tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39022141166653409752024-02-22T12:06:57.526-08:00Optimism ProposalLifestyle. Healthy food. Motherhood. AdventureAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-64437022253544481802014-09-24T20:35:00.001-07:002014-09-24T20:36:10.600-07:00There's more to it<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever get that feeling, that thought that </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">'</span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic;">There has to be more to this life'</span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I've become very contemplative because I've been on bed rest for over two weeks now. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to apologize for being away for so darn long! But I've been dealing with health issues for a few weeks now. This year has sort of been putting me through the ringer with health problems. These challenges have landed me straight on my butt with not a whole lot of energy to get back up. I've had very little inspiration to blog since I've been in this bed of mine. But I've been thinking about this very subject for days, so I thought I would swing by my blog, say hi, and talk about this with you. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, do you get that feeling in life? That big question of </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<i>IS </i>there more to my life than this?"</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess with so much time on my hands- I have gone there. </span><br>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES I'm a mother to the most wonderful child</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES I have the love of my life </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YES I have the pleasure of staying home to raise my family, and take care of my two loves</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in a way I almost feel like there is no '<i>ME' </i>there in the mix of my own life. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always wanted to raise my family. It's been my dream since I was a little girl who had been moved around a lot from one family member to the next. But I feel like that is only a part of who I am. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I the only one?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hoping to come back here more regularly next week, or the week after- depending on how I'm feeling. But thank you for the continued support, and patience as I start to feel better. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-2963120331627111772014-09-07T23:01:00.001-07:002014-09-08T08:02:19.567-07:00HiatusHi all, <div><br></div><div>I know I've been away for quite some time now. And I keep meaning to properly sit down and write a post for the day but I've had a lot going on in the past little while. </div><div><br></div><div>For some reason stress has taken over- along with a liver cleanse that was absolutely needed at this time in my life. The move took a lot out of me. I'll be very honest with you about that. There's a part of me that loves constant change, thrives in it actually. But two moves in one summer really did me in. </div><div><br></div><div>So I guess what I'm doing right now is taking it easy and slowly making this new apartment feel like my home. I promise I'll be back soon to give you a full update on life. For now, thanks for hanging tight, and thanks for staying with me. </div><div><br></div><div>Peace. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-47939053967618004532014-08-20T08:58:00.000-07:002014-08-20T08:58:09.955-07:00Moving 'to do' list- time out!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok, as I've said at the beginning of the week I'm a tad busy with this whole move. But Wednesday's are very important to me, as I'm really excited to share <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/introducing-self-care-series.html">The Self Care Series</a> with you, and I started <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-self-care-series-part-i.html">Part I</a> with you last week. But to be honest with you (which I absolutely need to do), I have not been able to keep up with week 1! I've done a meditation here and there, I'm also keeping up with my health cleanse, but I'm just not able to stay committed this week. So as next week approaches I will continue to try and find the time to do at <i>least</i> the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/5-minute-relaxation-guided/id595136421?mt=8">5 minute relaxation</a> meditation that I have on my phone. Next week I will come back fresh... hopefully unpacked and ready to start in on the exercise series ok? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please bare with me :) This is what my life looks like right now (excuse the sloppy writing, I blame it on my 'lefty' hand. I'm damn creative, but I'm a messy creative!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I've moved so much, I would think that by now I'd had a system down. And I do (</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm even trying to colour code the boxes as I tag them for different rooms- hopefully I remember along the way!)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. We are moving into my uncle's 2 bedroom 2 bathroom, walk in master closet apartment as he takes the next step with his girlfriend and moves in with her. He is </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SUCH </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a sweetheart for letting us take over, as it will give us a chance to save up for our wedding *happy dance!!*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-48111929790752158222014-08-19T09:47:00.000-07:002014-08-19T09:47:55.067-07:00Toddler biking (review)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of my day today was watching my son ride his bike outside for the very first time at 25 months old. He was incredibly conscientious of his surroundings making sure not to run over anyone who was lying around in the grass. Such a little sweetheart! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my review of the <a href="http://ca.striderbikes.com/">Strider bike</a>- AMAZING! He's been small since the very first day he was born. I researched the best, and smallest version of a balance bike I could find and at a price of $110 I was sold. Its light, easy for him to move around, and more than light enough for me to carry if he wants to take a break and rest on my hip while we walk. Worth the buy if your looking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He'll be able to grow into this bike as well as the whole bike adjusts as he grows. The one thing that I might comment on is the seat for his little bum, it doesn't seem that comfortable, but he doesn't seem to mind it :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Ease of use:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3.5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Longevity of the product:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Lightness & Durability:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Coolness factor:</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5/5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anytime we take his bike out for a ride he's always turning heads. People come up to him and ask me how it works. He just loves his little bike! I also ran into a cute youtube video of a 3 year old doing dirt biking trails with his dad (I'm going to assume it wasn't a hardcore trail- as he was only 3, but how cool is that?). Needless to say, Toli's dad is now urging me to take him out to practice everyday so the two of them can go off into the sunset and bike into the forest together :) If your in the Vancouver area, and want to check out the store I got my sons bike at its called <a href="http://www.thebikedr.com/">Bike Doctor</a>. Hope your enjoying your week!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-14663560224283724992014-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:002014-08-18T08:08:13.738-07:00The weekend report<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I must tell you that my Thursday night was a lot more exciting then the rest of my weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Toli and I made our way over to Nanaimo to stay with my close friend at her new pad. I feel like I see her more now than I did when she lived in the city (goes to show how 'busy' one can make their life when simple friendship is probably one of the greatest things in the world).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today, its gonna be a short one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One very awesome tidbit- Thursday was Toli's very first ferry ride! We ended up playing at the top of the boat outside the entire time (which left him out cold for a good long 3 hour nap when we arrived- which made for great girl time!). He then awoke and made a cute little new friend whom he loved playing with for the whole of our stay!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** Mommy/ Parent tip** Do something </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEW </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with your toddler every so often! I'm not a big fan of routine but I know its necessary for a child to thrive when they have things that happen everyday- but giving them a little excitement will stimulate their mind, </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">and </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the side benefit for you (and them) is that they will have a really good sleep! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He's also adopted a new "Auntie", he only has a couple other's and he's decided that this is what she is to him- so endearing how he chooses his relationships :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And don't expect too much more from me than that today haha! Saturday I picked up some supplements where my friend works, and brought my son home for nap time. We had a lot to do that day like; grocery shop, clean the house, amongst other boring household chores. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To my demise that day my son lost my only set of house/ car keys (which are STILL missing!). So we ended up sitting at home all day waiting for his Dada to come back from a fishing trip- UGH! Needless to say, as irritated as I felt I ended up taking some action and upping my liver cleanse by juicing some <i style="font-weight: bold;">great</i> vegetables for my liver- check out my Health Cleanse blog <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/health-cleanse.html">here</a> . And yesterday was spent at numerous furniture stores, and Ikea- where we looked for couches, mattress's and other necessities for our new apartment for the end of the week. That was it. Sorry to be so uneventful this weekend, but that's how she goes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm hoping to stay up to date with my blog this week, but with packing going full tilt as of tomorrow I'm just hoping to have all of my ducks in a row for the move come Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please bare with me, as I may be attempting to pull my hair out during this move :) Moving with toddlers is not fun.... but maybe he'll be used to it this round? I can always hope, right?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-16889069677337270872014-08-15T09:06:00.000-07:002014-08-16T19:13:51.356-07:00Recipe of the week: Quinoa Salad<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weeks recipe is by far one of my most favourite new simple recipes. I will say beforehand to cook a batch of quinoa (which can be used for days for salads, or breakfast dishes). I didn't have any quinoa pre-cooked, so before dinner time came, and while I was reading blogs I cooked </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> cup of quinoa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups of water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a splash of coconut oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Himalayan</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> salt. