Ten On Tuesday 09.30.14

[1] I haven't done one of these posts in FOREVER. Ok, it maybe has only been a month or two but I feel majorly out of practice. 

[2] We went to Target. They had Halloween stuff, I had a great night! 

[3] I woke up to a beautiful surprise yesterday morning, I had been featured on Shane's Operation Beautiful post! This project has been going on for months and is such an amazing idea! She's still accepting bloggers so check it out via the image below and sign yourself up!! 

[4] On Kay's advice I started watching Red Band Society on Wednesday nights, it's about teenagers living in the hospital and their experiences. That description does not do it justice. You should really watch it! Oh, and Octavia Spencer stars as Nurse Jackson. 

This poster has caused some controversy over the Scary Bitch label for Octavia
Spencer, but I kind of thought it was a good intro for
the characters. They totally could have said Scary Nurse though. 

[5] I just heard on the radio there is an app to help you meet someone for cuddles. Like a random cuddling partner. Ick. I can't get into the idea. I mean a stranger who just wants to cuddle? How can you be sure? 
[6] Although I've completely abandoned Blog-tember, (mostly because I'm adverse to being challenged!) one of my Blog-tember faves has been posting daily- she's amazing! I can't wait to see what she posts once the challenge is over! 
[7] We re-decorated our whole living space, and I am planning a reveal video but since we did it things have just been a big mess! I will clean it up and take some photos or video soon though, I promise! You can check a few of the progress pics up on Instagram! 
[8] I have a 'Smart' phone, our contracts ran out and my ancient Blackberry is finally just a paperweight! That means I have the capability to Instagram my life (I know I'm about 3 years too late for this to be exciting!)
[9] I just printed this Harry Potter quote to hang in our Living Room (I promise- photos soon) as we had a big hole in the wall that needed to be covered! I mean an actual hole, not like an undecorated space. 

Via Pinterest

[10] How is it the last day of September already? This month FLEW by. 
[10+1] Friday is the first Kindness Counts link up (I know I am plugging this every single day)! I'd love to have you get involved!! 
Thanks to the lovely Alyssa for hosting 10 on Tuesday again this week! 
Keep Smiling :) 

Vacation, 90210, Books & Sleep! Ten On Tuesday Link-Up

I've been slightly absent around here lately, and a lot has been happening that's worth sharing! I'm linking up with the awesome Alyssa for another instalment of Ten on Tuesday. 

[1] We spent last week in Las Vegas. Seriously. 

[2] I will have pictures and a re-cap from that unexpectedly AMAZING trip soon. Jay & I were not crazy excited to go but once we got there we had the most fantastic trip! 

[3] On the way home, I had a 4 hour layover in Vancouver. I caught the train from the airport into the city, got a little lost, got back on the train and eventually found my way to the Olympic Cauldron from the 2010 Winter Games. It was a bit of a trek but I did it. 

A grainy cell phone picture capturing my awesome airport look! 

[4] Ok, one more vacation story. See those backpack straps in that photo- that's all I took for our five day trip! I have never packed that light in my life, it probably helped that Vegas was 50 degrees Celsius everyday so I could bring nice summer clothes! 

[5] I've been re-reading the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella. In 7 days I've read the first three books. I am staying up late and waking up early to have more reading time. Oh, and today on the bus I laughed out loud at one of Becky's plans. 

[6] We had a Hoe-Down party for the kids at work last week, it was so much fun! Clearly I was into it. 

A little classroom selfie action while the kiddos were having pony races in the gym! 

[7] Found this sign when I was walking around the neighbourhood last week, such a lovely reminder. 

[8] Ok, one more vacation story- how great is a nap? Vacationing meant lots of time for afternoon naps, which was awesome and needed. 

[9] I have to admit, I'm completely hooked on the 90210 reboot, in a week I've watched two and a half seasons. Having rarely watched the original series I can make no comparisons, but I love it. Mindless, unbelievable teen drama at it's best! 

