Thank You, 2016.

Dear 2016, 

Here we are at the end of our relationship. We both know it's over and time to move on. We've run our course. I'm actually sad that we are parting ways, but know this is what;s best for both of us. You were good to me. Don't get me wrong...we had our negative experiences- dealing with a "management" company and a certain relationship quickly come to mind- but over all, you were good to me.

You brought me new and strengthened friendships. With these friendships, you brought a lot of laughter, memories, and experiences. From girls nights to new places to eat, it was all fun and games. There was so much socializing, going out at least once a week. When we first got together, I was hoping to be more social, to spend more time with friends. Thank you for making this happen.

 

A friend from high school started a Book Club. It was great to connect with old friends after all these years. I love being introduced to new genres and authors. I love seeing everyone once a month for a night out and a great discussion. 

Being part of a Book Club was a new experience. You gave me a couple of other new experiences- home ownership and traveling to the Prairies- more on both of those in a bit. I tried new foods- beef cheek, Asian desserts, and escargot. I put myself out there...that outcome is still to be seen. I took up painting...in the form of Paint Nites...but I did three of them! While not new experiences...I went back to Indian Head Massage and Reiki...with a brand new (to me) practitioner- Emily.

 

Professionally, you have been good to me too. Funding was approved to make the temporary portion of my job permanent, resulting in a full-time, permanent position. You gave me the chance to work on a documentary premiere, a multi-day international conference, and be part of founding of a brand new annual conference. I launched the start of taking leadership courses and look forward to continuing the courses in 2017. 

There was also the chance to apply for a new job- which I didn't get. But that situation showed me that there are possibilities. It was a chance to show people that I have a lot of great skill sets and that I am multi-faceted. More importantly, it was an opportunity to see how many people were invested in me and believe in me.

 

You gave me great opportunities too. I had the chance to attend the Women's World Hockey Championships and cheer on Team Canada. Watching the Steel Blade Classic and Dragon Boat Championships for VIP areas. Being in not one but two parades. The opportunity to see different parts of Canada.

I got to visit two places I had never been before- Ottawa and Moose Jaw. Everyone, myself included, was surprised that I had never been to our Nation's capital. While it was fun to connect with work colleagues and visit some of our programs, and it was fun to be with all the politicians and politically connected, I really enjoyed being able to see different landmarks in Ottawa and to visit the National Art Gallery- a must do for me when I was in Ottawa. 

As for Moose Jaw...while this was a work-related trip, I had a blast! Again, fun to connect with colleagues and our programs, but also fun to explore and experience Moose Jaw, even if the Tunnels of Moose Jaw were the only 'touristy' thing we did. My first trip to Saskatchewan was a blast and I would love to go back!

While I'm not sure what the highlight of our year together was, I think buying a condo is pretty high up there! After months of searching, I finally found the perfect place to call home. It was everything I was looking for- and move in ready! I am so happy to call this place home. I'm still organizing and getting settled...but I definitely LIVE here- it feels like home and it's all mine.  

 

Image Via Pinterest

Thank you, 2016. Thank you for all you gave me and all you did for me. I've grown as a person and have been given so much during our year together. You have made me better, stronger, happier. I will forever be grateful and thankful. I know I couldn't have done it without you. 

I'm going to try things with 2017...I hope 2017 will be at least as good to me as you were- if not better.

I wish you well, 2016.

FabFitFun Winter Box Review

I have been subscribing to FabFitFun for over two years and they have consistently been one of my favourite subscriptions boxes! This is a quarterly subscription box that costs $49.99 USD plus shipping and it is totally worth it! FabFitFun sends all kinds of products- fitness, decor, fashion, beauty- and the value of the box is amazing. The Winter Box has a retail value of $252.95 USD.

