Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To be disappointed in Fox and their broadcast of Rent Live. The actor playing Roger broke his foot the night before during a rehearsal, so Fox decided to broadcast a recording of the rehearsal with the last 15 minutes live, instead of accommodating the actor and broadcasting live. Fox did a HUGE disservice to the audience and everyone who worked on the production.

That I am behind on replying to text messages, emails, and Facebook messages. As in, it's been a few days since I've checked and/or replied to anything. Sometimes you juts need to be on a break with your phone/social media. 

To want to be somewhere warm!! I am done with the snow and the cold and the winter driving conditions. Give me sun, sand, and sea!!

That February starts on Friday. This month has, thankfully, gone quickly. 

10 Things That Make Me Happy

We are mid-week, mid-January, just past blue Monday...We can all use a bit of happiness. Event if we were at the weekend, mid-summer, we could still use some happiness. There is rarely a bad time for happy. 

Generally speaking, I am a very happy, optimistic person. I actually had a former supervisor tell me recently that she felt my positive outlook on life naturally happy demeanor has served me well considering everything that I am currently dealing with- but I am Just Done with that situation.

When I am feeling down, here are 10 things I do to pick myself up and feel happy again.

1. Watch Friends. I think is hands down the funniest show ever. This show makes me laugh so much, even after all these years! 
2. Read a book. Getting lost in a book is a great way to forget what's going on. Sometimes I will turn to whatever book I am currently reading. Other times I turn to a favourite book I have read a million times, or a book by Sophie Kinsella who is a hilarious author. 
3. Phone a friend. Curling up and having a conversation with a friend is so great. I don't always tell my friends what's going on- although venting is good- but just chatting and catching up always makes me feel better.
4. Kitchen dance party. Seriously, this is so fun! I ask google to play some music and just sing along and dance away.
5. Watch favourite YouTubers/Instagramers aka people who make you laugh. Simply Nailogical is one of my favourite and funniest YouTubers. On Instagran I love Kathleen aka Carrie Bradshaw Lied Instastories. She is hilarious. Also hilarious? Drunk Astrology aka The 502 Kid.
6. Write. There is nothing like putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and getting it all out of your system. If something is really getting me down and I just can't shake it, writing always helps.
7. Plan a trip. Even if I have nowhere to go, I will research places I want to go- where to stay, what to do. This is fun for me and gives me something to look forward to! And when, I am finally ready to book that trip, I already have a head start on the planning. 
8. Listen to Grownups Read Things They Wrote As Kids. This podcast never fails to make me laugh. I have even been to a live recording, which was so fun and so funny. 
9. Go for a walk/drive. Change of scenery and fresh air are great ways to feel happier. I love walking around downtown and along the river, or driving to the beach and walking along the pier and/or boardwalk. 
10. Sleep. I think we can all agree that naps are amazing. Sometimes all I need is a nap so that I feel well rested and have a fresh perspective. Sometimes I need to sleep for hours, so that I can wake up and just start over. 

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

That I spent the past few days hibernating. It has been COLD here in Ontario, especially with the wind chill...it has felt as cold as -30 here. Perfect reason to stay home, wrap yourself in blankets, read and watch TV/Netflix. 

To be happy that How To Get Away With Murder is back! I love this show, but it's annoying how long of a hiatus they take between the "Winter Finale" and starting the second half of the season.

That I enjoyed Becoming by Michelle Obama. As a political daughter, it's always interesting for me to hear about other political families and their experience. It was a great, inspiring read.

To really like the sneak peeks of new Kate Spade branding! I like the updates they have made, and I'm looking forward to seeing the full re-brand next week!

That Gillian Anderson will be playing Margaret Thatcher on The Crown. I think that Gillian is a great actress and it'll be great to see how she portrays Margaret. 

Just Done

Towards the end of 2018, I ended a friendship with one of my best friends. In January or February of 2018, she started an affair with a married co-worker. She too is married. As of November, the last time I really spoke to her, she was still involved with him. She thought she was in love with him and thought of him as her boyfriend. 

