a lot of pressure lately. I know that changes need to be made, and I'm taking small steps to make them. Fingers crossed that changes happen soon. I'm not sure I can last otherwise.

To be feeling like I didn't do much this campaign. Less than a week until the election, so time is running out. I really want to step up my game and help him, but I know that work is going to hold me back.

Inspire Me- Smile & Move On

I don't know about you, but I could definitely use another day or two attached to my weekend! The days and weeks- and weekends- are going by too quickly for my liking. I need time to slow down a bit, I feel like everything is passing me by, that's how quickly time is moving. 

Despite the weekend ending too quickly, I had a pretty good one. The Battle of Cooks Mills, which was part of the War of 1812, took place 200 years ago. In honour of this anniversary, they had a re0enactment of the battle. It was interesting too see and learn about the way of life in 1812. There were over 400 actors involved and a number of people in the crowd also got into the reenactment and dressed up. I was also invited to a Hungarian Church lunch. One of the ladies at the table started to speak to me in Hungarian and I had no idea what she was saying to me, but the food was pretty good. 

This week is going to be a busy one. I have an event for work on Thursday and tomorrow is our off-site prep day. I'm also going to attempt to go to the movies with friends- the last movie I saw in the theatre was The Great and Powerful Oz, so it's been awhile- and I'm meeting a friend for dinner, whom I haven't seen since August! Lots going on and lots to look forward too. 

Recently, I have really been struggling. There have been a lot of changes over the past year, but not improvements. There has been a lot of negativity and unhappiness and I thought this quote would be the perfect inspiration for this week:

 

I don't feel that I am in a situation where I need "revenge", but then again I am not a vengeful person. I feel like there is someone in my life who is trying to "break" me. Normally, I would just cut this "toxic" person from my life and move on. Unfortunately, that is not an option at the present moment. 

This quote is what I need to do- smile and move on. Every time this person is negative towards, I need to bite my tongue (which I have been doing), but just smile and move on with my day. This is easier said then done, but it is inspiration, right? I just need to remember this quote, smile and move on. I need to show this person, they don't get to me and have little influence and effect on my life.

I Wanna Run With You

Inmy opinion, Wednesdays are perfect dance party days. It's the middle of the week, half way between last weekend and this weekend, there's not much going on, so why not dance? 

Recently, one of my favourite songs to dance to, and sing along to, is:

Forever and Ever by Royal Wood

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter the Not Just October Giveaway. Starbucks and Target giftcards are up for grabs. Hope everyone's having a great week!!

Hey, It's OK

To really dislike doing other people's work. I don't mind helping out, I really don't. But when someone is assigned a task, by our boss, to help me out and they don't do the job and I have to spend time outside of work hours finishing their work...I really don't like that.

That I am starting this work week off in bad mood (yesterday was a holiday). Maybe that's because I had to work on my long weekend and I have a week full of meetings, which means I will be working late every night this week.

To have had a great long weekend spent with family. Our Thanksgiving meal was delicious and it was great to see cousins.

That I have plans every night this week. At least I have a great social life. 

To have a peanutbutter cookie for breakfast. Sometimes it`s the best you can do.

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!! It was a weekend full of family and food. All of my siblings were home and I got to see some of my cousins. Thanksgiving weekend is also my parents wedding anniversary and when we celebrate my cousin's birthday...so lots of celebrating this weekend.

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving to give thanks for the harvest, which is why we celebrate in October.

I have so much to be thankful for. From the country I live in to the clothes on my back, from my family and friends to my education and opportunities. The things I can give thanks for are numerous. I am thankful each and every day for everything in my life, every aspect of my life.

I am truly blessed.

Not Just October Giveaway

Happy Thursday!! Today is an exciting day for a couple of reasons, but I can only share one reason right now. But it's a good one!!

Not Just October is a campaign to remind people that breast cancer awareness and fundraising should be happening year round- not just in October. 

Raewyn, from Be a Warrior Queen (which is an awesome blog, BTW) is hosting a giveaway! YOU could have the chance to win a $50 Target gift card and a $10 Starbucks gift card. You can enter using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hey, It's Ok!

To be proud of the recent Chamber nominations, 5 in total!  

That I'm glad that Derrick won Big Brother. He played an amazing game and def deserved to win.

 

To, hopefully, be starting something new and exciting in the coming weeks...fingers crossed!!

 

That I can't believe Thanksgivings THIS weekend! I'm looking forward to having the a day off and spending time with my family.

 

To forget about new TV shows. I'll see the commercials and read about new shows, but then I forget to actually watch them. Or I can't remember what time or channel they are on.

 

That hockey starts TOMORROW!!! Pre-season has been going on for a few weeks, but regular season starts tomorrow...can't wait!!

Inspire Me- Original Copy

Happy Monday!! I know that things have been pretty quiet around here...each week, I have the intention to get back to blogging daily. I have the same intention this week and will try to make ti a reality, but no promises.