 D.L. & Co Candle- There were two options for this candle and I received the Bergamot Woods in the silver holder. I am not a huge fan of candles, but the holder is pretty-I already have it on display in my home- and I think it's a great home decor item for a winter subscription box.
Retail value: $44

Anderson Lilley Beach Butter Body Cream- Again, there were two options for this item and I received Siciliam Tangerine which is a scent that I love! I am happy that we got this product...I was looking for a product like this to keep on my bedside table. It's also supposed to be hydrating, so we'll see what it can do for my always parched skin.
Retail value: $24

Butter London Iconoclast Mega Volume Lacquer Mascara- I feel that mascara is a subscription box staple- you really can't go wrong with mascara. I am familiar with Butter London as a brand and I do like them. I don't wear mascara on a daily basis, so I'll probably end up gifting this to my sister.
Retail value: $20

Moleskine 2017 Weekly Planner- This came in two colours and I received the green one. This is probably my favourite item in this box!! I think that planners are the perfect addition to winter/December/January boxes. Moleskine is a well known brand. I love how thin and lightweight their planners are. I love how it's set up weekly and that there are pages for notes. There is a lot I love about this planner! I already have a planner for 2017, but I know that I will find a use for this and I'm excited to start using it!
Retail Value: $20.95

Gorjana Necklace- Again, there were two different necklaces and I selected the Kiernan Double Pendent Necklace. I liked the look of this necklace over the other option (because I have a yearly subscription, I actually get to select some of the items I receive), and I like silver over gold. I keep my jewelry pretty simple and tend to stick to about 2 or 3 necklaces, but I would actually wear this!
Retail Value: $75

Startlight Foundation Pin- With each box, FabFitFun partners with a different charity and throws in an item related to the partnership. This time, they partnered with the Startlight Foundation, which is a charity I am familiar with and I am happy that FabFitFun partnered with them.
Retail Value: N/A

Marie Mae Company Thank You Card Set- These cards are so pretty! I like that they are postcard style instead of the traditional folded card. I also like that they say 'Cheers' on the front; even though these are thank you cards, I feel like you can use them for different occasions. I send a lot of hand written notes, so I'm always happy to add stationary to my collection.
Retail Value: $24

O.R.G. Skincare Mineral Peel Face- I like trying new skincare products, as I am always on the hunt to find a product that can help my forever dry skin. This isn't a hydrating product, but I am looking forward to trying this product. It seems pretty simple to use- spray on, massage off. It promises softer, smoother, more radiant skin...all things that I want for my skin!

Retail Value: $44

Overall, I am happy with the FabFitFun Winter Box! I'm surprised that they didn't include a fitness related item... These are all products that I would use (I would use the mascara if my current tube was nearing the end) and I think they are great for a winter box. I highly recommend this box!

Hey, Its's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be excited for these weeks leading up to Christmas. I have plans everyday with family and friends, and I can't wait to spend time with the people I love most. 

That I have a ton of unpacking and organizing to do at my condo. I feel like it's going to take me forever to get everything organized. 

To be incredibly happy in my new home!! I seriously love it here!!

That I am looking forward to having just over a week off. As much as I love my job, I am looking forward to days sleeping in, relaxing, and wearing comfy clothes. 

To hope we don't get as much snow as predicted this winter.

Inspire Me: Snowflakes

We spent most of this weekend under a winter weather advisory and we had our first major snowfall! We were projected to get 15-20cm of snow yesterday. I say that I don't mind snow...I like to have snow for Christmas and I like having four distinct seasons...but snow can make for some challenging driving/travel conditions. When we get into winter weather, I frequently say to family and friends that I am making plans with "it depends on the weather". All of my plans become tentative because of the weather. 

I came across this quote yesterday:

Image Via FamilyTimeCrafts

From now on, I am going to remind myself that "snowflakes are kisses from heaven" and hope it makes it a bit easier to deal with all of this snow we are supposed to get this winter.

Fashion Friday: PJs

With the cold weather and the short days, there's nothing I want to do more than lounge around the house all day- reading, watching Netflix, drinking a warm beverage, and wearing pj's. 

Hudson's Bay Flannel Pajamas // Kate Spade New York Printed Chemise // Old Navy Cozy Pullover Fleece Hoodie & Old Navy Plaid Flannel Boxer // Lord & Taylor Boxed Jersey & Flannel V-Neck Pyjama Set // LaSenza Satin Pajama Set

Currently- December Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the currently bandwagon. I've always enjoyed reading about what other bloggers currently posts, so I thought I would do my own post. This is what I'm currently up to for the month of December!