She used me in a VERY messed up game that she was playing. Her "boyfriend" also used me as a pawn in order to "get back at" people he didn't like, and to reassure my former friend. Things spiraled out of control and over 20 people ended up in an unnecessary, painful, stressful situation. The result of what they did affected people in life changing ways...this was not a small situation. 

Of all the people who know of and were involved in the situation, most of them think that I was treated the most unfairly and harshly, with greatest consequences. There was a whole aspect of my life that was turned upside down and torn apart. I don't know if I was treated the most unfairly, but I agree that I had the greatest consequences. I am still dealing with and wading through those consequences from two months ago. I am optimistic that things will work out and be resolved, but as of right now, there is no end in sight.

In the immediate aftermath, I cut her out of my life. I didn't talk to her, and I prevented her from talking to me- blocking and deleting her. 

She and I eventually had a very short conversation, where my goal was to tell her that I wasn't mad or upset with her...I had accepted the situation and moved on. I had no intention of rekindling our friendship, but I wanted her to know I had no ill will. 

Her goal was to tell me how much I hurt her by blocking her, how unfairly I had treated her, that I hadn't acted like a friend...essentially tell me I am bad person, guilt trip me, and play the role of victim. As far as she was concerned, I was making up things that had happened to me- even though I was flat out told that what was happening to me was a result of something she had said and done, which I told her. She told me she couldn't talk about it and proceed to update me on her life, as if nothing had happened. I was a little surprised-as she identifies as a Christian and says she wants to do the right thing, and be a good person- that she refused to take ownership for her role, her refusal to apologize for- or even acknowledge- the damage she created.

I, in good conscience and good faith, could not be friends with someone like her- liar, cheater, consistent stupid decision maker, hurting innocent people, backstabbing her best friend, frequently selfish and self absorbed, etc. I deserved better than that. Plus, you are who you associate with and I did not want to be associated with all of that. Our conversation reaffirmed to me that I had done the right thing in ending our friendship.

We hear it all the time- know when to cut your losses and move on. Easier said than done, I know. A lot of times you just need to be done...with situations, people. Sometimes there is just no working things out...because there is no positive resolution, because the other person doesn't deserve to still be in your life, because you can't reach a resolution, because...because...because...

You can just walk away.

You don't need to harbour resentment or bad feelings. You can just say "I'm done" and move forward with your life. You don't need to justify or explain why you are done. You can be done with things over big situations- like mine- or it can be over small things that bother you but are insignificant to others. You don't need to rehash things, you don't have to try and work things out, and you do not need to accommodate anyone else.

Know yourself worth and value.

Just be done. 

It's ok to be done.

2018 Favourites

I am a tiny bit delayed in this post, but I wanted to share with all of you some of my favourites from 2018!

Skincare:

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb has worked wonders on my super dry skin. This is a quick absorbing, long lasting moisturizer that adds so much relief to my skin. This product can be used day and night, but I only use it in the morning. 

Makeup:

Pixi H2O Skin Tint Tinted Face Gel is more like a tinted moisturizer and a great substitute for foundation! I'm not a fan of foundation, as I feel it's too heavy on my skin. This product is light coverage, does a great job evening out your skin tone, and making skin look flawless. 

Clothing:

Old Navy Boyfriend Straight Jean are the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn! On top of that, these jeans are the perfect length for me; I'm only 5'2" and they hit right above my ankle, no tailoring needed.

Shoes:

Deflex Comfort Shoes from Payless are my go to shoe. They come in a variety of styles, but they all have a foam sole which is super comfortable. They also are elastic so they form to your foot, with no slipping and no blisters! I wear these shoes for 12+ hours with no issues.

Scent:

Lemongrass is a scent that I have been drawn to throughout 2018. I really like the citrus scent, it's very fresh and energizing. There are a ton of benefits to this essential oil, but I really just like the smell. 