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It cooks just like rice if you've never cooked with it before, so it takes 20 minutes in a pot with a lid. Once its cooked I will take the lid off, and use a fork to fluff up the quinoa before I let it cool a bit with the lid off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After reading my blogs for the day I took out a nice big salad bowl, and filled it half way with salad greens that I had in my fridge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylGrx_xRCmv6xaJ2uw8zX6aQVR860xJwvZUU5aavKO9OweERU5Y23htxTD1_hH5blCetGvYB9u5JgyJ7DDEPC3du0u0Uz0EPMnF6iJH2rAvgAPhyR3JcDbyrrE03DMox-cE0BsnJ1tao/s640/blogger-image-824104477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylGrx_xRCmv6xaJ2uw8zX6aQVR860xJwvZUU5aavKO9OweERU5Y23htxTD1_hH5blCetGvYB9u5JgyJ7DDEPC3du0u0Uz0EPMnF6iJH2rAvgAPhyR3JcDbyrrE03DMox-cE0BsnJ1tao/s640/blogger-image-824104477.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next I took out everything I wanted for the salad</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 radishes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 inches of cucumber</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 handful of blueberries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 slices of turkey bacon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup of cooked quinoa</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Extra virgian olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Balsalmic vinegar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Himalayan salt, and my pepper grinder for some fresh pepper </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux_7nIX0QLA7nzEfs7zisTBOc1oNFAh-UOQYyAhi0a1XUtWKfjzVjEM7EdgrRYwX8fycvttUfh0aDANusIVCCFIytkpf2Z2B2bqjsGOKmv530Lovl4CDh76mJzacfX-gYnekiQIdUCTk/s640/blogger-image-1119934225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux_7nIX0QLA7nzEfs7zisTBOc1oNFAh-UOQYyAhi0a1XUtWKfjzVjEM7EdgrRYwX8fycvttUfh0aDANusIVCCFIytkpf2Z2B2bqjsGOKmv530Lovl4CDh76mJzacfX-gYnekiQIdUCTk/s640/blogger-image-1119934225.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmm, my guilty pleasure- turkey bacon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacZwKTxO1AqT4TJWfa3opDpiEAQdE4sOCoLUbk2yidV646fyv5QvHxBuAAeCRPIBWICNYX9oX2COVhOFrJzTGLuHVtxG_NqSMw0Ry7kNIOL6CX7bR-A92LsPfC9mf_1Rgn2Kw_M8r46o/s640/blogger-image--336719283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacZwKTxO1AqT4TJWfa3opDpiEAQdE4sOCoLUbk2yidV646fyv5QvHxBuAAeCRPIBWICNYX9oX2COVhOFrJzTGLuHVtxG_NqSMw0Ry7kNIOL6CX7bR-A92LsPfC9mf_1Rgn2Kw_M8r46o/s640/blogger-image--336719283.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my cooled quinoa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4FuhzuZZd2KLT8Ry4pJjxZGE2okGs8u6IqFXi3TwnJgJCdkNyrjHjruaR79dyKPNH9hgQigJvItF_QiUuRsBlu0kuKU8ELcftmdGeH06Insep9d2QmQ6o5So4kzplXaHzw1aTn1bA6Y/s640/blogger-image-691833672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4FuhzuZZd2KLT8Ry4pJjxZGE2okGs8u6IqFXi3TwnJgJCdkNyrjHjruaR79dyKPNH9hgQigJvItF_QiUuRsBlu0kuKU8ELcftmdGeH06Insep9d2QmQ6o5So4kzplXaHzw1aTn1bA6Y/s640/blogger-image-691833672.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDipQ925uIRo_gfBCYEQdXBV2qaFs6vIlbgF_hTQOOOn2mwVF775A3sNAFv7ly3LHz-fXBZ4eyefIeMq-kyYKM_QUAK9z82nc8f4oQgjlWGGisQq2nuD-Rrki7ImLnCVfVdIQjh0YT6A/s640/blogger-image-847672684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDipQ925uIRo_gfBCYEQdXBV2qaFs6vIlbgF_hTQOOOn2mwVF775A3sNAFv7ly3LHz-fXBZ4eyefIeMq-kyYKM_QUAK9z82nc8f4oQgjlWGGisQq2nuD-Rrki7ImLnCVfVdIQjh0YT6A/s640/blogger-image-847672684.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I chopped up my veggies, and cooked bacon I added it all to the bowl of greens</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO237vIM8LBWsiBBSh4n1ArMzTCfLanucCESbK7gjFAZB6LUgeLcjibTF95CPCJrH6hlFu_gMlLqJFSlKRxn2AD7pwYqQpaqsW20Ru8RtCklEl4EuHHi0pmd1xCI19AQkKNMkuG-T4gSg/s640/blogger-image--438127528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO237vIM8LBWsiBBSh4n1ArMzTCfLanucCESbK7gjFAZB6LUgeLcjibTF95CPCJrH6hlFu_gMlLqJFSlKRxn2AD7pwYqQpaqsW20Ru8RtCklEl4EuHHi0pmd1xCI19AQkKNMkuG-T4gSg/s640/blogger-image--438127528.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't really measure how much olive oil or balsalmic I use because you either like your salad really saucy, or a bit on the drier side, so I'll leave that to your discretion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the final product! It was incredibly yummy, and when I served it to my son he had a great big smile on his face :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHgpCZnVzEGs5gvGS8l5EK957N-we2qjWbrkE7BgZ-Ha9wwLfUROFjYazvisnLuO_ANa3zfede898YUPyIwu_7zEQryNkxy9X9Kl31nNRd2nj2HXGiCdkTjKPpv-dJtGL0GK848NJd8M/s640/blogger-image--1203018336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHgpCZnVzEGs5gvGS8l5EK957N-we2qjWbrkE7BgZ-Ha9wwLfUROFjYazvisnLuO_ANa3zfede898YUPyIwu_7zEQryNkxy9X9Kl31nNRd2nj2HXGiCdkTjKPpv-dJtGL0GK848NJd8M/s640/blogger-image--1203018336.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-23147983898431997962014-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:002014-08-14T07:54:27.393-07:00Health Cleanse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt6T81mnFtNqjLHXDekKVDfCiJNjTzcoTUhQ0oc7KYtQlQUlVhReUJniDAlzwEKQ-MmOt8vN3GsQBnlIbk9mxwYVeTpOk80B2eFn3r3oAzTVOg2EbRDqvKj2bUB2RFUkHXZarrV4EoBw/s1600/health+and+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLt6T81mnFtNqjLHXDekKVDfCiJNjTzcoTUhQ0oc7KYtQlQUlVhReUJniDAlzwEKQ-MmOt8vN3GsQBnlIbk9mxwYVeTpOk80B2eFn3r3oAzTVOg2EbRDqvKj2bUB2RFUkHXZarrV4EoBw/s1600/health+and+sunset.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of posts ago- I mentioned that we are finally going to be setting a date for our long awaited wedding!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As always, things move fast (although, not my wedding plans until just now), I've started this <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-self-care-series-part-i.html">Self Care Series</a> which will run for the next 5 weeks after this week (and also means I'm practicing everything I talk about everyday). We are moving soon, and also buckling in for some great life changes at home for the long haul (I'm talking buying our first home, and expanding our family). So a lot is happening around me as I sit here and blog about it. Oh, did I mention I'm night weaning my toddler? Ah!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No need for stress, its time for action! I want to feel and look my best not only for my wedding (but yes, it is a major plus to have a date to push towards with some healthy lifestyle goals), but for my life. So what did I do amongst all this chaos? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started a liver cleanse.. Was it a great idea for such a busy and hectic time in my life? I'm not so sure about that, but I'm doing it anyways. You know why? Because there's never a time like the present. No, my liver cleanse isn't planned and 100% ready to go (I had such a stressful evening I didn't get around to my tumeric tea- tomorrow is another day!), but I did a little research and instead of perfecting, thinking, dreaming and wishing I would just do it already, I'm doing it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've recently been talking to a friend- who is in the nutritional field- about liver function. And it hit me after that conversation that some things needed to change so I could have glowing skin for my walk down the aisle! Because of medication that I used since I was a young child, it has not been good for my poor liver, add in a couple trips to <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/05/vegas-baby.html">Vegas</a> and free booze in Mexico I think its time I said "hey liver, I love you too!", right? Couldn't we all show some appreciation for such a wonderful organ that is our basic detoxification centre? The skin will usually try and help the liver by expelling toxins through the skin, so its time to give all of my organs the love that they so truly desire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amongst other things, here are a couple of links about foods that cleanse the liver, how to boost the functioning of your liver, and release toxins</span><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/liver-cleanse-foods/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14 Foods that Cleanse the Liver</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.care2.com/greenliving/9-simple-ways-to-boost-your-liver.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 Simple Ways to Boost Your Liver</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.wellnessresources.com/health_topics/detoxification/liver.php" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get Rid of Toxins</a></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, I've started drinking warm water (half boiled, half cold) with half a lemon in the mornings before I do anything (other than make my son gluten free toast with fruit for breakfast), I'll also be adding more liver supportive foods as I go along. I'll be doing more as the days continue, but for now I'm solely focused on my morning routine of lemon water with a tumeric milk tea before bed (yes, sounds a little strange, but the liver absolutely LOVES tumeric- add black pepper for optimal results).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On top of that, from one of the articles above it says to do tumeric milk for 3 months. I plan on doing that, but for at <i>least </i>21 days I'll be doing a good enough (for my lifestyle, and I'll be doing as well as I can with a toddler, trust me, I'll be happy) liver cleanse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my recipe with links about tumeric included at the bottom</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tumeric Tea:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup of unsweetened almond milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp organic tumeric</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much black pepper as you handle (I like my tea a little spicy!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honey to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat milk slowly, add tumeric, black pepper and honey. Once steaming, drink.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Voila!</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.healthyfoodstar.com/turmeric-milk-for-optimal-health/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tumeric Milk</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.healthcareaboveall.com/golden-milk-recipe-this-drink-can-change-your-life/">Golden Milk</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.naturalremediescures.com/2008/06/benefits-of-curcumin-turmeric-enhanced-by-black-pepper/">Benefits of Tumeric enhanced by Black Pepper</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry if this post is a bit lengthy, I think my inner Wellness Geek is coming out to show the world some love :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This picture is courtesy of </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Anusorn P nachol/ freedigitalphotos.net</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-45599358363526197482014-08-13T07:43:00.000-07:002014-08-13T07:43:49.041-07:00The Self Care Series: Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's post is going to be fairly short. This move that we're doing, along with having my grandmother in town is taking a lot of my time. Lovingly, I am with my grandmother, as she is helping me <i>finally</i> pick out my upgraded engagement ring! I'm thinking today- if I can make it happen to either keep looking for a ring, or maybe even window shop for my wedding dress! Oh, did I mention we are getting married in April (more on that on a later post, let the wedding blogs begin!)?