Tu Vas Nous Manquer, Rocky

Today I am saying goodbye to Rocky, someone I have known my entire life. His wife and my mom were good friends in high school- and still are to this day. His daughter is around my age, so I spent a lot of time with her when we were growing up. Throughout the years, Rocky and his family were part of my life.

 

Last Thursday, Rocky passed away. It was rather sudden. My heart goes out to his wife, children, and siblings. I can't imagine what they are feeling and are dealing with. 

Rocky was also a politician, so I would see him on a regular basis at events and public meetings. He always made the point to say hello to me, ask how things were going, and to update me on his kids. Whenever I was in Chambers, he would make the point to come sit with me in the gallery for a few minutes and chat. He would also let my dad know I was there. Rocky was always looking out for me, making sure I was taken care of and that I was ok.

 

He was dedicated to his community and the people he represented. No issue was too small for him to look into and he always did what he could to help people. Rocky was also a proud francophone. He was an advocate for the francophone community, always advocating for the importance francophone culture. There was no one more passionate about the preservation and promotion. 

I'm struggling with what to say...nothing sums up what I feel, how much Rocky will be missed, or the impact he had on our community. I feel that I will never be able to do him justice.

 

Rocky- I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to you. My heart hurts knowing I will never see you again, never sit in Chambers with you again, never talk to you again, never hug you again. We never had a grand adventure or a groundbreaking experience, but our interactions were of the small, ordinary kind- which I think is more significant. The role you played in my life, the fact that you were part of the day-to-day is more meaningful than a one-off big memory. I know that you would have done anything for me...I appreciate that, I really do.

I consider it an honour that I was part of your life, and you mine; and honour that I knew you since I was born. You were hardworking, dedicated, and passionate. Even though I am not a francophone, I will continue to learn about and support francophone culture in your memory. 

 

Merci pour tout ce que vous avez fait pour notre communaute, et pour moi. Je me souviendrai tourjours de toi. Tu vas nous manquer, Rocky. 

 

Jusqu' a ce que nous nous retrouvions.

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

That Big Brother starts on Thursday! Can't wait!!

To have had a great weekend, especially celebrating my great-grandmother's birthday! Always nice to see her, and celebrate her, as well as spend time with cousins.

That I need to start planning my trip to Quebec City! It is weeks away and I have no idea what I want to see and do while I'm there...I need to get on that.

To be loving all the Canada 150 merchandise that is out! So many cute and patriotic things...I want it all!!

That I spent the first day of summer (after work) at the beach. It was the perfect way to kick-off my favourite season.

Inspire Me: Something Wonderful

This is how I start my day...I believe every day that something amazing will happen. I've lost sight of that over the past few weeks. Time to refocus.

From The Archives: Let It Rain

I have a life that I love and I have many, many, many great things going for me. About two weeks ago, there was a very confusing conversation with someone who claimed I was one of his best friends. From there, things went downhill. It was one thing after another- all unrelated, but all negative. I'm pretty tough and I can take a lot...but there was a final blow- someone I thought would always be there for me- that has really gotten to me. All of the situations and circumstances added up and really got to me, if I'm being honest. 

On the weekend, I was able to escape. It's a place I run to, and I had the added bonus of being alone that weekend. Time to be by myself, do what I want, process thoughts, and refocus. The weather, of course, got in the way of my plans. Instead of being at the beach, I was under a covered porch during a thunder storm. 

As I was mesmerized by the storm, I was reminded of situation years ago where I found myself caught in the rain. I was reminded of how much happiness that situation brought me, and realized I needed to stop focusing on all the little things that I could have done differently and start focusing on the small, simple pleasures of life- like playing in the rain. 

Review: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

A number of months ago, I was introduced to Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. I was given the product in the shade of "Sugar Fig". I must admit, at first look, I was not a fan of the colour- I thought it was too dark, too shimmery, and too 'purple' for me. The product sat in my make up draw for a few months before I even gave it try. 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Sugar FigImage via Sephora

I. Love. This. Product! 

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment has become my 'go to' lip product. The colour is really sheer, so "Sugar Fig" did end up being a good colour for me, but it's also a buildable product- you just keep layering until you get the shade you want. In the tube, the product looked really shimmery, but was perfect on my lips. I have since tried this product in "Tulip" which is a pretty, pink colour. 

What I love about Fresh, besides it being a sheer and a buildable product, is how soft, smooth, and hydrated it leaves my lips! While it isn't a 'long lasting' colour (and it doesn't claim to be), the colour does last a decent amount. The price point is a little high ($30), but well worth it!