Accomplishment:

So, I don't have an image to go along with this 'Favourite', but in 2018 I had 98 events that I worked on! This is by far the most events I have ever worked on in a single year. In 2017, I worked on 60-something events, which at the point had been the most. I am so proud on the number and quality of events that I did. On top of the 98 events, In 2018 I had started working on 20-25 events for 2019.

Memory:

Image via adventureworld.com.au

Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island. I had the opportunity to go to PEI in 2018 and I had an amazing time! This was the first time I traveled and explored a place by myself, and PEI was a great place to visit! You can see pictures from my trip here, here, here, and here.

Prosciutto & Cheese Rolls

Like everyone else, I lead a busy life so I am always on the hunt for quick and easy recipes. One of my 'go to' things to make is stuffed crescent rolls. Recently, I have been loving prosciutto and cheese stuffed crescent rolls! These roll are great as an appetizer, lunch, or an on-the-go breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 1 package crescent rolls
• 1 package of prosciutto
• 1 package of cheese

 To Make:

• Roll out crescent rolls
• Layer a slice of prosciutto 
• Layer a slice of cheese
• Roll crescent roll
• Bake crescent rolls according to instructions on package
• Enjoy!

Notes:

1. These can be served warm or cold
2. I use Pillsbury Mini Crescent rolls
3. I use gouda cheese

Singles Swag January Review

Singles Swag is a monthly lifestyle subscription boxed aimed at single women to empower and inspire them. While the target audience is single women, Singles Swag can appeal to a wide variety of women, despite their relationship status. Who doesn't love getting a box full of great items?

Singles Swag offers two boxes: 

• Singles Swag Petite which is 3-4 full size products for $24.99 (USD) a month
• Singles Swag which is 6-7 full size products for $39.00 (USD) a month

I have known about this subscription for about a year, but the January box is the first box that I received. 

• Zoe Ayla Classy Rose Gold Eyelash Curler I always enjoy getting beauty tools in subscription boxes, as they are items I use but rarely buy for myself.
  Retail Value $40.00
• Nico New York Silver Bar Necklace This is a very simple and classic necklace. I am not a big jewelry wearer- I ware the same pieces every day- but I am sure I will find someone to gift this to.
  Retail Value $64.00
• Purlisse 6-pc Blue Lotus + White Tea Sheet Mask Set I am huge Purlisse fan and have tried this mask before. I love that we got a full box instead of just one or two masks.
  Retail Value $38.00
• Spongelle Pedi Buffer Spongelle is popular with subscription boxes and I'm not mad about it. Spongelle is basically a sponge that is infused with cleanser that you can reuse (usually up to 14 times). This is a little different because it is a buffer for your feet, but it's the same concept. Looking forward to trying this out!
  Retail Value $16
• Headbands of Hope Black Confetti Beanie This is a fun and appropriate product for a January box. I don't wear hats, but I know I will be able to gift this to someone. I love that for every product sold, Headbands for Hope donates a handband to a child with cancer.
  Retail Value $32
• Pure Comsetics Pure Illumination Light Up Gloss This is hands down my favourite product in this box! Not only is there a mirror on the side of the package (brilliant!) but there is also an LED light built into the wand (extra brilliant)! I am fan of Pure Cosmetics, and this lip gloss doesn't disappoint. Note: Some people received a Real Her lip stick instead of this gloss. I am not a fan of Real Her, so I was excited that I got the gloss!
  Retail Value $22.00
• Socada Milk Chocolate Bar This is Italian milk chocolate, which I didn't realize was a thing.
  Retail Value $5.00
• Total value $217.00

I am pretty happy with my first Singles Swag Box! With the exception of the necklace and hat- both great, just not for me- I love everything in the box! The value is worth what I paid, and I am interested to see what next month's box will hold!