[10] I'm still open to guest posts or blogger spotlights if you're interested in being featured. Check out the Let's Be Friends page for all the details! 

Keep Smiling :) 

Ten On Tuesday: In My Bag

I always love those posts where people share what they're carrying around every day. Jay finally cracked and bought me a Jessica Simpson bag for my birthday, I've been dreaming about one for two years. It was really quite ridiculous. 

I'm glad I waited though, because this bag has two strap options (shoulder or cross body) and isn't too big so I can't carry too much at once. In case you're interested it's the Marina Crossbody, it also comes in tonne of other gorgeous colours, and the inside is leopard print! 

Since I've got this gorgeous new bag, and had to relocate all my belongings into the new purse it seemed the perfect time to show y'all what I carry around every day. 

[1] Forever 21 Anchor Sunglasses. Protect my eyes and feed my nautical obsessions.

[2] Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer. Yes, that's a polar bear- I stock up at Christmas!

[3] Tums Freshers. We had these in our bathroom baskets at the wedding, they weren't used so I figured I should start carrying them around. Clever, I know. 

[4] My beautiful new Target wallet. It's got the perfect number of pockets and that handy zipper keeps all my loose change from landing all over my purse!

[5] Advil, also left over from the wedding. 

[6] EOS Lip Balm. I have blogged about my love for this many times, it's just so easy to find at the bottom of my purse! Plus, it smells delicious! 

[7] Random mints and Mentos. They usually don't last very long, especially if we're in the car for any length of time. 

[8] Tide To Go Pen. These little pens have saved a few of my favourite outfits, they're amazing!

[9] Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion. Smells so good and keeps my hands from getting dried out. 

[10] Bus Pass. Self-explanatory. 

Not Pictured: My 3 year old Blackberry, house keys on a lanyard, random receipts I carry around for months and a pack of gum, my drop-proof camera and depending on the weather I usually have a rain coat or long sleeved shirt jammed in there too! 

What treasures do you carry around every day? Do we have any in common? 

Linking up with Alyssa since this list is a perfect 10! Happy Ten On Tuesday!

Keep Smiling :) 

10 on Tuesday: Happy Birthday Canada!

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A special edition of 10 on Tuesday to celebrate the big Canadian July holiday, Canada Day! I'll be honest this post is scheduled, I am out dancing in the streets with 350,000 of my closest friends. 


[1] Today Canada is celebrating it's 147th Birthday! In my humble opinion we should all get free cake! 

[2] Canada is home to the most delicious flavour of Lays Potato Chips, the Ketchup Chip. Really tastes nothing like ketchup but are addictive all the same. Also we've cornered the market on Smarties & Coffee Crisp. I know, in the US you have so many exciting treat options that aren't available to us, but these few Canada-only specialities are rare!

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[3] Canada is the second largest country (size-wise) in the world, first is Russia. 

[4] Ottawa, this lovely city we call home is the capital of Canada, home to the Parliament Buildings, National Museums and proudly holds the title of "Second Coldest Capital City In The World." 

It gets cold here. Cold. But then there are Winter Festivals and snowshoeing, so it's fun too! 

[5] The border between Canada & the United States is the largest in the world. Including Alaska, it's over 8,000km or 5,000mi long. 

[6] Canada can lay claim to this gorgeous & talented human. 

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[7] Canadians don't actually say 'eh' all the time, though I am guilty of saying it more often than I probably should. 

[8] Online shopping has been steadily improving, but there are still lots of online shops that won't take my money, to be fair some is actually called loonies and toonies ($1 & $2).  Still, I just want to buy fancy clothes off the internet- WHY IS THAT SO HARD?!?!? 

We love our toonies so much we have a giant version of them! 

[9] Apparently, 15 million cows live in Canada. Jay can tell you, I've probably 'moo'ed through the car window at about 1 million, 14 to go! 

[10] There are 10 provinces, and 3 territories in this giant country. I've stepped foot in 8 of the 10 provinces (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta & British Columbia), sadly I've not made it to any of the territories- but I will!