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So todays post is on Meditation like I promised last week. The reason I wanted to share meditation with you is because I know the mass amounts of reasons of why it is good for you; mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I do know, is that a lot of people tend not to meditate- including myself. For the last two years my life has solely revolved around my son, and my fiancee. At moments I'd have people comment on how "parenting <i>is</i> a form of meditation", but it just didn't feel the same as sitting peacefully by myself with nothing at all to think about.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here I am, re-entering this world of peace, space, self care, and health.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oddly enough, I signed up for <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/">Oprah & Deepak Chopra's 21 day meditation</a> that started just 2 days ago! What a coincidence, especially since this post is on meditation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The meditations are based around <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/">Expanding Your Happiness</a>. The recordings are about 20 minutes in total, with the meditations lasting about 9-10 minutes after Oprah introduces the subject, and Deepak talks about it more in depth before you actually have to close your eyes. Its incredibly easy, even if your a Mama like me. And if your not a parent? Well, then you have no excuse! Right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm kidding! Life gets busy, I know! But, I'm sure if you knew it helps you to de- stress, increases your immune system, balances emotions, helps with skin issues like psoriasis and eczema, helps to clear your mind for optimal mental health, among many other wonderful benefits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The benefits don't stop when you open your eyes, it stays with you throughout your day- what a bonus!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want to look into more information on the health benefits, come check this out</span></div>
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<a href="http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/7-health-benefits-of-meditation" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7 Health Benefits of Meditation</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you really feel short on time (and you have an IPhone), look into one of my favourite apps called <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/5-minute-relaxation-guided/id595136421?mt=8">5 min relaxation</a>. Before the 21 day meditation started I only put 5 minutes aside for meditation just in the last week. Any time you put in will be beneficial!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why not give it a shot? What do you have to loose?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd still love to hear your thoughts on any ideas for the last 1-2 weeks of this self care series. Is there something you'd like to me to cover? See what I plan on covering <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/introducing-self-care-series.html">here</a>, and drop me a line by signing into your google account, or use the open ID in the comment section just below.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks! Guess my post wasn't so short after all, was it? Time to start the day, and I hope you have a good one!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-23433974563656337992014-08-12T07:35:00.000-07:002014-08-12T07:35:19.158-07:00Mental Illness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You must've seen this one coming. I'm sure I won't be the only one who blogs about the passing of Robin Williams. The topic of mental illness is not an easy one for me to talk about, as I have a very close family member who has dealt with this illness since I was a little girl. And when the pain is so close to home, you know your going to be affected by that person, or from the illness yourself for an undetermined amount of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so sad that Robin Williams may have taken his own life (as stated from the media), because of depression. I didn't know anything about his personal life at all, but from his movies, and his comedy acts he was a bright and shiny star- but maybe he had some demons behind that act. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a few mommy groups online that I am a part of, and they're all talking about the passing of such a great actor, but also that if you have someone who has this illness; to be with them, and take care of them as long as they need it. I personally, cannot agree with that. Even when a person has such an illness they need to want to be helped. Otherwise you are having your energy sapped every time you help, every time you take care and every time you listen. I'm starting my new <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/introducing-self-care-series.html">Self Care Series</a> tomorrow, and I still have at least 1-2 more topics to cover for the 6 weeks that I plan on blogging about it- please join the conversation if you have anything you'd like to add to the list.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reason I bring up the <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/introducing-self-care-series.html">Self Care Series</a> is because there has to be a line of what is '</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ok' for <i><b>you</b></i> as well. Yes, someone close to us may need our help, our assistance. And maybe we're willing to give it for as long as they need it, but there may come a point when you can't. When the help you're giving is draining you of your own wellness. That's not ok, because it will then affect your life and those around you. Its like a tornado affect if not taken care of properly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It saddens me to know that he has passed. Like many of us who grew up with his movies; Aladdin, Jumunji, Mrs. Doubtfire (one of my classic favs as a child) to name just a few- he was very talented, and will be sadly missed by a lot of people around the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Rest In Peace Robin Williams, your light shined on a lot of people around the world</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you will have nothing to give anyone if you are empty yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This picture above was taken from my night last night. I'm not one to really talk about how the moon effects our moods, but I think this super moon really got me. My theory is that I was in a pretty damn good mood during the last super moon. Honestly, I tried to harness some good energy when the super moon was out, but I just didn't' have it in me. Yesterday was crap!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please, lets all send out some positive energy to those around us who need it, and take a moment of silence for Mr. Robin Williams <3</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-72302828504554827812014-08-10T22:43:00.001-07:002014-08-11T08:40:19.593-07:00The weekend edition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past weekend was once again full of adventure. My fiancee is going to be away more often for work, so we took some time to just be together as a family before he left for the week.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I must let you know I'm sitting here in a little bit of a sad state because the house isn't as full as it usually is with him around. This week its just the two of us- mother and son.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We started off the weekend with a nice little bike ride- we bought our son a balance bike last year, and he is just starting to love it!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday we drove out to Steveston in Richmond, BC. My fiancee spent some time here growing up before he moved to Vancouver. Its such a quaint little town bustling with tourists at this time of year! We ate some fish and chips from a place called "Pajo's", did some boat watching, played in the sand, tried to teach Toi how to play frisbee, ate watermelon sorbet (my sons absolute favourite fruit at the moment), and ended off our Steveston day on a harbour tour around the water. My son loves boats, he loves water, and he loves the sunshine just like his parents do, so this day was just perfect day!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you can see, our son had the time of his life! What were you up to over the weekend?</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-35314437729141733672014-08-07T08:51:00.001-07:002014-08-07T08:51:31.822-07:00What I'm reading<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, now that I've let you in on my little world here is what I'm reading. I will let you know that I <i>do judge</i> books by their cover. I don't know why. It's just a thing of mine. I love fantasy/ romance novels but if there is a half naked muscular man on the cover with a half horse body- I'm sorry, I'm not buying it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Get Rich Blogging</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosv2B1ojshLZuE7T1hyphenhyphenLdYLs_QcuaMjDzQaC3fOrWx4hTd2Hlj4aTIzeXV-wogvOVW4fhLXQyolHWtBvurDoSfM4DTB9r9xYDNwCuOkA-EoL2KkkA5IjwsbOB3kLT8NuKxu5IWh8_QEU/s1600/bloggingbook1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosv2B1ojshLZuE7T1hyphenhyphenLdYLs_QcuaMjDzQaC3fOrWx4hTd2Hlj4aTIzeXV-wogvOVW4fhLXQyolHWtBvurDoSfM4DTB9r9xYDNwCuOkA-EoL2KkkA5IjwsbOB3kLT8NuKxu5IWh8_QEU/s1600/bloggingbook1.jpeg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Get-Rich-Blogging-Zoe-Griffin/dp/1782190112">Get Rich Blogging By: Zoe Griffin</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is written by Zoe Griffin. I've recently started this one and it is absolutely inspiring! I almost didn't buy this one just because of the the title name- kinda cheesy but I'm glad I gave it a chance because she talks about all her little blips and moments of growth which I think is great. She's candid about her journey and is very interactive in the way she writes her book. I have a writing journal next to me when I read her book. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />2. Start your own blogging business</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIqYnuVOAv14tg7g5krSo1eWFECNVVAVRJhubMs9_UeY6nHUbqpUDDm6qDpyg55trSaF7pgsVY2f1PsaPjwNe_remQ86m_3qgpKh7fvkWlEaBh-Zt9zAhU_gOrVCifO1dqt7s1nOWj3s/s1600/blogging2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPIqYnuVOAv14tg7g5krSo1eWFECNVVAVRJhubMs9_UeY6nHUbqpUDDm6qDpyg55trSaF7pgsVY2f1PsaPjwNe_remQ86m_3qgpKh7fvkWlEaBh-Zt9zAhU_gOrVCifO1dqt7s1nOWj3s/s1600/blogging2.jpeg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Start-Your-Blogging-Business-Merchandising/dp/1599185210/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407426017&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=start+your+own+blogging+business+edition+4">Start your own blogging business 3rd edition By: Jason R. Rich</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At first glance, this looks like a text book for school. But it really is a great educational read! I'm going through the chapters and taking notes as I go along. I'm excited to get through this book as it's really going to help me become more professional with my blog. I feel like my blog is constantly evolving; I'm moving things around, doing more pre-planning, and learning more and more about social media everyday. I'm still building everything, and its nice to have a book to sort of lead the way as I feel pretty blind most of the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. I love you rituals</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8LZafKpUcBqzh1ezBixMlH-qwTx_tDWLcmDv-JsbQ3XBw8lMTlMPESbjs-oD8niGFPX_jFiZNFUt776m57BXU4h-gMU3asNyk9e-_gWBHCeEPP8fcSp2IIWmu7s6XxcUkf5gEKr_xI4/s1600/iloveyoubook2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8LZafKpUcBqzh1ezBixMlH-qwTx_tDWLcmDv-JsbQ3XBw8lMTlMPESbjs-oD8niGFPX_jFiZNFUt776m57BXU4h-gMU3asNyk9e-_gWBHCeEPP8fcSp2IIWmu7s6XxcUkf5gEKr_xI4/s1600/iloveyoubook2.jpeg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Love-You-Rituals-Becky-Bailey/dp/0688161170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407426145&sr=1-1&keywords=i+love+you+rituals">I love you rituals By: Becky A. Bailey PH. D.