Watching

Image Via Your Beaver Company

I take every opportunity that I can to watch Christmas movies during the holidays. 

Reading

Image Via Amazon

I actually read The Next back in October but I am re-reading it for my book club- it's the December pick!

Listening

Image Via Star 102.5

Star 102.5- a Buffalo radio station- starts playing nothing but Christmas music in early November. During the holidays, I listen to this station 24/7.

Planning

Image Via Zsine

 How to decorate my cubicle for the Christmas decorating contest my office is having.

Feeling

Image Via Becoming Joy

 Relief! Relief to be done with my apartment (what a horrible experience with the management company- so many landlord and tenant act violations). Relief that my condo closed with no issues. Relief that the move went well. Relief that I am settling in.

Wanting

Image Via St Lucia Yellow Pages

I am in desperate need of a full out spa day and pampering!

Loving

I am so in love with this wallpaper that came with my condo!

July // August // September // November //

Five Christmas Songs

There is a radio station (My Star 102.5) in Buffalo, NY that plays Christmas music starting in early November. I am lucky that this station has a large frequency and I can listen to it event if I am 3 or 4 hours away. Plus, with the internet, I can listen anywhere. Once they start playing Christmas music, this becomes the only station I play in my car. I just love listening to Christmas music and take every opportunity I get to listen. 

There are a ton of Christmas songs that I love and I'm hard pressed to pick a favourite. I am not claiming any of the songs below are my favourite, but they are definitely up there! Or, these were just the first five songs that came to mind when I asked myself "What are five of your favourite Christmas songs?"

 

In no particular order:

I Pray On Christmas by Harry Connick Jr

Joy To The World by Pentatonix

Little Drummer Boy by Sean Quigley

Silent Night by Mariah Carey

Santa Never Brings Me A Banjo by David Myles

As bonus, here is my favourite Christmas medley:

 

 12 Days of Christmas by Straight No Chaser

Hey, It's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To have bought a condo! I am slowly unpacking and getting settled, but I love it! I am SO happy, fo so many different reasons!

That I have not binge watched the new Gilmore Girls. I have every intention of watching, and I have watched the first episode, but I'm not sure how long it will take me to watch the other three.

To basically be done Christmas shopping. I have one more gift to buy and I am done...plus all the wrapping.

That, with the move, I'm not sure if I'm going to do Christmas cards this year or not...I send 40-50 cards, plus cards for my co-workers. I think I need to focus on unpacking and such. But we'll see.

To want to decorate my bathroom with flamingos. I love flamingos. The bathroom is white and I think the pink from the flamingos would go well. Plus I have a flamingo lamp and a flamingo print that don't go well with my red living room or yellow and blue bedroom.

Inspire Me: Blessed

Last week, I found myself in tears because I was so stressed out and frustrated by a situation. A situation, at the time and still now, I realized was so insignificant in the grand scheme of things and something that I was overthinking. There was this moment in my life, that should have been a very happy moment, I should have been celebrating. Instead, I was panicking and stressed. My dad reminded that I shouldn't let this situation ruin a happy moment. I knew he was right, but easier said than done. 

I tried not to think about the situation. I told myself it would be ok, that I could do it, it was all going to be ok. I kept saying this and I knew it was correct. But I was still stressing.

But then I saw this quote on Facebook:

 

 

I wouldn't say that I was focusing on how stressed I was, but I was spending too much time and energy focusing on a situation that was causing stress. Seeing this quote reminded me to focus on how blessed I am. The situation that was causing stress came to be because of a huge blessing I was given- a number of blessings actually. There were circumstances and situations that allowed me to have this experience, and a small part of the experience was causing me stress. 

I switched my focus from worry to thankful. It changed my perspective on the situation. It helped me remain calm. Will the situation isn't 100% for me at the moment, and it does cause a bit of anxiety, I remind myself to stay calm, go slow, take my time. And, that it is actually a blessing. 