Hey, It`s Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

That it was a rainy weekend. I like the rain, but it got in the way of my beach time. 

To be sad and disappointed that the New York Rangers bought out Dan Girardi`s contract. I love the Rangers, and I loved Dan as a Ranger.

That I have a busy week ahead of my. Everyday for the next week, I have plans every day/night with friends or family. It'll be fun!!

To not understand why Corus Entertainment would but Big Brother Canada on "hiatus" despite it doing well in the ratings and bringing in a younger demographic.

That I have been struggling the past two weeks. I'm constantly telling myself that 'this too shall pass' and to focus on choosing to be happy.

Inspire Me: Choose Happy

The past 10-ish days, at best, have been a struggle. Despite everything that is going and happening, I remind myself of this:

Legally Blonde Movie Night Checklist

A few months ago, one of my sorority sisters mentioned she had never seen Legally Blonde. My reaction, was a resounding "WHAT?!". How was it possible that she had never seen this movie?!  I told her that we would have to do a screening of the movie.

Due to busy schedules, our Legally Blonde movie night is on our 'to do list'. If we plan it right, we might be able to do an outdoor screening. I outdoor movies- on the side of your house or on your garage or if you don't have a blank wall, on a sheet- make my list of favourite summer activities. 

I was recently inspired to create my own movie night. I knew right away that I wanted to centre my movie night around Legally Blonde. With some help from Pure Flix, below you will find my list of essentials to help create the ultimate movie night in.

Legally Blonde is a light hearted, fun movie with lots of colour- especially pink! I want  the food and drink for movie night to align with this.

First of all, I want my guests to be comfortable! Whenever I have people over for a girls night, I have a strict pajama/yoga pants/comfy clothes policy. Not only do I want my guests to dress comfy, but I also want them to be comfortable, so I pull out all of the pillows and blankets that I own. My guests are free to use what they would like and sit- or lie- where they want.

What's a movie without popcorn? Sure, you can have regular, old popcorn...or you can have birthday cake batter popcorn! This is super easy to make, really yummy, and the sprinkles add a lot fun to your popcorn! While popcorn is a movie essential, I know that a lot of people like to snack on candy while watching a movie, so I like to set up a candy bar. My go-to movie candy includes peanut butter M&Ms, red licorice, Malt Balls, and Peppermint Pattys. I usually ask my guests to bring their favorutite movie candy to be added to the candy bar.

Whenever I have people over, I like to have a signature drink. The signature is usually a pink flamingo. I like this drink as the signature drink for this movie night because it's pink and fits the feel for this screening, plus it can be made as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.

I make sure to have pink paper plates and napkins set out for my guests. I will decorate the food & beverage area with signs related to the movie- Bend and snap, Delta Nu letters, the stylized Harvard 'H'. You can print these out from a computer and either stick them on the wall or fit them into dollar store frames. Just something fun to tie elements of the movie into our night. I'm sure if you search 'Legally Blonde decor' on Pinterest, tons of ideas and how to's will come up.

Finally, I like to have a little gift for my guests so that they can remember the fun night we had. I like to give something practically and that they will use. I tend to gift drinkware to my guests- they can use it during movie night and then bring it home. You can usually pick up cute glasses at a dollar store or on etsy.

There you have it...my must haves for a Legally Blonde movie night!

Grandma's Chair

A couple of years ago, I shared a post about this chair that I got from my great-grandmother's house. When I was looking for my condo and getting ready to move, I knew that my new place would have to be able to accommodate this chair. Lucky, the chair would have been a great fit for the living room of my condo, as well as my bedroom- which is where it currently is.

I love the chair- the shape, pattern, and the memories associated with it. 

My great grandfather passed away in 1998, when I was in grade 8, so I have a lot of memories of him- so much of my childhood was spent at his house. My great grandmother- who is turning 90 later this month- moved out of their house about two years ago. 

I received a number of items from their house before it was sold, but this chair is by far my favourite. My sister also got a chair from my great grandmother...it's a furry, pink chair, with little ball/tassels. So 1960/1970's, but so amazing!

 

 

My great grandmother is a woman of beauty- her physical appearance, her inner soul, and her (former) home. Grandma will do anything for her family, making us all feel so loved. She is an Italian woman, so there was always food- pasta, salami, stuffed peppers, vegetables from the garden, chicken, bread, homemade cakes and cookies... Whatever you wanted, grandma had and would give to you. 