Hey, It's Ok

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

To not be excited about Celebrity Big Brother. I love Big Brother, but I couldn't get into last season's Celebrity Big Brother. I likely won't even bother watching.

That I am looking forward to my friend's birthday on Friday! She always puts on a great dinner and party. This year is a trailer park themed murder mystery! 

To be, finally and slowly, organizing my condo. I redid my work area, and reorganized my front hall and bathroom. Still a ton of things to organize, but I am working on it. 

That I do not understand the hype around Chris Pratt marrying Katherine Schwarzenegger. 

To kinda want to watch You on Netflix. I am hearing so much about this show and how good it is. My hesitation? I read the book and was creeped out by it. I'm not sure I am brave enough to watch the show. 

Plot Twist

Recently, I had two bombshells dropped on me. Both were related to the same aspect of my life and definitely threw me for a loop. Realistically, I should have known something would come up. No matter how great, wonderful, perfect something is, there are always highs and lows. 

I had to ask myself "Where do I go from here?". It was an uncomfortable thought, uncomfortable reality. The first time around, I decided that I just had new information and that didn't really change anything. Everything was still great and I needed to not dwell. It took me four or five days, a lot of tears, silence, and conversation to get there. 

The second time was harder. It made me question what else I didn't know, what else would be brought to my attention. There were a lot of questions and uncertainty. Do I make a clean break and walk away? Do I stay and try and figure things out? Do I act like nothing has happened? Do I put my guard up and slowly push away from the situation?

In the midst of agonizing over the situation, I came across this quote: 

This is just a plot twist. It adds another element to my story, but it's not worth dwelling on. It is what it is. I can't go back and change it...no matter how much I think about it. I need to be present in the moment, focus on now.

I can stay and see what happens, or I can walk away. 

Either way, I need to move on.

This is just a plot twist.

What's Your Face Worth?

I will be the first to admit, I am not a makeup guru- I don't even pretend to be. My makeup routine, when I do decide to wear makeup, is very basic. But, I thought it would still be fun to see 'how much my face is worth'. Or, it might be horrifying. 

If you don't know 'What's Your Face Worth' is where you take your daily makeup routine and figure out the prices of all the makeup products you use. So, let's get into it!

• Pixi Flawless and Poreless Primer $30.00
• Pixi H2O Skintint $34.00
• tarte Leave Your Mark Eyeshadow Palette $35.60
• Manna Kadar Paradise Blush $3.96
• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Highlighter in Bronze (similar) $39.62
• Revlon Volumazing Mascara $11.99
• Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil $32.00
• Burt's Bees Lip Crayon $9.97
• TOTAL $197.14

Well...almost $200! I feel that's a little crazy! I don't want to think about how much it would cost for a 'full face' of make up with contour, concealer, eyeliner, etc. I take comfort in know that some products came in subscription boxes, so I didn't pay full price. Other products were sent to me complimentary for review. I thought because my makeup routine is so minimal that the 'value' would be a bit lower...

A couple of notes:

• Prices are CAD
• Prices, in general, tend to be higher in Canada
• Some products were listed in USD and I used the current exchange to convert to CAD
• I also used current list prices- if a product was on sale, that is the price I used

Book Club: The Broken Girls

Image Via Chapters Indigo

Book: The Broken Girls

Author: Simone St James

Indigo Summary:

Vermont, 1950. There's a place for the girls whom no one wants--the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It's called Idlewild Hall, and local legend says the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming--until one of them mysteriously disappears . . .

Vermont, 2014. Twenty years ago, journalist Fiona Sheridan's elder sister's body was found in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And although her sister's boyfriend was tried and convicted of the murder, Fiona can't stop revisiting the events, unable to shake the feeling that something was never right about the case.

When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during renovations links the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past--and a voice that won't be silenced . . .