Fashion Friday: Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Happy Friday everyone!! It has been awhile since I have done a fashion post...or posting in general...so I thought I would celebrate this first Friday of December by sharing some ugly Christmas sweaters! These are def not the ugliest Christmas sweaters I have ever seen, but they are kind of fun and readily available this holiday season!

Images Via Christmas Motif (H&M) // Merry Chrismukkah (Ardene) // Leg Lamp (Retro Festive) // All Wrapped By (Walmart) // Reindeer Christmas Sweater (Hudson's Bay)

Christmas Movies

I am a HUGE fan of the holiday season and have been listening to Christmas music for weeks now. I've been busy with a couple of things, so I haven't had the chance to dedicate a ton of time to watching Christmas movies- yet- but I will be correcting that soon. 

There are so many Christmas movies that I love, but I wanted to share five of my 'must watch' movies for this year!

Images via A Christmas Story // Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer // Elf // White Christmas // Christmas with the Kranks

I am surprised by the number of people who don't know about A Christmas Story. But everyone I know who knows of this movie LOVES it!! I introduced this movie to my dad a couple of years ago and it's now one of his favourite movies. We join Ralphie in the days leading up to Christmas where he tries to convince everyone that a Red Rider BB Gun is the perfect Christmas gift, but they all tell him he'll "shoot your eye out". In my opinion, this movie is pretty underrated, but so funny!

 

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is an old Christmas movie that we are all familiar with. Rudolph gets shunned by the other reindeer because of his bright red nose. He goes off to find a place where he'll be accepted, and finds the misfit toys. He heads back to the North Pole to get Santa to accept the misfit toys, and finds Santa unable to fly his sleigh due to the fog. Don't you worry, Rudolph and his nose so bright guide Santa's sleigh that night, and all works out. This movie is tied to my childhood, we watched it every year.

 

I think we are all familiar with Elf. Buddy finds out that he is a human, and not an elf. He travels to New York City to meet his biological father. We follow Buddy's adventures in New York, and see him become part of a human family, as well as save Christmas! This movie is so funny! My sister and I watch it every year together.

 

White Christmas is one of those old, musical, classic holiday movies. Two former army members become a song and dance duo, and meet two sisters who have their own song and dance show. The sisters travel to Vermont to perform at an Inn, the guys follow them. Turns out the Inn needs to be saved, which the four of them do. This movie will only be of interest to a certain demographic- those who like musicals and/or classic movies- but I look forward to watching this movie every year.

In Christmas with the Kranks, Luther and Nora decide to use the money they would normally spend on Christmas to take a trip instead over the holidays. At the last minute, their daughter Blair, decides she is going to be home for Christmas, so Luther and Nora know have to pull together a holiday celebration. This is a hilarious movie with a great cast.

I am hoping this weekend or early next week to start my Christmas movie viewing...I can't wait!!

Book Club: The Circle

Image Via Chapters Indigo

Book: The Circle

Author: Dave Eggers

Indigo Summary: 
When Mae Holland is hired to work for the Circle, the world’s most powerful internet company, she feels she’s been given the opportunity of a lifetime. The Circle, run out of a sprawling California campus, links users’ personal emails, social media, banking, and purchasing with their universal operating system, resulting in one online identity and a new age of civility and transparency. As Mae tours the open-plan office spaces, the towering glass dining facilities, the cozy dorms for those who spend nights at work, she is thrilled with the company’s modernity and activity. There are parties that last through the night, there are famous musicians playing on the lawn, there are athletic activities and clubs and brunches, and even an aquarium of rare fish retrieved from the Marianas Trench by the CEO. Mae can’t believe her luck, her great fortune to work for the most influential company in the world—even as life beyond the campus grows distant, even as a strange encounter with a colleague leaves her shaken, even as her role at the Circle becomes increasingly public. What begins as the captivating story of one woman’s ambition and idealism soon becomes a heart-racing novel of suspense, raising questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge.