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm still getting into this book, but I love the concept. Not only does it have great tools, and games to play with toddlers, but it helps parents to create healthy connections with their children. I realized a little while ago that when I was pregnant, and when my son was a newborn I was into reading about how to raise him, and what his developmental stages were. I'm very confident in how I raise him right now, but I think that there is always room for growth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love you rituals helps parents enhance children's self esteem, as well as helping families like mine who are very busy- to stay close.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Shadowfever</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6O-OHt1Zw__G06suPU1hExDmelLQY4vhba9wmPacfmHXWn1NZ8GV6BXEim737Tu7onwdJrxd25EMdFeyOD4x2K-6AIWjXrRKPlyzzUH4DJKnuCSfB45sAsILIifkSThOBDWvzT9s2qc/s1600/shadowfever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU6O-OHt1Zw__G06suPU1hExDmelLQY4vhba9wmPacfmHXWn1NZ8GV6BXEim737Tu7onwdJrxd25EMdFeyOD4x2K-6AIWjXrRKPlyzzUH4DJKnuCSfB45sAsILIifkSThOBDWvzT9s2qc/s1600/shadowfever.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Shadowfever-Fever-Karen-Marie-Moning-ebook/dp/B003EY7IRC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407426313&sr=1-1&keywords=shadowfever">Shadowfever By: Karen Marie Moning</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my guilty pleasure! Shadowfever is the 5th and final of a series that I'm completing. The story just drew me in! Its inspired by the HBO series "True Blood"- something else I'm kind of into. Its not so much about vampires, and werewolves- it's similar in a way but it has its own flair which is good because I kind of got sick of reading about vampires. I love a good fantasy novel, but there is only so much of something that you can read about!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have any guilty pleasures that you read, or something that your really into right now? I'm always looking for something new!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-6752926479992953232014-08-06T08:10:00.002-07:002014-08-06T10:06:59.337-07:00Introducing: The Self Care Series<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGD6hc0xI7qhgXqYv42lJaJ3XltCEhaSDqhqhyLbqKz5mBiam6Adtl51h5sRc-R47u4v2D4M5Il0Vmmv0E6o0zHpzo8H5lfLytK2QgLN41i0GdS7y1SuVACIMDQqGFatHW8S5OQVAQJo/s1600/candle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGD6hc0xI7qhgXqYv42lJaJ3XltCEhaSDqhqhyLbqKz5mBiam6Adtl51h5sRc-R47u4v2D4M5Il0Vmmv0E6o0zHpzo8H5lfLytK2QgLN41i0GdS7y1SuVACIMDQqGFatHW8S5OQVAQJo/s1600/candle1.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This image is courtesy of artur84/ freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been wanting to post about this for quite some time. It just took some 'urgency' to do so.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After this weekend I realized how much more effort I <i>want</i> to put into myself. I don't know if you read my Monday post this week, but I had a moment with my fiancee (check it out <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/happy-bc-day.html">here</a>), and in that not so obvious moment of realization I knew it was time to put my foot down- with myself. I say, enough with the mommy look!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here and there I make time for myself, but its not a routine. I don't make an effort everyday, and its something I'd like to do because I always feel good when I take care of myself. I feel refreshed, and recharged! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Self Care series will be split up into a few different posts, and with my new schedule I just posted for blogging yesterday (check it out <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/08/the-weekend-edition.html">here</a>) you can come back next Wednesday for another addition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week (after all my rambling), I'd like to start off by introducing you to the topics I have on my mind. I'd also like to ask for input as to what I could write about for self care- ideas are always welcome!!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 1: Meditation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 2: Exercise</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 3: Skin Care </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 4: Hair (oh god- THE HAIR! Did I mention I used to be a stylist?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 5: New make up regime? (mine is about 2 minutes..)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Week 6: ...help me out here ;)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please, if there's anything you'd like to see me write about, I'd more than happy to do it! Is there something you've been wanting to do for yourself? Let me be your cheerleader, I can be a good one! I may have fluffy hair at times, but I'm working on it. I think I scared myself when I looked in the mirror this weekend, but that scare was for me to start making leaps and bounds for the woman I want to become. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Becoming a mother has changed me. Not only is raising a toddler a sometimes hectic experience, but the last few years of life has changed me. In that transitional period I think I lost face- sometimes those moments in life are difficult, and you just forget about yourself, so I'll call this my 'polishing period'. Have you had one of those? This is my terminology, so don't go looking it up ok?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I might even Youtube this.... no promises though, but I'm considering it right now. If I don't Youtube this now, I'll do it at a later date after I write the posts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the brainstorming begin! (please leave comments below this post after you have signed into your google account, or just sign in with "open ID" which is another option. Thank you!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-59248384330687261022014-08-05T08:55:00.001-07:002014-08-05T08:55:45.175-07:00The Weekend Edition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey all! How was the weekend?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I tell you about mine I have another announcement. I've been thinking about changing up my blogging week. As much as I love doing my Weekend Edition, I think it would be better suited for Mondays. So at this point, I will do</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>**Mondays</u>- Weekend Edition</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>**Tuesdays</u>- will be open for review of products if I feel I have something cool to share (if not, this day will remain open until further notice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Wednesdays</u>- regular Lifestyle posts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Thursdays</u>- Lifestyle </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Fridays</u>- Food Edition</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** indicate new post times/ days</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this sits with you alright. Tuesdays just feel too far away from the weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am keeping this post short as well. This weekend we spent a lot of time at the lake in Port Moody floating on the water, and tanning. But the biggest part of the weekend was saying good-bye to my future mother in law who is probably in Russia right now with her mother before she makes her way to Bali, Indonesia to live for an indefinite period of time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We decided to take Roman's parents on a boat ride as a little send off. It didn't hit us that she was going to be gone (for at least a year) until the day came. I was pretty sad by the end of the night, as was my honey. We are planning on spending some time in Bali come January 2015 for a few weeks- so you can stay tuned for those adventures when they come. Next year brings much travel into our lives as we are also indefinitely planning our wedding. Everything is still up in the air on dates, but that's what we're shooting for..</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Burrard Bridge</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRrXYJbj9utvvD1JECM6uAHy09CmG38f_z6X8238oDS-C0TCgERvDjiiZ14HV92P4LSV8h9Jav5cojvq5LkPVDqqIABfEEjwOk0LtgX9_iY4i4BKADOnZ5lSxkibx6uGM7Mdop6PgA1o/s1600/boat4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRrXYJbj9utvvD1JECM6uAHy09CmG38f_z6X8238oDS-C0TCgERvDjiiZ14HV92P4LSV8h9Jav5cojvq5LkPVDqqIABfEEjwOk0LtgX9_iY4i4BKADOnZ5lSxkibx6uGM7Mdop6PgA1o/s1600/boat4.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">English Bay- Gay Pride celebrations going on at the beach here</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT11rfoWPzWkxei85gixIEEvblGOk9Z-raY5G85ahSP9QLLJLdpJgWWfTGJpPr2xFjUsa-IJ8H_qbI7gdUYS5TgAJf_69tBdgsW56l93Gkd7wje7tCeSELwyUy54GEKuGCtpcEy5Kgj-w/s1600/boat5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT11rfoWPzWkxei85gixIEEvblGOk9Z-raY5G85ahSP9QLLJLdpJgWWfTGJpPr2xFjUsa-IJ8H_qbI7gdUYS5TgAJf_69tBdgsW56l93Gkd7wje7tCeSELwyUy54GEKuGCtpcEy5Kgj-w/s1600/boat5.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Driving to White Cliff Park</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My beautiful mother in law has such a young soul! Very vibrant, and ready for adventure. I'm happy that she took the leap, and is following her heart. She's been to Bali twice, and wanted to live there at first glance. My heart is a little bit heavy as I loved visiting her, and the great talks we had.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now that I've probably told a little bit of a depressing story, please help to lighten me up a little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How was your weekend? What were you up to?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-7418200590185862492014-08-04T08:41:00.000-07:002014-08-04T20:49:34.382-07:00Happy BC Day!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well kiddos, just thought I'd drop you all a line quickly on this bright, warm a beautiful day. Not only that , but it's one of my favourite holidays today </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My babe's and I have been doing a lot of swimming, which means my hair is either wet, or drying on the go. He looked at me adoringly during dinner last night and said "I love you".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then proceeded on with the rest of our evening, only to find me looking into a mirror in horror as my hair looked like a major frizz-fest! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this man. And now I know that he truly loves me, frizzy hair and all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wouldn't hurt to look in a mirror more often though, would it?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-83716024310241158652014-08-01T07:53:00.004-07:002014-08-01T07:53:55.317-07:00Drinks!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but I'm hot! This week has been pretty slow in the cooking department. I've been making my usual toast and coffee to start the day (gluten/ egg/ dairy free bread of course), with some water, and that lovely <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/07/green-glow-smoothie.html">Green glow smoothie</a> I talked about last week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinner has been pretty easy too. Salad, <i>maybe</i> a slice of chicken... I'm feeling the pull to go Vegan, have I told you? Raw is even looking appealing to me, but I love my mushrooms cooked with coconut oil, salt and pepper. I may go 80% raw, who knows? I'm still contemplating. I've noticed the days where I start with a smoothie, and have 2 salads; 1 for lunch and another for dinner that I feel pretty darn good! Light, and healthy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll keep you posted on that journey when I make the decision. But for now, I'm gonna switch up my usual recipe share Friday for something a bit cooler, because like I said I'M HOT! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's what I've been sipping on for the week...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0sNzi9fgmi7_CpmBdXJDq6f5xQPBWiGUmbFli6_soeB4w5WGbn4VIRx5-Ls_7niPbjz0q_IADiW1O-iUmAvq-5TDEdCcgbml1-T5EsXALJJ0ilFNLHSCXu_v8-1M_DZlVjL8ahw8CyE/s1600/wine1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0sNzi9fgmi7_CpmBdXJDq6f5xQPBWiGUmbFli6_soeB4w5WGbn4VIRx5-Ls_7niPbjz0q_IADiW1O-iUmAvq-5TDEdCcgbml1-T5EsXALJJ0ilFNLHSCXu_v8-1M_DZlVjL8ahw8CyE/s1600/wine1.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A little bit of everything as you can see. I'm not too choose-y, but I do go by taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. <u>Estacion:</u> On the left we'll start off with the Syrah 2012. I love me some Syrah! For some reason the flavours are always just amazing to me. Personally I feel like a Merlot is actually bolder and heavier in taste, but apparently Syrah is the darkest.. I guess I have my preferences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Syrah was great! It's a pretty bold wine, but very easy to drink- fruity, but not too sweet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. <u>Omission:</u> We're gonna skip over to the beer on the right for now. Omission is a gluten free beer that my sweetie picked up for me for the beach the other day. I have to say I am incredibly stoked that they have such a drink! I've been off of beer for a good couple of years. I wasn't too much of a beer drinker, but I sure loved my IPA's- I missed them. That being said, this IS and IPA and is very bitter, and on the stronger side of beers. I love bitter, so this one sits quite well with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've been off of beer for reasons like mine (being gluten free), I'd recommend trying this one out. Or, if your just into trying out new beers give this one a go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. <u>The beach house:</u> Now, this is one I'm drinking right now. I saved this one for last because I can tell you <i>this</i> wine is PERFECT for hot days! It says so right on the bottle! All I can say is it just purely amazing. I <i>did </i>sneak in some ice cubes (I know! Terrible wine ethics, right?). I've been meaning to try the frozen grapes trick to use as ice cubes in my white wine's, but I haven't gotten around to it. But now that you know I use ice cubes I'm going to put some in the freezer right after I finish this post! This wine is incredibly fresh on the taste buds. I can taste the lemongrass, and gooseberries. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mmm! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope you can try out one, or some of these drinks! Have a good weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S. If you scroll down to see the pictures, the bottle itself tells you its perfect for hot sunny days on the beach! What more could a girl ask for?</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-3394802974654217422014-07-31T09:03:00.001-07:002014-07-31T13:27:36.251-07:00Liebster Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ok!...here goes nothin'! I've been nominated by Emily who is another lifestyle blogger over at </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://underthescottishrain.blogspot.co.uk/">underthescottishrain.blogspot.co.uk</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm just becoming acquainted with Emily recently, and I'm so flattered that she has nominated me. I've been sort of daunted by this whole experience wondering how I'll get through writing this blog, so I've decided to <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/07/just-do-it.html">Just do it</a> like I usually do. If I put too much thought into it -something I tend to do- I wouldn't do it, so here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. Thank/ link the person who nominated you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks again <a href="http://underthescottishrain.blogspot.ca/">Emily</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">2. Answer the 11 questions they have written for you</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. If you could be any animal, what animal would you be and why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would be a cat. I would be a cat because they're pretty smooth in the way they move, always landing on their feet (my only wish because I'm such a klutz lol!), and the best part is they can sunbathe any time they choose. This is partly why I blog. I can stay home and wait for the sun to shine on me :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. Which country would you most like to live in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anywhere warmer than here really... I've been called a gypsy my whole life because I move a lot. For now, lets say Australia!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. Why did you start blogging?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ooo! I like this question! I started blogging because I LOOOVE to write! I never thought anyone would want to read my words, and before I started blogging I thought "who reads blogs anyways? Who reads about <i>other</i> peoples lives?". But in all truth, I was doing that. I just didn't see it in the cards for myself until I just decided "you know what? who would this hurt if I tried?". The answer? No one! And I love every minute of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 4. What is your blogging goal?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another juicy question! I like it Emily! My blogging goal is to become a monetized business, and live a lifestyle where I don't have to worry about money or wanting to travel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That being said, I want to share more travel blogs, and I'd like to get into fashion and beauty in the future, but- at the moment- with a toddler I can barely get a slick of lipstick on! He's a handful, but a lovely one and I enjoy teaching him things everyday. Raising him is the most important to me right now so this is partly what I'll share amongst life adventures with my family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 5. If you could go to a different time period, which one would you go to?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am obsessed with the Gatsby time period! The lavish style just has me hooked! I would've been very happy there dancing the nights away in amazing dresses :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 6. If you were on a deserted island, what 3 items would you bring with you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would bring my computer so I could blog about it, a blender to make margaritas with, and sunblock. I don't burn, but sun protection is the key to life...and is the main item for a sunbather to bring to the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 7. What do you want the future to hold for you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continued and unending happiness with the 2 loves of my life; my fiancee and my baby boy. May the future bring continued success and happiness to us all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 8. What is your favourite film and why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ooo, this ones a toughie. My fiancee will tell you that I'm so bad with names and titles. I never remember anything! I <i>am </i>however, a movie buff, and the last great movie I saw was "Rise of the planet of the apes". Great cinematography! I highly suggest seeing it in theatres if its not too late.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 9. What is your biggest fear?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my biggest fears was deep, dark water. My dad watched one too many scary films for a young child's liking when I was little! I (embarrassingly to this day) still think there are underwater lake monsters, and sharks all over the ocean lol! But I just recently went to Mexico and snorkelled with sea turtles! Best experience of my life! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 10. What is your wardrobe must have?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>MY </i>wardrobe must have?....hmm.. a good pair of skinny jeans :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 11. If you could change one thing about yourself, would you? And what would it be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would it be.. It would have to be my hyper sensitive body. Anything I put <i>in</i> or <i>on</i> will have a dramatic effect on my health. I would change that in a heartbeat, but I am an incredibly thoughtful person because of it... so now I'm stuck.. yes I would change it..no I wouldn't lol! Ah! I'll leave it at that!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. 11 random facts about myself</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. I'm a lover of the sun! Put me in a floaty on a lake, or on a white sandy beach and I'll be happy forever!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. I've been engaged for 3 years...enough with it already! Its time to get married! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. I'm an introvert.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 4. Secretly, not so secretly I want to move away from Canada and blog about my travels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 5. I still need a new engagement ring lol! Yes, a <i>NEW</i> one! Wanna come shopping for one with me? I keep putting it off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 6. I'm a perfectionist</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 7. I've gone back to university and college a total of 3 times for 3 different careers (completed every single one), not once to become a writer though, but here I am writing for a living :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 8. I don't regret anything. All life experiences are made to help us grow into the person we are today. Remember that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 9. I'm a nerd. A book nerd. A life nerd. I love learning!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 10. Now that I'm blogging I sometimes forget to eat...yes, I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 11. I cannot lie worth a <i>damn!!! </i>If you suspect I'm lying, watch my face. I'm probably cracking a smile! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #e06666;">4. Nominate blogs with under 200 followers, who you believe deserve this award</span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Heledd at </span><a href="http://www.runninginlavender.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Running in Lavender</a></li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah at <a href="http://crowdedcloset.ca/">Crowded Closet</a></span></li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nicki at <a href="http://www.nickikinickie.co.uk/">Nicki Kinickie</a></span></li>