This chair brings me back to her home, my childhood, teenage years, and 20's. Family meals, sleepovers, sick days from school, chats over coffee, brunch after mass on Sundays, running in the garden (where we were not allowed to play), trips to the playground, afternoons on the sun porch, making wine in the garage and salami in the basement. 

I had a very happy childhood, and I know that I am incredibly blessed that my great grandparents were part of it.

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To have spent Saturday at Point Pelee, the most southern point of (mainland) Canada! I will eventually get organized enough and share some photos and video from that trip. 

That I had a blast in Ottawa!! I toured parliament, met Jon Montgomery (host of Amazing Race Canada) and got to wear his gold medal, spent time with colleagues, and wandered around Byward Market. Again, I will eventually get organized enough to share more from that trip.

To be disappointed in the organizers of the Harry Potter Festival that was to take place in Goderich. They are not being transparent with what they are doing and where money is going, they made significant changes to the festival- It's no longer in Goderich, or a three day festival, changes have been made to programing, they do not (at the time of this writing) do not have a signed contract with the venue, changed the name of the festival, and they are refusing to refund (or compensate) tickets. Very poor planning and customer service.

That I need to remind myself that not everything is meant to last forever...a reason, a season, a lifetime.

To be counting down the days to the weekend- where I will be spending my days at the beach!!

Inspire Me: Stay Positive

After the all that happened last week, I needed to be reminded of this...it will be my focus for this week. 

Inspire Me: Imagination

One of my all time favourite quotes, something that I remind myself of on a regular basis, and a thought that will be the focus for my week:

Currently- June Edition

Another month, another 'Currently' list!

Watching

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I have been a Chelsea Handler fan since she was on Girls Behaving Badly. I am loving her show on Netflix. 

Reading

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 The Handmaid's Tale is the June selection for my Book Club. I read this book in high school, and I'm hoping- because I don't have to read it for school- that it'll be easier to read this time around.

Listening

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I have been on a podcast kick the past few months. This is one of my favourite podcast- so funny!

Drinking

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 I have been drinking a lot of water the past few weeks. I've always liked water, but I'm trying to be more aware of how much I drink- trying to stay super hydrated and make some lifestyle changes. 

Eating

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 I could eat breakfast foods all day. Eggs Benedict is one of my favourites and something I have been eating a lot of recently. So good!

Wanting

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The onset of Summer makes me nostalgic for my Summers spent in Muskoka. I am desperately wanting to spend some time with some of my favourite people in this beautiful part of Ontario. 

Loving

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 I am super late to the party on this, but I am totally loving coconut oil! Coconut is one of my favourite flavours, and we are all well aware of the benefits of coconut oil. I've started adding a teaspoon to my morning smoothie and using this in place of oil/butter in my cooking and baking. So good!

July // August // September // November // December // January // February // March // April // May

Canada 150

Today is June 1. The start of a new month, the last month of school. the official start of summer. 

 

Today is also the one month countdown to July 1. On July 1, 2017 Canada- my beloved country- will be turning 150. Canada, as a country, is still pretty young and we have done a lot in our 150 years. 2017 has been- and will continue to be- a year long celebration. 

 

On Canada Day, I will be in my hometown celebrating this milestone. There are some fun things planned and I'm excited to participate and be part of the celebration. I will be sure to share the day via Instagram, and (eventually) here, on the blog.

 

From coast to coast to coast, there are so many different things planned to celebrate Canada 150. There are too many great things happening to list, but I wanted to share a couple of my favourites. 

 

ParticipACTION has created a list 150 activities to get people moving. What I like about this list is that the items have been selected because they represent Canada and Canadians.   

Hudson's Bay, a truly iconic and Canadian company, is doing the Grand Portage. This is a limited edition collection, where proceeds were go toward completing the last 2,200 kilometers of the Great Trail. The Great Trial, is a cross-Canada network of recreational hiking trails. They are literally connecting all Canadians. 

The Canadian Government has gifted Canadians with a Parks Canada pass. This gives Canadians free admission to all National Parks, National Historic Sites, and National Marine Conservation Areas. I have already visited Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and I'm hoping to use my pass to visit Laurier House in Ottawa later this week, and I'm planning a trip with a friend to Peelee Island in early June. I'm looking forward to exploring.

I have also been selected by the National Ballet of Canada to participate in their 150 Pointes project. I was so surprised, and honoured, to be selected! I'm working with a couple of different people to really showcase my 'pointe' in Canada. 

There are so many fun, interesting, and cool things going on. I'm really trying to embrace and experience as much as I can.