a day in the life...

Hey! We just had a long weekend here and it was super great! I...

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:25:54 -0400

Hey! We just had a long weekend here and it was super great! I was off work for three days in a row and it was just lovely. Before the weekend I had a random day off on Tuesday and my sister, Lydia and I played around in the kitchen!

We made Chicken Pot Pie “cupcakes” (individual c.p.p.s). My friend Jordan found the recipe on Pinterest and his looked so good that I just had to try my hand at them. They were super easy to make and turned out to be delicious! I was thoroughly happy with this recipe and would definitely recommend it! So good!

We also got a Betty Crocker Cherry Chip cake mix and made a double layer! We played around with food colouring (super healthy, I know!); dyed the cakes a light pink shade and made the icing a light blue. It was delicious and cute!

Hope you all had a great weekend! Happy Wednesday!

#city and #suburbs #yeg #downtown #view from #thetopofmagrath...

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:54:33 -0400

#city and #suburbs #yeg #downtown #view from #thetopofmagrath #cool #pic one of the things i like about #edmonton : you can see the city from almost everywhere !

Another Duchess Date! Alex and I went for another Duchess date...

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:05:28 -0400

Another Duchess Date!

Alex and I went for another Duchess date last week! This place is becoming a regular spot for me on my days off! We had lunch this time and I’ve never had their lunch yet so it was a new experience! Lunch was really good and they had tons of delicious looking baked goods in stock too! I got macarons AGAIN (the usual order for me). I got my sister and roommate to try them when I got home and they said they tasted “too buttery”…. I hadn’t noticed before but now that is all I can taste! So although macarons are absolutely cute and cool looking – the taste is definitely acquired!

I got the “Tartine” for lunch! Fresh bread, toasted with cheese, tomatoes, pastrami, and pickles! It was delicious and I would definitely get it again! My sandwich was $7 but you can get a lunch combo: sandwich, soup, and salad for $13 (great deal for fresh ingredients!). Also, the Fentiman’s Victorian Lemonade was awesome! It hit the spot and was little bit bubbly, perfect warm weather beverage!

If you are in the Edmonton area, have you tried Duchess Bake Shop yet? Opinions?! I would love to hear what you think about it and what you have tried!

Photos: Clockwise from top Left: Alex, enjoying lunch & avoiding pics!, “Jardin de Fruits” ( I love the way this looks-must try!!!), “Saskatoon Berry Brioche” – looks lovely, my lunch with Victorian Lemonade, the tartine, “Fraisier Verrine”, looks pretty and petite!

I hope that you are all having a great week so far! It’s almost the long weekend here and I can’t wait!! Any big plans for your weekend?

Happy Mother’s Day!!! Happy Mother’s Day to all of...

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:08:49 -0400

Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers out there! We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our mother’s love and kindness. Today I want to wish a happy day to mothers of all sorts; whether you are a new mother, a grandmother, or even a mother to a “fur baby”. Today I am hoping that you get back all the love that you constantly give out!

A special shout out to my own, beautiful mother, Esther! I hope your day is wonderful and you feel our love from across the country! You have taught me so much, you have always supported me in anything I’ve ever done, and you have continuously encouraged me to be myself. You have helped me to become the woman I am today and I love you and thank you for it!

I wrote this poem for a friend last year, when she was about to have a baby. I called it “A Blessing for Mother”, she was expecting her first child but I think the words are still accurate to describe a mother with children of any age.

A Blessing for Mother

A mothers love is a warm embrace
She holds your hand and kisses your face
A beautiful baby is a gift from above
So cherish this child, and fill them with love

May you and your little one always stay close
Wipe away their tears and blow their little nose
You will always be their one & only mother
Hold them close to your heart, love them like no other

Families are a blessing, families are forever
Stay close together and go through whatever
Blessings to you and your loved ones
A blessing for your baby, when your little one comes

by Adrienne Nye

Photos: Top L: mom and I when I was a wee one, Top R: mom and the kids, decked out in denim (not the first or the last outfit coordinated family photo!!!), Bottom row: mom and I did a photo shoot for a newspaper article, baking an apple pie, I love these pics!

Have a great day all of you, lots of love! <3 OXO

fauntleroy: everybody is a genius.

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:30:36 -0400

fauntleroy:

everybody is a genius.

“Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days.”...

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:26:53 -0400

“Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days.” #RomeoandJuliet #quotes #love #happy #days #nights #happiness

The Great Gatsby My enthusiasm for this movie debut is a...