What I have to say:

This was the December pick for my book club (you can find all of the books we read in 2018 here). The long abandoned girls boarding school Idlewild Hall, has been purchased by a women, Margaret, and is being renovated to become a girls boarding school again. Journalist Fiona's sister's body was found years ago in the abandon field of the school. Fiona is writing a piece on the school, discovering it's history and wanting to know why Margaret is so interested in the school. Her investigating reveals secrets of the school- including what happened to a student who went missing- Mary Hand who haunts the grounds, and what really happened the night her sister was murdered.

Final Verdict:

This was one of the creepiest books I EVER read, but I couldn't put it down! You'll want to keep reading to find out what happens next. This was one of my favourite books that I read this year. Highly recommend it! 

Get To Know Me YouTube Tag...On The Blog! Part II

Last year I did a 'Get To Know Me' post, which you can find here, and I thought I would do another one today.  

1. Who was your first best friend? My first best friend from Junior Kindergarten was Lori. Ann I have no idea what connect us and made us best friends...but I remember how much I liked her, how we were always together, and how- just like her big sister- we talked on the phone every day. What four year olds have to talk about, I don't know...but I vividly recall that we were always talking on the phone.
2. What is your spirit animal and why? I had someone who does energy work tell me that my spirit animal is a horse- something about freedom, being a free spirit- which I understand and see how it applies to me. I like horses. I would like to think that my spirit animal is a flamingo. I have always LOVED flamingoes! As a spirit animal, they represent balance in life, fun and relaxation. I looked up the meaning of flamingo as a spirit animal, and it also means: emotions, teamwork, sociability, and forgiveness.
3. What are your life goals? My biggest life goal is to be happy...in everything I do, be happy. My other biggest life goal is to travel to all of the Canadian Provinces and Territories! I have been to 6 of 10 Provinces and 0 of 3 Territories so far.
4. What is your favourite Netflix show? I just finished the latest Fuller House season. I'm making my way through RuPaul's Drag Race, just started season four (go ahead and judge me...I'm judging myself on this one), and I'm also watching Dynasty. 
5. What is your favourite genre of film and why? Comedy!! Who doesn't like to laugh?! My least favourite genre is Italian Cinema...I spent three years studying it and I STILL don't get it.
6. What was the last movie you watched? The last movie I watched and focused on was I Feel Pretty. The last movie I 'watched' was Princess Diaries 2...It was on tv and half watched it, half did things around the house.
7. How many countries have you traveled to? 7- USA, Jamaica, Mexico, Cuba, Australia, Spain, and Portugal. 
8. Do you have any pets? I do not, but I am attempting to grow a lemon tree! It's currently a little lemon sprout that I have been growing from a lemon seed. 
9. What is the craziest thing you have every done? I don't know if this is the craziest, but it is the most spontaneous: In university, me and my high school best friend decided to go to Toronto for the night. An hour later, we were on the road with two of our other friends. We stayed downtown at a fancy hotel, rented a limo to drive around, and just lived the life. It was so much fun!
10. What theme parks have you been to? Not many...Canada's Wonderland, Darrin Lake, Disney World, Epcot, Blizzard Beach, and Hollywood Studios when it was MGM.
11. What is your Starbucks order? My order changed with the seasons, but my year round order is a grande peach tea, or grande caramel macchiato with coconut milk.
12. What do you do in your free time? Read! I spend a lot of time reading. I also blog. I like to spend as much time as I can at the beach- swimming, walking, reading, napping. Watch Netflix and YouTube. And of course, go out with friends. 
13. What was the most memorable concert you've been to? I don't know if it's the most memorable concert...In August 2017, Joel Plaskett (who I LOVE) was playing at a festival I attend every year. He was part of a songwriter circle workshop, which I also went to. I got there super early, so I was near the front. After the workshop, I was hanging around the stage in hopes of meeting Joel (no one was doing a meet and greet), and I did! He was super nice!! He signed a CD for me and I got a picture. I've had the opportunity to meet a number of artists after shows, but it's usually because they are doing a meet and greet...this was memorable because there was no meet and greet. 
14. What country do you want to visit? I would love to go back to Australia and experience it as an adult. I would like to visit Ireland and Italy, as those are the two countries my family is from.
15. Who is your favourite politician? First of all, this was a legit tag question. My favourite politician? My dad. Second favourite is Rona Ambrose. 
16. Describe your life in one word. Unique!
17. What is your favourite offline game? Cards Against Humanity is a lot of fun and funny. I have been playing poker recently (with fake money).
18. What is your favourite sport? If you asked me this a year ago, I would have said hockey- which I still love- but my new favourite sport is Canoe Polo, which I got to see for the first time last summer!
19. What was the last text you sent? "I hope you had a good birthday and that you get a good night sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow"
20. What is your favourite ice cream flavour? This is something that depends on my mood. But in the summer, at an ice cream parlour, my favourite is mint chocolate chip and cotton candy together.
21. What is one thing you like about summer? The long days of sunlight and being at the beach.
22. What is one thing you like about winter? Snow days- the perfect excuse to stay in, spend the day in pj's and being lazy. 
23. What colour is your bedroom? My bedroom at my parents house is pink- lipgloss to exact and green- and my bedroom at our second home is a yellowish-creamish colour. My bedroom at my place is yellow and blue.
24. Can you play the piano? Kinda! I took lessons as a child and I can still remember a couple of songs. But no, not really.
25. What quote inspires you? "Imagination is more important than knowledge." -Albert Einstein