<li> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Laura at <a href="http://www.myweesweetpea.co.uk/">My Wee Sweet Pea</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Michelle at <a href="http://www.michellelouiselove.com/">Michelle Louise Love</a></span></li>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">5. <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave a set of 11 questions for those blogs to answer, and let them know they've been nominated</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. What is your all time favourite food?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2. What is at the top of your bucket list?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 3. What does the perfect date look like to you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 4. What is your current favourite outfit?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 5. Do you like cooking? If so, what is your favourite meal to cook?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 6. What does your apartment look like right now?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 7. Have you travelled? If so, what was your favourite destination, or where would you love to go?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 8. Are you a cat, or dog person?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 9. What do you do on a rainy day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 10. What is your favourite type of music?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 11. Are you living your dreams? If so, why, or why not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emily, thanks again for the nomination! This wasn't as hard as I assumed it would be, it took some thoughtfulness, definitely worth it to nominate some other rad bloggers who deserve it ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come learn more about Emily <a href="http://underthescottishrain.blogspot.ca/2014/07/liebster-award.html">here</a>. She has some really great sights and experience she shares on her blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-17202564788063815762014-07-30T10:27:00.000-07:002014-07-30T13:46:29.727-07:00Feelin Good<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was watching Kris Carr's <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=umnbB9QKr2Y">Crazy Sexy Cancer</a> trailer today. She is an incredibly resilient survivor of an apparent incurable stage 4 cancer. Most people will know someone who has either dealt with it, IS dealing with it, or may encounter it in the future. Apparently 45% of men and 41% of women will deal with this sometimes life threatening disease in their lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Stats here at <a href="http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/canadian-cancer-statistics-publication/?region=sk">Cancer.ca</a>)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/umnbB9QKr2Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is something I believe that with the right diet, lifestyle and mindset can either be completely bypassed, or overcome. I really want to see Kris Carr's documentary- just the trailer itself drew me in. I am not personally dealing with cancer, but I know, have known and will know someone who is dealing with it. Her mindset got her through and above any other method of treatment- she decided that she was going to live. I love that! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But why does it take disease for some of us to begin to wake up to life? I don't want to have to wait for something detrimental to happen to me for my eyes to open. Why do I bring this up? Because how many of us have that unwritten or unspoken bucket list we've always dreamt about? Or that hobby that we just love to do that we "just don't have the time for"? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why wait? I've watched more than my share of her inspiring videos on YouTube (more of her that I will share in the future). Why wait until tomorrow to live your life? Why is "another day" just better than right NOW? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I say, let's stop. Breath, and do it.<a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/07/just-do-it.html"> Just do it</a>! That's what I'm all about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if we don't have tomorrow? In a way, it's a blessing to think like this, because if we're always waiting for tomorrow, when will our lives ever be fully lived?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may think what I'm about to say is a bit silly- but I <i>LOVE </i>dancing! That's all I want to do. And from the <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=umnbB9QKr2Y">Crazy Sexy Cancer</a> trailer it has inspired me to make time to just dance, even if it's to ONE song daily! That's it! That's my goal right now is to get back in touch with that ultra creative, physical side of me and just let loose- even if it's just with my son. He's much more entertaining to dance with then bumping into drunk people at a club anyways :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is it that you've been wanting to do, but just haven't given yourself permission, or simply just the <i><u>time</u></i> to do?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-44987796241526657952014-07-29T10:06:00.000-07:002014-07-29T10:06:28.630-07:00This is the life<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, it's that time of week again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>What did you do over the weekend?</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Friday evening we made our way to my grandparents once again- I think I told you before how much we enjoy visiting them. We have been busy all week showing our place to potential new tenants... oh ya! Have I told you that </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>WE'RE MOVING AGAIN</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yikes, right? Didn't I tell you that I would rather stay put for a while since it was rather hellish moving to my current dream apartment in downtown Vancouver not even 2 months ago? We haven't had a chance to fully move into my dream apartment because we know we'll be leaving soon. Its sad, but at the same time exciting as this time we'll be getting super cozy (which means shopping for comfortable furniture and accessories!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) as a means to stay put for longer than a year in one apartment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Uncle offered us his larger apartment for a really good price that we just couldn't say 'no' to. It <i>is </i>far from the downtown life, but it is something that we are so grateful for! Not only is it bigger, but we'll be able to really save up for this darn wedding that feels like will never happen! Finally! So over the next couple of years I'll have plenty to write about :) This next little while is a bit of a sacrifice in location and lifestyle (oh God, how we love the downtown life! But the downtown life is <i>expensive</i>!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So get ready for some home decoration blogs in the very near future! I'll take you along on the trips we make, and ask for some advice on what I should buy. I'm not an interior decorator by any means so let me know what you think works, and what are just weird quirky mismatches ok? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this is what we did- <i>RELAX</i> and we couldn't feel more recharged for the week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daddy and I started our Saturday at the lake, sadly leaving our baby at home with the grandparents as he caught a strange little cold (remind me to get him back on his probiotics!)- he is better now though thankfully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent a lot of time in the 30+C weather with my Gramma reading a really great book for my blogging career while jotting down a LOT of notes! I'm immersed, and half done the book now! Once again I mixed a wonderful </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Wine spritzer </u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 c wine</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 c coconut water (hey, I needed hydration somehow!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 c club soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 ice cubes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me tell you it was <i>much </i>better with a touch of coconut water for sweetness :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you think I'm a bit insane for moving again? Sometimes I feel like this life of mine is a never ending adventure! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know what you were up to! I'd love to hear! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comment below the post by either signing into your gmail account, or use the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">openID </i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-20788629251318558942014-07-25T11:40:00.000-07:002014-07-25T14:58:57.862-07:00Green Glow Smoothie<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are back for the next addition of Good Food Fridays, where I share not only time saving recipes, but healthy at that! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working on this one for a while now, so I hope you enjoy it- not only for the taste, but the amazing health benefits. There's a plethora of good fats in this smoothie- which is good for keeping a slim waist line as well as a healthy nervous system- and good greens to amp up your energy levels, and alkalize the body (which is very much needed these days). Also, I've added ginger to this smoothie to rev up your immune system, metabolism and it's also anti-inflammatory in every way possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>Green Glow</u></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 1:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gather all of your ingredients!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup frozen blueberries (I prefer frozen over fresh for this recipe, but if you want to add fresh blueberries add some ice cubes!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 banana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 avocado</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 big handfuls of spinach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 c hemp hearts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tbsp chia seeds</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp spirulina</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp matcha powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 tsp coconut oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2- 1 inch of ginger (depending on your taste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-1 & 1/2 c of water (depending on how thick/ thin you like it)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And sweetener of choice if needed. I personally find this is sweet enough with banana and blueberries.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI6N79S0PJo-6Z4no7Vf2vCBP-3RMcXL8JBcz06s_ZfRIJEX76AwwlS6F7hXZU5-oPd7DZk05ntNts3GX-ZSCG4dZXGwLjGv9ODBe8QbrpgdL73Xa_rChCFiwfh5LFy6CsoDaXE7IBek/s1600/smoothie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI6N79S0PJo-6Z4no7Vf2vCBP-3RMcXL8JBcz06s_ZfRIJEX76AwwlS6F7hXZU5-oPd7DZk05ntNts3GX-ZSCG4dZXGwLjGv9ODBe8QbrpgdL73Xa_rChCFiwfh5LFy6CsoDaXE7IBek/s1600/smoothie.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 2:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put all ingredients into blender. Look at that deliciousness!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0cLjyG-_ecF3Gkp3X9CWtl79yfIjLWOIzolspRFguKOuudqwNXSY_u3jf2cNhkoLij1qZVxI9_aW8Vu46im0yXZf_6laQahosVD7EL0-qprTAsQqAbrIb6KtJblJ-sd9I-Wl6BtROyY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0cLjyG-_ecF3Gkp3X9CWtl79yfIjLWOIzolspRFguKOuudqwNXSY_u3jf2cNhkoLij1qZVxI9_aW8Vu46im0yXZf_6laQahosVD7EL0-qprTAsQqAbrIb6KtJblJ-sd9I-Wl6BtROyY/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step 3:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy! Pretty simple, right? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Ckix4NubmoUsLq56GWauyW7W55mWIVkiNTXe8wa-q_EuUzmUIFMZE4Kj5dk39cgouQiLgfV0nrd_RLNoXlwx-G5pFzKgmSkMt0omkJC79cW4-fTTlkg5pKK6YV4T-Q7d_ylTUilpIE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8Ckix4NubmoUsLq56GWauyW7W55mWIVkiNTXe8wa-q_EuUzmUIFMZE4Kj5dk39cgouQiLgfV0nrd_RLNoXlwx-G5pFzKgmSkMt0omkJC79cW4-fTTlkg5pKK6YV4T-Q7d_ylTUilpIE/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come check out these 2 links for more information on healthy fats, and ginger benefits!