*If I didn't already know the facts I found them here and here. 

Linking up with the lovely Alyssa for 10 on Tuesday and by a beautiful coincidence that we're blogging about the same things today linking up with Allieology for Day 1 of Blog Every Day in July. 

Keep Smiling (and HAPPY CANADA DAY) :) 

Ten On Tuesday 06.24.14

[1] I'm not into the World Cup at all. I want to be as excited as everyone else but I just can't find the enthusiasm.

[2] I love Iggy Azelea. 

[3] We're re-watching House on Netflix and though he's a totally ass he has some pretty good one liners. Jay is always asking what I'm laughing at, apparently he doesn't find it quite as comical! 

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[4] I turn 26 in mere days. I think I'm ready, but at the same time I can't believe how old I'm getting? Where did being 19 go? 

How I feel every time I mention my birthday, I just can't help myself!
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[5] I'm so glad I'm not 19 anymore. 

[6] I mixed avocado and mango together as a salad and ate it for lunch everyday, it was surprisingly delicious. Probably not news, but I'm not a big fan of avocado normally so I was pleasantly surprised!  

[7] I'm re-reading Harry Potter. I know it's written for youngin's but it is just so well written. I know what's coming next and yet I can't turn away. 

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[8] I'm terrible at Tweeting. and Instagram. Terrible. I know it's part of how this whole blog thing works but I don't have a phone that supports either and spend little time doing cool things in the vicinity of my laptop! 

[9] I spent two years disliking maxi dresses and skirts. I just didn't really understand them, and had no idea how to pull it off and now I am in love. They are so comfy and look so much classier than sweatpants! Love. Love. Love. 

[10] I launched a new blog project yesterday *read about it here* but if you're interested I'm open to having guest posts (any topic, any time) or doing blogger spotlights on you and your blog! I just love the idea of sharing a little blog love and what better way then to showcase your wonderful talents! If you're interested please let me know! 

Linking up with the wonderful Alyssa for Ten On Tuesday! 

Keep Smiling :) 

Ten on Tuesday 04.15.14

Linking up with Alyssa once again for Ten On Tuesday! 

[1] I recently rediscovered my love of country music. Especially the 1990's variety. Shania, Garth, Alan, Brooks&Dunn, the whole gang is just great!

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[2] Why is everything from the 1990's so much better?

[3] I'm still very much on this Good Wife obsession. It is a really well done show, and their aren't many of those anymore.

[4] I think Spring has finally sprung here in O-Town. We were out on the weekend without layers, hats or mitts. It was great! Jay has even broken out his shorts!

[5] This.

In my class someone is always losing a tooth, but so far they haven't actually lost it. I love that their is actually an eye lash being offered. 

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[6] An artist took popular songs and turned them into classic advertisements. 

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[7] How freakin' wonderful is this family?!?! I love that they are so involved with George, rather than leaving him to a Nanny all the time. 

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[8] We went to see Joel Plaskett in concert at the National Arts Centre on Saturday night and it was amazing. He was obviously nervous to be playing such a big venue,  but he was amazing (as always). We got engaged just before a Joel show a year and a half ago, so especially so close to the wedding it was nice to see another show. 

[9] According to Buzzfeed KFC is making chicken corsages for prom. I'm guessing this is all a hoax but if not it is hilarious. I can't think of any lovelier smell for prom than fried chicken and flowers. 

[10] I'm tired. So this is it.

Ten On Tuesday 08.04.14

A little late to the party, but linking up with Alyssa for another edition of Ten On Tuesday! 

[1] I just finished Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn over the weekend. It's a little dark, but very interesting- I could never fully predict what would happen next. 
Edit: I just found out this is going to be a movie, this year. EEK! Benny A & Neil Patrick Harris. EEK! 

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[2] Glitter Toms are the best thing to happen to my feet. I don't even usually like glitter but these are just so lovely.

[3] Chocolate Cheerios. Actually better for me that the 'healthy' cereal I had thought I was eating and it's chocolate. 