If you do this tag, let me know...I would love to see your answers! 

Hey, It's Ok!

With Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry

That I originally thought it was a joke when Tim Horton's came out with a Double Double Timbit. Now that I know it's not a joke, I kinda want to try one. For my non-Canadian friends, 'double double' is a coffee with two cream and two sugar. Timbit is a donut hole. 

To be attempting to do some organizing of my condo. I've lived here for over two years, and while I have been unpacked within days of moving in, I haven't gotten around to setting up the condo to be super functional. I rearranged my bedroom on the weekend, there's still a lot of putting things back that needs to be done. but it's a start!

That I didn't watch the Golden Globes...I'm usually not interested in award shows, but I actually wanted to watch because I wanted to see Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh host. I half forgot that the show was on and was half busy rearranging furniture in my bedroom.

To not care that The Bachelor started last night. Since I did a social experiment three years ago and watched Ben Higgins season, I haven't watched an episode. I just don't get it.

That I am reading and enjoying Michelle Obama's book Becoming. This was my pick for my book club this month. I went back and forth between this book and The Paris Wife by Paula McLain, which is about Ernest Hewingway's first wife Hadley and their life together in Paris. The Paris Wife is on my reading list, and I will eventually read it.

My Path

I will admit, it took me a couple of tries to write this blog post. I kept changing my mind on the quote, on the reflection, on what I wanted to share. 

The past month and a half-ish, I have been happy. Sure, there is a fairly big situation I need to take care of, and I have a somewhat big worry in my life right now...but I'm working on them both, and I am hopefully they will both be taken care of soon. Despite these two things, I have been happy.

My life path has changed. At times I feel some anxiety about it, but then my family/friends/S.O. remind me that things will work out, they remind me how great I am, and they remind me how much they believe in me, how I did the right thing, that there are better things coming, and how proud they are of me.  

When I first saw this quote, I took it as something you could say to someone else- my path doesn't look like your path, and that's ok, don't judge me. In looking at the quote today, it's something I can say to myself; my path is different than I had intended or planned, but that's not a bad thing. Just because my path suddenly changed, doesn't mean I am lost, headed in a negative direction, that I need help, or that I am doomed. 

My path is now different because I was on the wrong path. I was losing who I was, I was losing sight of what mattered to me, I was losing my priorities and focus, I was losing my happiness. I was clearly lost, even if I didn't realize it at the time. 