Things have been much the same, just lots going on. I'm in the middle of one of my dad's campaigns, work is keeping me on my toes- I had two events in September, one this month, one in November, one in December and four in January. I'm working a lot more than my 35 hours a week. My social life has also kept me busy- dinner with friends, nights out dancing and even a day trip to Toronto to see Wicked!

Last week, I found myself in a situation that made me very unhappy. This lead to self reflection and the realization that it might be time to end a specific journey that I am on and start a new one. It's scary for me but something I need to attempt. I made some very small steps this weekend...I have faith that everything will work out the way it's meant to. If I'm supposed to start a new journey, I will be given the opportunity. If my current journey it's over, I have faith that will be made clear to me and I will stick to this path until further notice. But I really do want to start that new journey. I'm ready.

A bit of inspiration for this week:

 

The first time I heard this quote was actually the first time I saw this image. I love this quote!! I pride myself on being an original, on being different and unique- ever since I was a little kid. I had no desire to fit in and be like everyone else. I was happy to be an individual. I still am. 

I am a VERY creative person. Recently, I've been noticing that my creativity has been lacking; no desire, motivation or time. The worst part was, it was ok with this...I felt empty, smothered, tethered...but I couldn't bother to make time, find motivation or desire. I was ok to let this stuff go because I couldn't be bothered. I was just being and I could feel myself becoming a shell. I was loosing who I was.

Change is needed. I need to go back to being creative, being social, getting back to blogging. I need to go back to being an original. I'm too good to be a copy. 

I know that going back to being myself, an original, won't happen over night and that it will take time. But I realize I need to be an original...it's who I am and I LOVE who I am!! I'm going to work at it. I'm going to make changes. Will go back to being one of a kind.

An Open Letter To My Critics

Dear Critics,

 

I want to thank you. But before I do, I want you to know that I can take criticism. I really can. I see criticism as a way to grow and improve. It also helps build character and, at times, can be a different way to look at or approach a situation. I also have thick skin, so thick that I no longer feel the knife being stabbed into my back. More than one of you Critics, have stabbed me in the back. Some on multiple occasions. I didn't flinch, but I was aware.

 

You Critics are an opinionated bunch, lots to say and you have no problem expressing your point of view. I can appreciate your opinions and passion, even if I disagree with you. But they are YOUR opinions and YOU are entitled to them- I can respect that.

 

You might not know this about me, but I am an observer. I observe, process and then move on. I've noticed that you are more than happy to share your thoughts, but no interest in hearing what I have to say. In fact, more than one of you have flat out said "I'm not interested in what you have to say." Message received loud and clear. I've also noticed that you speak at me-that's a nice way of saying attack- without knowing the whole story.

 

For example, you tell me it's my fault something didn't get done even though I wasn't the one who was supposed to do it. You were forthcoming with your words, not interested in what I had to say, and you were unaware of what happened. I agree with you, even though it wasn't my job to send something out, I do have some responsibility. Do you realize I did my part? That I spent two months asking for something to be sent? That I came up with a back up plan and spent a month trying to get that plan in motion? And that I also sent it out to a condensed list, because the full mailing list wasn't made available to me? I did my part, but you're too busy speaking at me to realize that.

 

Critics, a lot of you like to push me around, some have even gone as far as bullying me. While your behaviour is not ok, I have decided not to take it personally- even if you made it personal. Some of you are petty and attack me for dumb things, like not adding you to Facebook. Facebook is for my friends, not business contacts. BTW, I'm more than happy to connect with you on LinkedIn.

 

You have told me that 'busy' is a buzz word and it means nothing. You've told me that it's like pulling teeth to get me started on anything. You've told me that I'm not good at my job, I don't know what I'm doing, I don't know the first thing about fundraising, that I don't understand all the work that goes into making an event great, that I don't...you've had a lot to say.

 

I get it. You don't think I'm good at my job or that maybe I'm in over my head or that I have no clue about what I'm doing.

 

Maybe you're right.

 

But there is someone- multiple someones, I'm told- that disagree with you. Like you, they did go behind my back. But instead of trashing me and saying how horrible I am, they did something nice.

 

You see, sweet Critics, these "someones" felt I deserve to be recognized for my work; they put my name forward for Chamber of Commerce Awards. The Chamber Board agreed with these "someones" and accepted my nomination. Not once, not twice, but five times.

 

Best Marketing Campaign.

Best Fundraiser
Best Corporate/Non Profit Partnership- Community Partner A
Best Corporate/Non Profit Partnership- Community Partner B

 

I was told by the Chamber, that I was nominated by multiple people and received more nominations than anyone else.

 

Submissions were anonymous. Thank you to these "someones" who believe in me and think I do a great job. To the "someones" who recognized my hard work, dedication...my highs and even my lows...and felt the need to go out of their way to make sure others were aware. 

 

I also want to thank you, Critics. You made me a better person, you helped me learn and grow in ways that I wouldn't have had the chance to do without you. And, who knows, maybe "someone" saw the way you treated me and where impressed with the way I handled the situation. You could be responsible for these nominations, for my recognition at being good at something.

 

Oh, and that 5th Award Nomination?

 

Employee of the Year.

 

Thanks,