[4] This is hard today. I feel like I'm in slow motion. 

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[5] We went to a craft sale on the weekend, I felt about 20 years younger than the target demographic, but still found some great gifts for our friends helping out with the wedding so that was nice!

[6] We walked for about 3 hours on Sunday. It was so sunny and gorgeous (though a little windy), we just couldn't stay inside. Maybe Spring is actually here?

[7] I'm obsessed with Candy Crush. I don't understand any of the rules, but I can't stop playing! Jay tries to help, but I don't listen so I've lost every time for about 20 turns now, but still feel happy about it. Weird.

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[8] I am unprepared for work this week and next week, actually for this whole month. I just can't sit down and plan, which is particularly awful since I'll be on vacay for two weeks so everything needs to be planned in advance. 

[9] I confess, I wrote almost all of this post while on hold with the insurance company. 

[10] We just discovered that I like Pad Thai (I am a picky eater!) and have eaten it 3 of the last 4 days. It's getting ridiculous. 

Ten On Tuesday 04.01.14

Linking up with Alyssa for another instalment of 10 on Tuesday. 

[1] We have less than a month to go. Seriously. Less than 31 days from today I will be a married woman. 

[2] This weekend I powered through so many wedding projects, I am keeping it all under wraps until after the big day in case any of my real-life homies are still reading my blog. But I promise lots of posts after it's all over. I had no idea I even had the ability to be this crafty.

[3] I am obsessed with The Good Wife. We are almost through Season 1 and it has completely surpassed my expectations. If you need a new Netflix series to binge watch I totally recommend (though it may only be on the Canadian version). 

[4] Building on my previously mentioned current obsession with outer space, we watched Armageddon on Friday night. I had never seen it and always thought it was a masterpiece. I. WAS. WRONG. It's pretty terrible, even though I love me some Benny Affleck. 

We had dinner at Montana's so I of course drew a Solar System, with a (possibly insensitive) re-enactment of Armageddon. 

[5] After reading several blog reviews of Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl I picked it up at the library last week, certain I wouldn't like it. Again, I was wrong. It took me a little time to get through the first couple of chapters but then I became totally sucked in. 100% recommend. 

[6] On that note I am on a reading streak again, and so happy about it. I love reading but once I start a book I'm not crazy about I can't easily move on to a new book so instead I give up reading all together, often for months. It's a flawed system.

[7] Sunday morning it snowed, 15cms. Isn't it Spring? WTF. The worst part was I had just pulled Jay out of bed to go for a run, only to open the door and realize that wasn't an option. 

[8] I have an increasingly worrying obsession with all things nautical. All of Old Navy is overstimulating for me right now with it's adorable anchor prints, knotted rope sweaters and scarves, bags and necklaces all bearing beautiful symbols of the sea. 

[9] I can't wait to get home and embrace the wide open expanse of ocean. I need the smell of salt water and the comforting blanket of fog, especially to keep me calm before the big day. 

[10] My nan sent me a package of pictures from when I was younger last week. This was amongst them. Clearly my sister did not approve of my outfit choice. 

Keep Smiling :) 

Ten On Tuesday 03.25.14

Linking up with Alyssa for another week of Ten On Tuesday because really who doesn't love a good list?!?!?!

[1] I'm pretty glad not to be in Halifax this week, they are supposed to get hit with anywhere between 15 and 50cm of snow (depending on what forecast you read) tomorrow. That's a lot of snow for anywhere, but in Hali it usually turns to rain so 50cm of snow a week into Spring could really shut the city down. I'm hoping they make out ok, and so happy to miss it! 

[2] Both Jay and I had wedding related bad dreams last night. I won't go so far as nightmares but it was certainly not a good dream. Jay's had him eating poisonous chocolate and mine had me forgetting EVERYTHING (centrepieces, place cards, flowers, seating plan, etc), yelling at my dad in front of all the guests and then leaving for an hour just before the ceremony to pick up the stuff, when we encountered some kind of creature we had to escape from. So no more fro-yo before bed for us. 