Sat, 04 May 2013 16:33:00 -0400

The Great Gatsby

My enthusiasm for this movie debut is a little overdue but I need to acknowledge the cinema masterpiece that I am anxiously awaiting. The Great Gatsby comes out on May 10th after the release has been delayed by over five months!

I read the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald last summer, and I admit, I had a hard time following it until it all came together in the end. I think it was the old school style of writing that had me guessing at times but I really enjoyed the novel in the end and the twists and turns it took as well.

So, since I read the book, I started to see trailers online for the movie release. I feel like I watched the first trailer over and over again, just to get more clarity as to what was going on in the book. The movie is directed by Baz Luhrmann (of 1996 Romeo+Juliet fame as well as Moulin Rouge, also the voice in the Wear Sunscreen song). Such a talented director! Another anticipated part of this movie is the fact that Jay-Z is an executive producer of the soundtrack and I am a huge fan of his work (and many of the artists on the soundtrack: Kanye West, Florence&The Machine, etc).

I can’t wait to see this movie come together, interpreted by Baz Luhrmann!!! Each trailer I see, gives me chills, and I’ve probably seen the whole movie through trailers now. Nonetheless, I will be at the theatres on opening night, with bells on and popcorn in hand. (I’ll probably skip the bells though). Are you anticipating this movie? Have you read the book? Tell me your thoughts!!

Check out a cool article with some fun facts about the Great Gatsby movie.

Another trailer here!

Videos from YouTube.

Photo

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 20:42:42 -0400

Pinterest - What You Know About That? The idea for this post is...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:01:09 -0400

Pinterest - What You Know About That?

The idea for this post is long overdue! If you haven’t heard anything about Pinterest by now, I’m sorry, but let’s introduce you!!! ”Pinterest is a tool for collecting and organizing things you love.” It is an online pinboard and community where you can find, share, and add things you love or are interested in! It is a great resource. It’s been around for long enough now that most of you have either already joined or heard about it, if so, you know why I’m passionate about it!

If you don’t have Pinterest by now, here are three reasons why you should join today:

1. Find and share anything you want! Personally, I love to find and try new recipes, crafts to do, styles and outfits to try, and hair and makeup tips. These are just some of reasons why I’m “pinning”.

2. It’s organization of thoughts/ideas. Why wouldn’t you want to be able to reference things you love to look at on the internet?

3. Unlimited resources, that go on and on forever. And if it’s not there, you should add it and share it with the world!

Pictured: screen shot of my Pinterest account. Bottom is a photo set of things I have actually tried on Pinterest (I am proud to say I have been “pinspired” many times. Don’t mind all my Pinterest puns… I love internet jokes.) The pictures on the left are the Pins and the ones on the right are my completed versions!

Find me on Pinterest here!

Wear Sunscreen I remember hearing this track when it came out in...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:07:00 -0400

Wear Sunscreen

I remember hearing this track when it came out in 1998, before I had the internet, I had to wait til like the third time of hearing the song until the DJ on the radio actually said what song it was. That type of business would never happen now, bam! Google a few words and you’d have what you were looking for! I love that convenience but I also kind of hate it… imagine we couldn’t just Google whatever we wanted to find… imagine we actually had to look it up in a book?? Ahhh…. hashtag the Good Old Days.

Check out this video, I absolutely loved the message(s) back then and love it to this day. It’s just inspirational and optimistic. Director Baz Luhrmann has a smooth tone of voice that delivers easy listening. You can check out the background of it here. I hope you like this! Does anyone remember this?

AND while we are on the subject of wearing sunscreen. Here is another link you should check out: Dear 16 year-old Me . This video has also been around for quite a while now and even though it’s nothing new, the message and video are very strong. It is a definite must see for young people and adults alike.

Happy Monday! Hope everyone is having a good start to their week! XO

Things This Week This month (and year, really) is just flying...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 21:23:35 -0400

I didn't eat the whole thing, I swear!

mmm. Taco on a stick.

Zombie Cupcakes

Craig, Taz, and Max

Things This Week

This month (and year, really) is just flying by! I’ve been neglecting the blog for a while but wanted to share a few snaps from the week! My sister will be here in four days - I am getting so excited but also am very busy preparing her room. I have been using the spare room as a workspace and it’s time to pack up my things and reorganize! Hope you all have been having a great month so far. I will get back on the posting wagon asap!

Pictures clockwise from top: Adrienne and the Giant Cookie; zombie cupcakes that my friend Jordan and I made 100% from scratch, completely edible for a potluck at work; Craig holding Taz and Max (him and his brother’s bearded dragons); a taco on a stick, an awesome creation by my friend Amber from work (one of the best items at the potluck, so creative!).