Since my path changed, I found clarity and freedom. I realigned my priorities, and am focusing on a new task. I rediscovered my happiness and what makes me happy. I know, I hope, in the coming weeks my path will change yet again. I know that it will be a different path, but it will also be the path I am supposed to be on. 

Just because things aren't as I had intended, hoped, planned...I know there are better intentions, hopes, plans...and I will encounter them on this path.

I'm not lost, I'm just on my own, unique journey. 

It's ok if it's not the journey you think I should be on.

It's ok if it's not the journey I had thought I wanted to be on.

This is the path, the journey, I was meant to have.

What's In A Name?

It's been about five years or so since I shared the story behind my blog name (and social media handles), so I thought that I would do that today!

I started blogging back in the fall of 2011 and Dreams and Colour has always been the name of my blog. I know that a lot of bloggers have gone through different names and branding, but I was never one of them. Speaking of branding...all of my branding was created by the insanely talented and super sweet Chelsea from Swoon & Co. You can also find Chelsea at her blog, Olive & Ivy.

So, why Dreams and Colour?

One of my all time favourite songs is Betterman by Pearl Jam. I remember hearing it as a kid, and loving it from the beginning. There's a line in the song 'She dreams in colour/she dreams in red' that has always been one of my favourite song lyrics. 

Red is my favourite colour and I considered naming my blog 'Dreams in Red' but I thought it might be limiting as far as design goes, and I thought that it might also give off a negative image- red is often associated with anger- which I definitely didn't want.

I really liked 'Dreams in Colour' and thought it would be great from a design and imagine perspective, and I felt it related to me on a personal level- I like colour, I light bright, I like fun. 

Unfortunately, Dreams in Colour/Color were not available, but Dreams and Colour was. Dreams and Colour was close enough to the original name that I wanted, so I went with it and never looked back! 

This Year I Resolve Not To...

A lot of people- myself NOT included- take the opportunity to set resolutions for the new year. People will set goals to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more, save money...all honourable. Sometimes resolutions will be more fun- fall in love, spend more time with friends, finally take that dream vacation. I've never been one to jump on the New Year's Resolution Bandwagon. I know that, like most people, I won't keep the resolutions, so why bother?

This year, I thought instead of making a list of things I will do this year, I would make a list of things I won't do. I still don't consider these "resolutions".

Here are the 10 things I resolve not to do in 2019:

1. Let people devalue me. I know myself worth and if you are not going to value me, I don't have room for you in my life. 
2. Have a bedtime. In the past, I have gone to bed whenever I felt like it- sometimes at 9pm, sometimes at 2am- and still managed to be awake and start my day by 8am. This has worked for me in the past, so why change it?
3. Become a vegetarian. Do you know how great bacon is?! I am not giving that up. I also resolve not to become a vegan, because cheese.
4. Give up on cheesecake. It's delicious and just makes life better. 
5. Watch Star Wars/Lord of the Rings/Harry Potter. I have never seen any of these movies, to the shock and awe of many. 
6. Start smoking. That way I don't have to resolve to quit smoking later. 
7. Throw a snowball that has ice in it at someone. That's just mean.
8. Binge Netflix for more than two consecutive days. You need a break, you need to leave the house, you need to do something-anything-productive. 
9. Listen to screamo music. Never been a fan. 
10. Confine myself to top 10 lists. Also, I can't think of anything else. 

This post was inspired by Amber from Airing My Laundry. You can find her list of things she resolves not to do here. 

2018 Book Club Reading List

Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved to read. The number of books on my To Be Read list is...extreme- about 50 books, not including the ones on my Kindle! I have also been in a Book Club with some friends from high school for 3+ years. I thought it would be fun to share the books that we read in 2018!

January: How to Build a Girl by Caitlin Moran- I am not a Caitlin Moran fan, never have been. I would give this book a pass. My full review can be found here. 

February: The Child by Fiona Barton- A house is demolished and a baby's body is found. A journalist is on a mission to figure out who the baby is. Not my favourite book, but worth looking into as a lot of people enjoyed it.