[3] I love this song. Love. Love. Love. 

[4] Did you know Venus has active volcanoes? Or that Mercury has no atmosphere? Or even what an atmosphere is? How many types of galaxies there are? How many galaxies there are? 

I will admit I knew very little about space before the last couple of weeks at work. I might have learned it in school but I clearly made no effort to remember it, but now I am fascinated. It is awesome. 

[5] We started watching The Good Wife on Netflix last night. It's pretty good. I did read spoilers about a recent episode about 20 minutes before we decided to give it a try, so that was dumb. If you need a new show it might be worth giving it a try though. 

[6] Since I'm talking about TV, The Walking Dead obviously needs a shout out. Seriously? Why do they wait until the last 2-3 episodes of each half-season to make things interesting. It's like 5 hours of nothing, and then three hours of interest and then 6 months of withdrawls. SERIOUSLY! 

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The reference is a little old, but I think it still holds up.
Five episodes talking about Terminus and we will get to see it for 15 minutes next week and be left with
some non-zombie related cliff-hanger that will suck me in for another season. 

[7] I was trying to be early for work today, I am majorly behind on my program planning for this week. Then, I opened blogger. 

[8] I still love this song. I picked the least offensive video for your viewing pleasure! 

*I'm streaming Halifax pop radio as I write, it just played this song, and #8 was born! 

[9] I can't stand the Jay-Z and Beyonce Drunk In Love collab. I love their older stuff, '03 Bonnie & Clyde anyone? But this is just uggh. Not a fan at all. 

[10] Ok. Now I'm officially behind schedule. I'm going to cheat on number 10. 

Happy Tuesday! 

Keep Smiling :) 

10 On Tuesday- Reasons To Smile

Since I've abandoned using Sundays to post reasons to smile, this seems like a good way to share some nuggets of happiness with the world! 

You can read the whole poem easier here!

[1] This amazing poem written by a 14-year-old. I'm not usually a fan of poetry, but this is seriously amazing and a good reminder that their is still lots to be hopeful for amongst the younger generations (Did I just say younger generations? I am way too old for my age!)  

[2] Spring starts on Thursday! If that doesn't make you smile nothing will. 

[3] In three days it will be Friday and that is fantastic! 

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We've all been there. 

[4] You'll probably need tissues to get through this video. A beautiful gesture of friendship, to support a friend fighting breast cancer a group of women shaved their heads. Equally as moving, their hair was then donated to a cancer research organization. 

[5] This adorable Instagram account created by a grandson for his grandma. She's become an overnight sensation, with photos and videos showcasing her beautiful spirit. She's battling cancer, but still finds reason to smile every day. Grandparents on social media are always adorable, this is no exception. 

Check the account out, in all it's glory here!

[6] Pharell's 24HoursOfHappy website. That song instantly brings a smile to my face, and makes me dance. I usually don't snap my fingers for anything, but this song makes me unable to stop. It's also rather entertaining to watch so many different dancers show their stuff in the 24 hour long video.
Check it out, it's addicting but in the best way! 

[7] We recently hooked up the amazing DVD player my parents gave us for Christmas. It plays DVDs, connects to Netflix and plays videos off of USBs. We've been enjoying many Criminal Minds marathons, the biggest thing we miss about cable for sure! The cast has such chemistry (I mean check these photos out!), even if the stories give me the chills, the moments when they are having dinner together make the nightmares worth it! 

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[8] I've posted new blogs, five days in a row, something I haven't done in a few weeks and it feels good.

[9] While I was sick last week, I started re-reading The Hunger Games. If you've never read the series before do it now! The books don't quite fit with my "happiness" theme for this post, but it's hard not to feel happy when curled up with a good book! 

[10] It's totally worth mentioning this again- in two days WINTER IS OVER! Finally! Finally! Finally!

Linking up with Alyssa at Two-Thirds Scarlett!!

Keep Smiling :)