MONDAY MUSINGS: LOVE IS IN THE AIR

It’s almost here.  V-Day.

Are you pumped?  It’s no big deal around these parts – a nice card will usually suffice.  However, this year Tom and I, along with my parents will be attending this Flamenco event on the 15^th.  We happen to know Maria Osende, and I am so excited to see her perform – she is fierce on stage.

So what are you up to?  Big plans?  Keeping it low key?  Pretending it doesn’t exist?

Here are a few things from the big ol’ internet to get you in the mood for all of that pink and red lovey-dovey stuff:

The most delicious looking chocolate heart sandwich cookies.

Handmade cutting board (unfortunately it won’t be ready on time – but use a cute IOU while you wait!)

For the V-Day haters.

An amazing DIY for a tea lover + love tea (duh).

Top 10 romantic movies.

Stay cozy and have drinks at home.

For a long distance relationship, or a close friend who is far away.  

The most adorable date E.V.E.R  on Cup of Jo.  It’s like she’s actually living a romantic comedy!

This is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen in a long time.  Love their core principle.  You Are Beautiful. 

Cupid’s Arrow Cupcakes.

Last year’s gift guides – For Him and For Her.

And last but not least, my favorite V-Day pins …

SURPRISE!

Send a love note.

Heart balloons.

Ombre.  For two.

Stay toasty.

Decorate on a dime.

What can I say?  I totally love love.

Love on, lovers!

NO FAIL PICK-ME-UPS: MAKE A SMALL CHANGE

Good Morning.  Happy Monday!
Are you snowed in?  It's bright and sunny here in Nova Scotia today, but the snow banks are high, and the wind is cold.  We had a bit of a snow storm over the weekend, and while I enjoyed the pretty white surroundings, I was starting to feel a little down because of the grey skies.
We kept the fire going and stayed nice and warm.  Tom and I even managed to get out skiing twice, which was lovely.


But it can be hard at this time of year, right?  It's cold, it's windy, and spring is NOT right around the corner.  Im usually in a sunny and warm spot by this time, so I'm not going to lie - winter is starting to get to me a little.
Last week I decided to make a small change to my bathroom, and it ended up making a huge impact on my mood.  Sometimes the smallest little things can make a huge difference.

I changed my shower curtain from this ....





To THIS .....


It's awesome!  I love it so much.  I automatically feel happier when I go in there.  Must be the sunny yellow!

Small change - big difference!

THRIFTY THURSDAY: USING UP THOSE HOARDED POINTS

Hi Y’all – Happy Thursday!

It’s freezing cold here today so I am totally overdoing it with tea, long sleeves, and wooly socks.  I hope that you’re staying warm – wherever you are.

Today want to share a little money-saving strategy that I’ve been employing over the past few months.  I have been redeeming my credit card points for gas gift cards and saving dollars in the process.

Do you collect points?  Of course you do.  I collect RBC points, Aeroplan points, AirMiles, Chapters points, Starbucks points, and Shoppers Drug Mart points, to name a few!  It’s absolutely crazy.  I totally hoard them, too.  Do you?

Now obviously I’m using the word “hoard” lightly.  I also tend to hoard books, throw pillows, pictures, change, socks, and clothing.  If you check out The Domestic Blonde, Julia will tell you all about how she hoards and organizes.  It’s awesome.

Anyway, we all seem to have a million points squirreled away somewhere, right?  Unless you are saving them for a specific vacation, honeymoon, crazy ultra-light luggage, or a shop vac, they probably don’t get much playtime.  I am certainly not taking a vacation or honeymoon any time soon, so I decided to put my points toward something that I use almost every day – gas.  I know that it’s not the best value for the dollars you spend actually earning the points, but I don’t need another slow cooker, stand mixer, or coffee pot, so if I don’t use the points on something I’ll use, what good are they?

Every few weeks, I log on to my RBC account and send myself a gas card.  It’s so awesome.  I have saved so many dollars at the pump (gas aint cheap, y’all), and the best part is that Esso takes Aeroplan, so every time I fill up, I earn points toward a different reward.  Booya!  I’m on a crazy tight budget these days, so every dollar saved feels awesome.  Not to mention, it totally feels awesome to get a little present in the mail every once in awhile!

What about you?  How do you spend your points?

THE LITTLE RED PAPERCLIP TURNS 2

Happy Birthday to us.

So two years ago, the blog started.  Since then, there have been over 12,000 page views, 151 blog posts, 41 comments, 5 trades, and lots of laughs.