Tommy Boy (1995) One of my fave movies ever! Absolutely love...

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 16:06:09 -0400

Tommy Boy (1995)

One of my fave movies ever! Absolutely love Chris Farley’s work.

Happy Birthday Lydia!!! Today marks my sister’s 21st...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:45:02 -0400

Happy Birthday Lydia!!!

Today marks my sister’s 21st birthday! Happy birthday to you my beautiful sister. Lydia has been a best friend and source for inspiration for our entire lives! I have so many great memories with her and of her. It all started when I was five and my parents told me that my mom was pregnant, I prayed single every night “please bring me a little sister”.

I wanted nothing more than to have a little companion! Someone to take care of and play with. It sounds crazy but I loved playing with dolls and I was convinced that if I had a little sister, it would be like having a real life baby doll! I got more than just that and I am so lucky for it! My sister became more than just a playmate, she is a best friend for life, she understands me and I understand her.

When I moved away for college, six hours away, she took her first six hour bus ride, on her own, to come visit me. When I moved out west to Edmonton, she took her first flight ever (once again on her own) to stay with me for a week. She is the best! AND I am excited to announce that she will be moving out here to live with us for a little while! She comes in exactly two weeks! I cannot wait to see her again and live with her! (stay tuned for what is to come when she gets here!!)

Lydia — Happy birthday! I hope that your 21st year is your best year yet! I love you so much and am blessed to have you as my sister. See you soon girl!!! OXOX

Glass Class A couple of weeks ago now, a few friends and I got...

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:27:43 -0400

Glass Class

A couple of weeks ago now, a few friends and I got in on a Groupon and went for a glass fusion class. It was a sweet deal and it took place at the Glazing Pot Studio in St. Albert (approx 15 mins out of Edmonton). It was sooo much fun to try out something so different and I love the results! We had a great time and I would love to try it again!

For under $30 each, we got to make a plate (or wall hanger - to hang on a wall or window) and two pendants. You could also choose to make a magnet instead of a pendant, which I opted to do. You start by picking a base piece and then lightly gluing on little pieces of glass to make your design. Once completed, your art goes into a kiln and becomes your creation! The kiln smoothes out the glass and fuses it together for a permanent design.

Pictures:

top two left: before the kiln

bottom left: Carys, Farah & I (missing from photo: Stephanie)

others: the final products! I especially love the way my owl magnet turned out!

I was so happy with the way that everything came out! Looking forward to trying out different craft classes whenever I can! You can check out the Glazing Pot Studio here.

thisishangingrockcomics: just some ideas/ doodles for a thelma...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:48:00 -0400

thisishangingrockcomics:

just some ideas/ doodles for a thelma & louise adaption via betty and veronica

Pretty awesome poster by Hanging Rock Comics !!!!

Things This Weekend: Happy Tuesday! I am dead tired this week. ...

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:48:49 -0400

Things This Weekend:

Happy Tuesday! I am dead tired this week. Like literally, I did nothing at all last night. Sat on the couch and thought about how I should get up and do something. Let’s not dwell on my lack of productivity and celebrate a productive weekend instead!!! J I had another nice and relaxing weekend and spent lots of time at home! I love staying at home, I am such a homebody and not afraid to admit it! Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I don’t like to be around people! Come on over and hang out with me, I just choose not to go out as much as some people do! If you have a nice place to live, why would you leave all the time anyways!!??

On Saturday, I relaxed around the house and then met up with my friend, Alex, for tea and baked goods at Duchess Bake Shop. I really like their macarons and keep going back to try different flavours. After this particular coffee date, we decided that we will be attempting to make our own macarons asap! Macarons pictured on the bottom left, bet you didn’t think they were as small as they are! The green and pink one is “pink grapefruit and tarragon”, strange combo that tasted pretty good. After Duchess, we walked down to a hippie shop called the “Frog Kisser’s Den”. It smelled richly of patchouli and used clothes, and was full of cool, hippie clothes and accessories! The pictures at the top of the photo set show you a counter made full of pieces of broken ceramics! I could look at that counter for hours - I love how looking at it is like playing an iSpy game!

Pictured in the top right is breakfast for dinner on a Saturday night. I love eating breakfast for dinner and I love making easy meals, this meal is a double win. Bacon, eggs, and toast, does it get much easier? Also pictured is Russell looking adorable and licking his lips. Sometimes I just like to get right up in his grill and take as many pics of him as possible. This particular photo shoot added 20 unnecessary cutest kitty ever photos to my phone and I love it!

Hope y’all had a good weekend! What did you get up to this weekend? Thanks for stopping by! OX

Delux Burger Bar So they opened a Delux Burger Bar about a five...