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/tips/why-non-fat-isnt-the-answer/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big fat truth</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bembu.com/ginger-benefits"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ginger health benefits</span></a></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-46654487556248338132014-07-24T11:38:00.001-07:002014-07-24T11:38:21.211-07:00Just do it!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm5Cvf4wf2_5fCApn2G__ro4vbsHTlR4y9qUqH68cZS_An41CQYBg6cWmIzym92HEi-d4SmafFjvm3I_Av0e_llm-Y2aCPQstk2jsRXF62mdc_pkJQNjGWMv-8YusD1PvmQcuSQYmXII/s1600/seaturtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm5Cvf4wf2_5fCApn2G__ro4vbsHTlR4y9qUqH68cZS_An41CQYBg6cWmIzym92HEi-d4SmafFjvm3I_Av0e_llm-Y2aCPQstk2jsRXF62mdc_pkJQNjGWMv-8YusD1PvmQcuSQYmXII/s1600/seaturtle.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This photo is courtesy of thinkforphotop/ freedigitalimages.net</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I'd like to share with you a little part of my life. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to read- did you know that? I'm a major geek at heart, and its something my sweetie loves about me. Apparently he's </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"the </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>cool one"</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I'm </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"the geek"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My way of enjoying life is singing, dancing, reading and writing. All of which require me to never have to leave the confines of my cozy little home. I love my home. Its not like I stay home a lot, as living in the city makes for such a busy lifestyle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm out and about with my son constantly. But as an introvert my way of recharging is being at home- its something I've recently accepted about myself </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I am me </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big revelation, right? Not really. I can't change me. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3iam-xJDQN7VtEIj0iC5GV1DsxPg8CBNTEtuJSaz1f2djQTdZFfyUL9OoZMB4qtkd0cXPK134kiszCZBvJTtBPxJTNMfvYkZKyeNoK_I-osFknJiF52omEHS0pYahevun93OgRg418w/s1600/meatbeach.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3iam-xJDQN7VtEIj0iC5GV1DsxPg8CBNTEtuJSaz1f2djQTdZFfyUL9OoZMB4qtkd0cXPK134kiszCZBvJTtBPxJTNMfvYkZKyeNoK_I-osFknJiF52omEHS0pYahevun93OgRg418w/s1600/meatbeach.jpeg" height="350" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was taken on a road trip with a friend along the Oregon coast</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accepting this has given me more opportunity to figure out what works for me. I love writing. And apparently it shows. I've been approached for the third time to write a book. Its nerve racking! Its nerve racking because fear gets in the way. But if I really think about it, I blog. I share myself with people all over the world every week. So I'm negotiating </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with myself on a daily basis </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>"If I can do this, I can write a <u>book</u>!". </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My goal is to sit down and make a game plan. I have no idea where to start. But I'm just gonna do it. That's what I live by </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">"Just do it" </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've been reading my blog for a little while, you must know this about me by now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to Mexico recently and in the spur of the moment I decided to jump in- literally. I have a severe fear of dark water. I have an issue with not having control over situations around me. But an opportunity came up where I was able to go snorkelling. I said "why not?". If I even thought about it for a moment I wouldn't have done it. What I'm doing with my writing career is I'm thinking too much about it- wondering how I'll "make it perfect", and where I'll find the time to do it. Not only did I snorkel once in Mexico, I did twice more after that, and my last trip before leaving was with sea turtles- the most magical experience of my life! If I had reached my arm out I could've touched that big, beautiful majestic creature in front of me. Its something I will remember for the rest of my life, and its because I took the leap. I will now jump into the sea of writing where I feel happy, and content. I love connecting with people through my writing, and I love talking to you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess this is also a thank you. Thank you for reading. Please follow me on Bloglovin'. There is a button on the left side of the page, right under "All about me". You can receive emails right to your inbox anytime I write new content. I'll keep you posted on the book writing too! With such a little ball of energy (aka: my son) I'm going to assume that my book will take some time to get through. I'm already working on my blog on a daily basis, and its not something I'm willing to put on the back burner, as blogging is my fuel for creativity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please keep reading, and I will keep writing. You have no idea how wonderful it is to have such a great, supportive audience. Thank you!</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-38181093759969660982014-07-23T15:34:00.000-07:002014-07-23T15:38:10.207-07:00A day out with my toddler<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bah! Another one of those days. I was so bored I felt like I was going bonkers! Usually my son and I are set up daily with classes, or dates with friends, but because our summer schedule consists of a lot of family time we are sort of at wits end when left to our own devices. I should say <i style="font-weight: bold;">I'm</i> at my wits end. I felt isolated, and bored yesterday. But that's all about to change. I saw boredom as a great opportunity to change things up, so here we go on another adventure!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To shake things up, today we left the lacklustre routine of ours to take a ferry across the water to Granville Island and take a stroll through the Kids Market. I've been looking into activities to do in Vancouver, and my son loves boats so I thought he would just be thrilled! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though we both felt the pinch of boredom yesterday, he still managed to make me smile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here he is in his Dada's stylish sunglasses :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpZpOX3DV8bRln94VHSeR30syBCbJC4CDMxno2-1n4ve3zHF2kwAOdWAcAqEOWadkiYw-BKsTO3pKPWusEA07z7a6AtymofAwa1eU6p28_lJ72kxCiqjWzNvnMuDNybHUNsHNA4xEZJU/s1600/toli.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpZpOX3DV8bRln94VHSeR30syBCbJC4CDMxno2-1n4ve3zHF2kwAOdWAcAqEOWadkiYw-BKsTO3pKPWusEA07z7a6AtymofAwa1eU6p28_lJ72kxCiqjWzNvnMuDNybHUNsHNA4xEZJU/s1600/toli.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was about time this duo got their groove back! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though it was a rainy day, we still made the best of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your looking for some activities to do in the Vancouver area check these out!</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/things-to-do-with-kids-in-vancouver/">Toddler orientated activiities</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2014/06/50-things-vancouver-summer/">All ages events</a></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I'm ready to tackle the rest of the summer with my son- even if we hit another slump in activities.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-83336537401144255782014-07-22T14:31:00.000-07:002014-07-24T00:42:16.895-07:00What did you do over the weekend?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I get started with my blog today I just wanted to let you know that I spent the night updating the blog page. Hopefully it will be easier to navigate from here on. At the top left there are tabs for; All About Me, Lifestyle, Healthy Food, and Motherhood & Relationships. So if your looking for something to read in particular like an easy dinner, smoothie or lunch recipe you can go straight to Healthy Food and look through the recipes. I hope you enjoy the new look!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All About me is a new section I added and is a bio for none other than- <i>myself</i>. I want you to get to know me a little bit better, as well as for those who are joining my blog more recently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will also be my official announcement of what the blog week will look like; </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuesday: What did you do over the weekend?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wednesday: Lifestyle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thursday: Lifestyle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday: Quick and healthy recipe day to cap off the week</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every so often I will blog about relationships, organization and reviews of restaurants and whatever else I fancy to review (like a new bike for my son, or makeup that I bought) but it won't be too often because I'm noticing that you enjoy more of the pure lifestyle posts right now. Please let me know if there is anything you'd like to see as this blog is for you. I love writing it, so if I can go over something you would like to see (like more reviews for example) now is the time to say so :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I have more viewership every week I also want to let you all know that you can follow me on Bloglovin'. If you don't know what Bloglovin' is, it's a great site where you can follow your favourite bloggers (aka: me), and they will send you emails to your email address of my blogs when they are posted on a daily or weekly basis. I've made it very convenient to follow my blog. If you look to the top left of this page there are a few buttons; one called "Bloglovin'" click the button, and it will set you up for an account quite quickly. Also there is a Twitter and Facebook share button right underneath "Bloglovin'". If you enjoy my posts, please share them with others to help me to continue to grow my readership. Thank you! Now on to my regular blog for Tuesday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the second addition to "What did you do over the weekend?". You all seemed to really enjoy this topic, as did I. I would love to know what you did too, so let me know in the comment section below the post!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This weekend our son was with family again so Dada and I had a chance to sleep in, and reconnect. Our life wouldn't be balanced if we didn't fit in some adventure to the relaxation would it? We started off the weekend by once again heading off to <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/04/watching-sunset-at-whitecliff-park.html">White Cliff Park</a>- somewhere that we're very fond of going to to watch sunsets.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This picture was taken a few months ago at White Cliff Park</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then came home where my sweetie had a chance to produce some music while I flexed my blogging muscles and learnt how I could improve this blogging career that I love so much. I ended up finding this very cute blogger from the UK named <a href="http://www.zoella.co.uk/">Zoella</a>. After watching some of her more recent work as a Vlogger I couldn't help but watch more than a few of her <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/zoella280390">videos here</a>. If your into fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogs- check her out. The reason I bring up Zoella is because I want to get into Vlogging in the future, so finding someone who is successful with it is someone I was on the lookout for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We slept until 11 am on Saturday and made our way on a very unexpectedly long hike to Lynn Valley Headwaters. I've done this hike once before a year ago. Our "light hike" ended up being a 4 and a half hour long hike with the last half being "intermediate". As in, "wear the right shoes". Well, I wish I could tell you I have hiking boots. But I don't. I used some running shoes that have been sitting in my closet for well over a year now. I'm not a runner (I try to be sometimes). I'm a biker. I love biking. Running just seems.. a waste of energy personally. I love going fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I digress- usually this happens. I should also let you know how clumsy I am. Of <i>course</i> I fell into the water with my lovely pavement running shoes! All in all, I got a bruised toe, but the show continued. I walked it off, iced it in the water and enjoyed my time in the woods.