 

What I have to say: 
This book reminded me a lot of 1984 by George Orwell, but set in the digital age. The Circle as a company reminded me a lot of Facebook and Google, which makes me wonder how close are we to be living in the society/lifestyle/etc that is portrayed in this book. There are no chapters in this book, which I personally didn't like, but I did enjoy the book. Mae is a bit two-dimensional, but I think that goes to show how much of a follower she is, willing to buy into whatever The Circle is telling her, not to question anything. I would hardly describe this book "a heart-racing novel of suspense", but it was still a good, interesting read.

 

Final verdict: 

I recommend it! I have already lent my copy of this book to my sister. This was the November pick for my book club, and we all enjoyed it. As stated above, essentially 1984  for the digital age. 

Currently- November Edition

I have decided, after years of blogging, that I would jump on the 'currently' blog posts. I always enjoy reading other blogger's 'currently' posts, so I thought I would do my own, so here we go:

Watching

Image Via Fansided

 I am binge watching Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23 on Netflix. Halfway through the second-and final-- season. Love this show!

Image Via Chapters Indigo

The Circle by Dave Eggers is the book selection for my book club this month. I think this will be a good book! Look for a review later this month.

Listening

Image Via Wikipedia

Image Via Wikipedia

I have been listening to a variety of Christmas music, including Pentatonix That's Christmas To Me.

Planning

Image Via Birdlitt Moving

 I am moving! Between conference planning, I am planning a move. Moving is a hassle, but...

Feeling

Image Via Quote Addicts

...it's exciting too! I'm dreading packing and actually moving, but I'm excited to have a new place, especially one that is all mine!

Wanting

Image Via Soda Stream Canada

 I got my dad a Soda Stream last year for Christmas and he loves it and uses it all the time! I've been known to make a bottle or two for myself and bring it home with me...so I would love to have one of my own.

Loving

Image Via Modcloth

I received the Loch and Key Scarf in two different subscriptions boxes and I LOVE it! It's so comfortable, lightweight but warm. I like that it can be used as a scarf or a blanket- which is what I use it for.

July // August // September // 

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be amazed that Donald Trump was elected President. America, how did this happen? 

That I am listening to Christmas music. Since I am Canadian, Christmas is our next major holiday.

To be looking forward to taking some time off next month...it's going to be a busy month, but it'll be nice to have a little break from work and to spend time with family and friends. 

That I don't like weddings. They are so...ugh. I try to avoid weddings and anything wedding related as much as I can. 

To be counting down the days until the end of 2016. 2016 has been a great year, but I will officially be ending my relationship with the my apartment building. They have been nothing but a headache and super difficult to deal with.

Inspire Me: Drink and Dance

Happy Monday! I had a quiet, relaxing and productive weekend! I finished the majority of my Christmas shopping, did some decluttering and pre-moving prep, and made a dent in my reading and Netflix watching lists. It was nice to have some down time. 

 

Within a month, I have been the lead on three multi-day conferences. Two are done, one more to go. On top of that, I'm moving in less than three week (eek!!), the company that own my apartment has been a nightmare to deal with- issue after issue after issue- and I've also had a couple of things going on in my personal life that have been...not the most positive experience. Saying things have been busy and hectic is an understatement.

With everything that has been going on it's so important to remember to take some time to relax, unwind, and have fun!! It's the midst of everything that is going on, I am so lucky to have family, friends, and co-workers who not only make sure I take sometime away from all the 'serious' stuff, but who will, metaphorically, drink champagne and dance on the table with me.

Lest We Forget

Remember the sacrifices that our brave men and women have made fighting to give and preserve the freedom we share today. With bravery and strength they serve. With respect and gratitude we thank them.

 

In Canada, today is Remembrance Day. This is the day that we honour and remember members of our armed forces; those who have served, are serving and, especially, those who have fallen.

There is a section of highway in Ontario, which has been named the Highway of Heroes. All of our fallen soldiers travel this stretch of highway and many Canadian line the overpass to pay their respects. It's a very moving tribute and a way for Canadians to say one of their final 'goodbye' and 'thank you' to our fallen heroes. 

 

Highway of Heroes by The Trews

 

Lest We Forget.