March: We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter- This is the heartbreaking true story of the Kurc Family, a Jewish family separated during the war and what they endured. This is a sad story, made even sadder knowing that these are real people and their real experiences. I recommend this book, we need to be reminded of the past and how people should not be treated.

April: The Good Daughter by Karen Slaughter- After watching their mother get murdered, two sisters are forced into the woods- one left for dead, the other manages to run. 28 years later, there is a school shooting. This reunites the sisters and we learn more of what unfolded the night their mom died and how the two events are connected. Didn't like the ending, but would recommend this book. My full review can be found here.

May: The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena-  The Conti's leave their baby home alone as they attend a dinner party next door. While at the party, their daughter is kidnapped. As we try and figure out what happened to the baby- who took her, where she is- more and more secrets are unveiled. Highly recommend this book!

June: Confessions of a Domestic Failure by Bunmi Laditan- We join Ashley Keller as she participates in a mommy bootcamp competition run by mommy blogger turned mommy lifestyle expert, Emily Walker. She is up against the perfect mom's that we find on social media. Ashley is more real, relatable...we watch her struggle and see her attempt to make her life look perfect on social media too. This book is hilarious and really enjoyed it! Definitely recommend it. 

July: Only Child by Rhiannon Nevin- Told from the point of view of six year old Zach, who we first meet while he is hiding in a closet during a school shooting. This story reminded me a lot of Sandyhook. We see how Zach and his parents- from Zach's point of view- grieve the loss of their son and brother. Interesting seeing such a scary and tragic situation from the eyes of a child. Highly recommend this book.

August: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote- This was my pick, and a book that had been on my reading list forever. We join the narrator as he meets Holly Golightly and gets to know her. Holly lives in a fantasy world, and believes that nothing bad can happen. This is a short story and worth the read, especially if you like the movie- which was inspired by the book. Truman Capote is one of the most renowned author's of the twentieth century and everyone should read at least one thing by him.

September: Pick Your Own Book- September is the anniversary of our book club, so we decided to do something a little different this month. Each member got to pick what book they wanted, and then would share their thoughts of the book with everyone else at our September meeting. This was a lot of fun! I read The Children by Ann Leary. Recluse Charlotte lives with her mother in a home owned by her stepbrothers. Charlotte has a fictional life online that begins to unravel. Her home life also faces some changes when her stepbrothers return. Of course secrets are revealed and things start to change. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

October: Salem's Lot by Stephen King- Author Ben returns to Salem's Lot in hopes of being inspired for his new book. There's a mansion with a questionable history, two men buy it and open a business in town..they are also questionable. Two brother's go into the woods, and only one comes out alive. People start getting sick, dying, and disappearing. This is a creepy, creepy book. I don't like scary books, but I would recommend this book if you do. 

November: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris- This is a book that everyone MUST read. This is a true story as told by Lale, the Tattooist, and life in a concentration camp. The horrors that people went through, how they were treated, the strength of the human spirit, and even some humanity shown to the prisoners. We need to be reminded of what happened during WWII and never forget. This books should serve as a warning to never, ever, let history repeat it's self. I hated this book- it was difficult to read and made my stomach turn- but everyone needs to read it. You can find my full review here.  

December: The Broken Girls by Simone St James- The long abandoned girls boarding school Idlewild Hall, has been purchased by a women, Margaret, and is being renovated to become a girls boarding school again. Journalist Fiona's sister's body was found years ago in the abandon field of the school. Fiona is writing a piece on the school, discovering it's history and wanting to know why Margaret is so interested in the school. Her investigating reveals secrets of the school- including what happened to a student who went missing- Mary Hand who haunts the grounds, and what really happened the night her sister was murdered. This was hands down the creepiest book we read this year, but I highly recommend it! 

My top three books that we read in 2018 are:

1. Confessions of a Domestic Failure (June)
2. The Children (September)
3. The Broken Girls (December)