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we finished the unexpectedly long hike we were <i style="font-weight: bold;">hungry! </i>And I think we deserved some good food, don't you? I want to rate this restaurant in the near future as the eating experience itself is a blog post. For now, pictures will have to do over this drool worthy food at <a href="http://www.bin941.com/">Bin 941</a>. I must say that we entered this tapas bar muddy, and sweaty- too hungry to get ready! I felt a little more than underdressed but this restaurant was more than willing to serve us :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, how was <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">your</u> weekend? I'd <i>love </i>to hear! Leave me a line or 2 below in the comment section :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-37484984120621230732014-07-22T00:20:00.002-07:002014-08-20T23:49:19.591-07:00All about me<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Firstly, I would like to introduce myself before my titles in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My way of living is simple, gentle, and I am constantly finding more happiness in life, but you'll also find the flip side of me who is constantly seeking adventure and I absolutely love travel (watch me through this coming year as I hit up some rad countries- 'travel blog' section to come very <i>soon!).</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living a simple life is not always easy, but that's what life is for- learning. I tend to see the glass half full- meaning I can see things from a lighter perspective </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">on most days</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- and I think that's a great quality to have. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love writing and after 29 years I have finally started delving into this aspect of my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my titles include; mother, fiance (of 3 years and counting), and student of life. I dropped out of school at around the age of 15 and lost my way, but I've been building my own foundation since then. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to think my lighter perspective has taken me out of some pretty deep holes in life. I call them "my light bulb moments". These have been pivotal moments that changed my life forever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the age of 15 I graduated high school, became a cosmetologist- meaning I am a fantastic hairstylist, and used to do some pretty killer facials and massages in my time. I then took half a year off after realizing what a shallow life I was living. I wanted something deeper, something really meaningful, but I ended up going so stir crazy from boredom that I jumped into university to try and make a career out of my outdoor hobbies. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I completed a sport & recreation management diploma. Don't ask me what I would've done with that, I didn't know. If you were to ask one of my siblings, or my father they still wouldn't remember what the hell I went to university for. I loved river rafting, adventure, water sports but I just didn't know what to do with myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank God for honesty. I had a professor and teacher who guided me to the light. They told me to complete my diploma, but to look in my actual field.. what was my field? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wellness. Wellness is where my life changed drastically. I attended a private wellness college and became a certified life coach and wellness counsellor. What I got out of it was a better me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stopped taking shit from everyone around me. Built boundaries, and created a life that I wanted for myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since then my life looks brighter, happier and more profound everyday. I am so blessed to be able to follow this blogging career while raising my son at home. The balance isn't always easy, but I like to follow my sons lead as much as I can. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I strive for health, happiness, lots of adventure and travel when I can find it and healthy life hacks all over the place, and I want to share all of that with you.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-38085832794532171562014-07-20T13:31:00.000-07:002014-07-22T11:18:19.277-07:00Quick, healthy pizza<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As promised, here is the pizza recipe I was talking about earlier on in the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, I'd like to add that you can modify any of my recipes with what suits your needs. I have a highly restricted diet that keeps me away from a lot of unhealthy options. So a part of my journey is finding quick, but also very healthy food that I can eat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started off with a pre-made pizza dough by Sans Gluten Free. I've used so many different types of pizza crust, and this one is by far my favourite because it caters to all of my needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gluten, corn, egg, gmo, tomatoe, and dairy free. Who would think that someone could make a good pizza crust without all of those ingredients? (P.S. This package is a "pizza kit" so it does include tomato sauce if you want to use it for this quick meal). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can opt for any other healthy, whole grain pizza crust at your favourite grocery store if that suits you, and just buy pizza sauce for this recipe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2SX3mwZroMTRjsKFIi_KBjGwCNrmc_s5plYe0DMvMTQiAB0K18zM9NSBltzQjxO6ZGtN_G4JnfqL7erwOZCHC1vS4qNEk_DNgTvcYdj0f8Lb3L9HJqzlsvrPnUDIoeAp31ifS9IMp7s/s1600/pizza3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2SX3mwZroMTRjsKFIi_KBjGwCNrmc_s5plYe0DMvMTQiAB0K18zM9NSBltzQjxO6ZGtN_G4JnfqL7erwOZCHC1vS4qNEk_DNgTvcYdj0f8Lb3L9HJqzlsvrPnUDIoeAp31ifS9IMp7s/s1600/pizza3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next on the list is the ingredients:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A handful of spinach</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 handfuls of mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pesto sauce (or tomato paste)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coconut oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goat cheese (or cheese of your choice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and Pepper</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And sometimes I like adding turkey bacon if I have it in the house. I'm in love with turkey bacon :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven at the temperature suggested on the package.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slice up the mushrooms and cook with oil, salt and pepper. After mushrooms have cooked for about 8 minutes or so, add the spinach, season again, and cover for 2-3 minutes to let spinach wilt (I found if I just add the spinach to the pizza in the oven it doesn't taste as good so I like pre-cooking my vegetables so it tastes better).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare the pizza crust with</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spinach (should be under other ingredients so it doesn't dry out</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheese</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6gGCnF_xSVSUczITYEjBVOhQzuDHWjY1mGUzYifSXSLi3SEavPRFtWauL8QTFmNE79n3WSFbnQhFMpXOzO5KS6Cub4lPxDhPxsw5lg9xM-I3ECMxZ6iC4NvM-sbSirPvm7ssdU0DlUI/s1600/pizza1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6gGCnF_xSVSUczITYEjBVOhQzuDHWjY1mGUzYifSXSLi3SEavPRFtWauL8QTFmNE79n3WSFbnQhFMpXOzO5KS6Cub4lPxDhPxsw5lg9xM-I3ECMxZ6iC4NvM-sbSirPvm7ssdU0DlUI/s1600/pizza1.JPG" height="636" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cook for a few minutes in the oven, and viola! Add a glass of white wine (I had Lindemans 2013 Chardonnay) for hot summer days- you've got yourself a perfect, healthy dinner that takes about 15 minutes to make with very little mess!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3902214116665340975.post-35095758275270878052014-07-17T13:00:00.000-07:002014-07-20T13:37:11.523-07:006 steps to organizing the perfect day<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEBRPWe8YlhMqZszq7an8GwkhS2gNt85ER_BEqpTxZugLtPNCdBnvWgTZbOaLmFyNIXrWovGYkuOWnN8Cdo4PKZgb5zqDATOxAGppGs3iZWHSDtA6mWXq-jLGdkRS5uEz23aekTOdITA/s1600/newday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEBRPWe8YlhMqZszq7an8GwkhS2gNt85ER_BEqpTxZugLtPNCdBnvWgTZbOaLmFyNIXrWovGYkuOWnN8Cdo4PKZgb5zqDATOxAGppGs3iZWHSDtA6mWXq-jLGdkRS5uEz23aekTOdITA/s1600/newday.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Photo is courtesy of 2nix/ freedigitalphotos.net</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I decided to take back the reins of my life yesterday after what felt like a mini meltdown. It was great to do a self-care night with healthy food, a good book with wine after my day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I hit the sack that night, I decided to get my life back on track by organizing a perfect day. It was quite a simple one at that (you can also check out more information on organizing your life in a later post I did called <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/05/to-do-list.html">To do list</a>)</span><br />
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<li>Make a green- fatty smoothy for breakfast- I'll recipe this one at a later date and give you more details on the 'fatty' aspect of it- also, prepare my sons breakfast</li>
<li>Clean my house</li>
<li>Have a cup of coffee and blog for an hour</li>
<li>Get outside with my son </li>
<li>5 minute meditation (with my <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/5-minute-relaxation-lite-guided/id641086879?mt=8">5 min relax app</a>)</li>
<li>Exercise and read my new book while my son takes his afternoon nap</li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I accomplished every single one if those! My silent chant after I finished my list (silent because the last of it had to be accomplished while my son Toli slept) was "I did it, I did it, I did it!!" And boy was I a happy camper! I felt good about my day. I got my sweat on with this <a href="http://optimismproposal.blogspot.ca/2014/06/life-hack-exercise.html?m=0">HIIT</a> workout that I talked about recently, got all my work done and most importantly-contributed to natural stress relief with meditation which is very calming, and also got some endorphins running through my body again. I like to think that I'm very proactive when it comes to getting out of a funk. I don't like staying down very long, even if its only a day I go a little bonkers- so I'm glad I had my 'to-do' list ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find that writing things down on paper helps so much when we need to get stuff done. Just the act of scratching it out makes me feel accomplished. What helps you get through tasks of the day?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15582089623907503225noreply@blogger.com0