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 12:22:12 -0400

Delux Burger Bar

So they opened a Delux Burger Bar about a five minute walk away from our house. When you get out of your car after work you smell a delicious barbecue burger (this is how close it is). Needless to say we have been out for dinner there a few times now.

I’ve already got a few favourites, and it is really nice to be able to get a delicious burger outside of barbecue season. The past few times, I’ve gone on the lighter side though, because a big burger can be too heavy sometimes!

Photos, clockwise from top L: me and my delicious milkshake - this is a $10 milkshake but hear me out - it has a shot each of Kahlua and creme de cacao mixed with cookies and cream ice cream, generously topped with whipped cream and an Oreo cookie. Worth. It. ; sweet potato fries by the shopping cart with the best chipotle mayo! ; Craig and his ceasar - also a delicious choice - with a bean and an olive :) ; Craig’s create-your-own burger (forgot to take a pic of the actual burger..) ; the salad that I love! - Beet salad with two types of beets, pecans, and goat cheese. So delicious.

To top off a delicious meal, they serve you a little dome of cotton candy at the end of your meal. Love it!

We are always up for trying new places for delicious burgers! Where is the best burger you have ever had? Tell me about it!

Things This Weekend I had such a nice, relaxing weekend and was...

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:54:38 -0400

Things This Weekend

I had such a nice, relaxing weekend and was lucky enough to be off work! Even though we got a bunch of snow last week, I am getting super excited about spring and summer! The first day of spring is just a day away and I really hope we are done seeing the snow fall.

Some highlights from this weekend:

Pics on the left from top to bottom:

I watched Pocahontas this weekend randomly. (I love watching old Disney movies! That movie is from 1995, so long ago now! Remember this pug?

I did a glass fusion class with a few friends this weekend. We got a sweet deal on a Groupon, we got to make pendants, plates, and magnets. It was awesome! I will post more pics when we get the final products (they are baking in kilns..probably..as I type..).

This delicious milkshake from Delux Burger Bar (a local company that makes great food and bevs). This drink has two shots of booze, ice cream, tons of whipped cream and topped with an Oreo cookie! Sooo yumm-ay. (I’ll share more about this date later!)

And on the right: I got my hair cut! It’s been way too long and I went to a new-to-me stylist. It was nerve racking at first but I am so happy with the final product! My hair still looks so long but feels so much lighter and easier to manage!

What are some of the highlights from your weekend? Thanks for stopping by! OX

Three Links Hey! Hope you are all having a great week so far!...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:43:00 -0400

Three Links

Hey! Hope you are all having a great week so far! Just as I started to think spring was on its way, we got a few cms of snow over night! Waahhh #firstworldproblems.

Here are three cool links to spark your interest today!

1) Expressive Photos of Dogs

Sure to brighten your day and cause a chuckle. These high quality photos are super cute and adorable!

2) Things Fitting Perfectly Into Things

This blog is soooo random which is what makes it cool. Who knew so many random items fit perfectly together?

3) Scotch Tape Series

See what happens when a photographer wrapped his models faces in Scotch tape. Funny to look at. And weird. Cool.

photo borrowed from: http://www.businessinsider.com/expressive-photos-of-dogs-2012-11#-2

Jasper Part Two As a follow up about our Jasper trip, on our...

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:04:00 -0400

Jasper Part Two

As a follow up about our Jasper trip, on our last day there we went to the Jasper museum. It was really interesting and totally worth the $6 it cost to get in.

There is a regular exhibit showcasing the history of the Rockies, and how Jasper came to be, and there was also a quilt exhibit, which was really cool to see.

I put together a set of some of my favourites from the museum and the quilt exhibit.

Photos clockwise from top L to R.

Museum: Jack Brewster, a mountaineer with a big horned sheep’s head, photo from 1918, skiers at Marmot Basin (where we were boarding the two days prior!), a fire bag beaded by the Metis circa 1860, a Jasper the bear cartoon, too cute, and a little set up of old school specs and book called “The Jasper Way”.

Quilt Exhibit: a Christmas themed piece, a piece called the “Colour Wash Sampler” - I really like the variety on this!, a quilt that was made with a note attached (the note told a story of a granddaughter making this quilt from her grandmother’s old quilting fabric and scraps, very sweet), a teacup setup on a quilted table topper, a really well done wall hanging for a child’s nursery. The work involved with these pieces, as you can tell, is priceless. My grandmother used to make quilts and I know how much work, time, effort, and money goes into making them, not to mention how much talent it takes to produce such a great piece!