Book Club: Slade House

Image Via

Book: Slade House

Author: David Mitchell

Indigo Summary: 
An ordinary road in a town like yours: bus routes and red-brick houses. A dank narrow alley, easy to miss, even when you're looking for it. A small black metal door set into the wall: no handle, no keyhole, but at your touch it opens onto a sunlit garden, sloping up to a house that doesn't quite make sense. . . . Go through, and the door closes discreetly behind you. In David Mitchell's exhilarating new novel, five "guests" separated by nine years enter Slade House for a brief visit--only to vanish without trace from the outside world. Who draws them to the heart of Slade House, and why is the house missing from maps? Beginning in 1979 and ending in 2015, these five interlacing narratives will enchant Mitchell's readers, old and new, with a signature blend of mystery, realism, and the supernatural.

 

What I have to say: 
This book was the October pick for my book club. This is genre isn't for me- I scare easily. It was too creepy and suspenseful- I will admit that I could only read it during the day. As scared as I was, I loved this book!! Each chapter focus is on a specific guest and are spaced 9 years apart, and each chapter has some common elements- for example, the bar the Fox and Hounds is part of each chapter/story. The guest from the previous chapter also makes an appearance in the current chapter, and each chapter builds on the previous one...taking us a bit further into the mysterious Slade House.

 

Final verdict: 
Highly recommended! As creepy as the book was, I didn't want to stop reading...I needed to know what would happen next. Even if you aren't into creepy/suspenseful books, this book is worth reading.
 

Message From Canada: You're Great America

With the American election weeks away, the world is watching to see who will become the next President of the United States. We are well aware of the circus that has been this campaign and the high entertainment the debates have been. 

Now, if this was happening in Canada, we know the US would be making fun of us...kind of like you did with Rob Ford (RIP). And while Canadians are questioning if this election is a joke, and we are questioning how America has let it come to this...we are also, well, Canada.

So, of course, we do what Canada does and instead of making fun of America and belittling you, we give you, America, a pep talk. 

So Canadian. 

No matter what happens on November 8, no matter who the next President of the United States is, we still think you're great America. 

Hey, It's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry  

That I am not really into Halloween. I don't get the hype...I'm not into dressing up, watching scary movies, visiting haunted houses...it's just not for me.

To have walked out of a meeting yesterday. I was so annoyed and ready to snap, so I excused myself for a few minutes.

That I have FINALLY finished watching Gilmore Girls! I started watching in February and finished last week. Some seasons were better than others...I'm looking forward to the revival...I hope Rory and Logan end up together.

To be sad that Flare magazine, one of my favourites, will no longer be doing print editions.

That I love being in a book club! I've been introduced to authors and books I would never have read. Plus, it's nice to see and spend time with some old friends from high school every month.

Book Club: How To Party With An Infant

Image via

Book: How To Party With An Infant

Author: Kaui Hart Hemmings

Indigo Summary: 
When Mele Bart told her boyfriend Bobby she was pregnant with his child, he stunned her with an announcement of his own: he was engaged to someone else.

Fast forward two years, Mele’s daughter is a toddler, and Bobby and his fiancée want Ellie to be the flower girl at their wedding. Mele, who also has agreed to attend the nuptials, knows she can’t continue obsessing about Bobby and his cheese making, Napa-residing, fiancée. She needs something to do. So she answers a questionnaire provided by the San Francisco Mommy Club in elaborate and shocking detail and decides to enter their cookbook writing contest. Even though she joined the group out of desperation, Mele has found her people: Annie, Barrett, Georgia, and Henry (a stay-at-home dad). As the wedding date approaches, Mele uses her friends’ stories to inspire recipes and find comfort, both.

 

What I have to say: 
I am part of a book club and this was our pick for September. I found this book REALLY hard to get into and I had to force myself to finish it so that I would be prepared for book club. The title of the book is...misleading...there is no 'partying', it's parents sitting at a playground telling stories. There were a lot of characters, each with their own story- which inspires a recipe- and characters within stories, so it was hard to follow at times and to remember who was who and who was dealing with what. When Mele attends her ex's wedding, it gets kinda good and I wanted to know what would happen next...but the book ended, which was disappointing.

 

Final verdict: 
Give this book a pass...I'll leave it at that.