I mentioned last year that the blog has sort of taken on a new face since it started.  It’s become a place for me to keep up with friends and family far and wide (since I’m so bad at the whole e-mail correspondence thing).  I’m able to share what I’m up to - what I’m eating, reading, making, and giggling about.  It also provides a bit of balance in my life, which I am grateful for.  I hoped that by changing the tone of the blog, I would eventually have more readers, and in turn, more opportunities for trading.  And as it happens, I actually do have some news on the trading front.  Stay tuned for that!

Anyway, I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to everyone who stops by to read the blog.  It’s nice to connect with people, and I hope that some of the silliness makes you smile.

Happy second birthday to us.

2013: THE YEAR OF FORWARD MOTION

Happy New Year!

Whoa.  It’s 2013.  I know, I know .. it’s been 2013 for going on two weeks now .. totally yesterday’s news.  One thing that you can count on with this blog is that I will always be behind the times.  I will never get things up on time, I will always run out of time, and I will always not care.  Life happens.  Sometimes it’s hard to write about things when you’re just out living life.  I think that’s okay.

Plus, it’s totally not too late to talk resolutions.  Eeek. 

A new year offers us a chance to reflect on the previous year and in many cases, turn the page, if we so choose.  I will certainly be turning a page this year, and I look forward to what 2013 will bring.  I’ve made a resolution for myself.  What about you?  Do you have one?  What is it?  Do you not?  Why?  How did you do with the 2012 resolutions?

Last year I resolved to be bold and chop off my long hair, which I did (remember?), drink more water (a work in progress – but I now carry a bottle with me everywhere I go), and to be positive more often.  That last one is tough to chalk up to a success or failure.  I carried this goal in the back of my mind all the time, and I really made an effort to be more positive on a daily basis.  I worked on taking breaths when needed, smiling more, and opening myself up to experiences that would make me happy.  I worked on letting things go.  I also tested myself in a lot of ways and laid a lot on the line.  In some ways, things didn’t work out.  It was tough, and I had some very serious rough patches where I just didn’t feel positive at all.  I learned a lot about myself and I’m glad that I did.  Here’s what most of it boiled down to – it’s okay!  What I realized this year is that it’s okay not to feel good all of the time.  It’s normal, and it’s healthy.  You simply cannot have good experiences around the clock.  Life happens, and sometimes it really sucks.  It’s how you deal with that, and how you treat yourself and others in the process that counts.  Most of the time, really, it’s okay (or it will be).  This positivity thing is a resolution that I am going to work into my everyday life from now on.  That, and drinking more water.  Always. 

So, 2013. 

On New Year’s Eve, my friend Jenna and I were declaring 2013 to be the year of everything.  I think we named it the year of citrus, hydration, pulp, yes, and no, among other, less appropriate things.  It escalated quickly and it was hilarious.

Needless to say, 2013 will not be the year of pulp for me, but rather, the year of forward motion.  It’s easy to get stuck in one spot and it’s possible to move backward.  I want to keep the motion forward.

I resolve to keep my chin up, my heart full, my eyes forward, and my feet moving. 

I want to learn from, and then let go of the past.  I want to look toward the future and allow myself to be excited about it and inspired by it.  I want to take advantage of new opportunities and appreciate the opportunities I’ve already been given.  I want to grow and change and accept and excel.  Above all, I want to remember to keep moving forward.  Always forward.  I know that if I do these things, I can’t go wrong. 

I am also going to drink more water, wear more sunscreen, and eat out less.

What about you?  Any big plans for 2013?

20 STOCKING STUFFERS UNDER $20

There are only two more shopping days left.  You heard me.  Two. 

Are you all done?  I am going out soon to brave the storm of crazies in order to grab a few last minute items – mostly stocking stuffers.  Stockings sometimes get overlooked during Christmas shopping times, but they are my favorite part of Christmas morning.

Here are a few things to help you finish up the stuffing (and here's last year's list) :

Him

For hours of laughter.  Really, hours.

Man Candles.  Scents like fresh cut grass and sawdust. 

Just moved in together? 

I dare you to not laugh at this.

His very own Coyote.

Her

A fun New Years Eve accent.

The prettiest bottle stoppers.

So it’s a teeny bit over-budget, but it’s absolutely gorgeous.  Who says ladies can’t have fun too?  

Word. 

Super cute iPhone cases. 

Mom

Gorgeous winter salt and pepper shakers.

Pair one of these with this to keep warm.

A sure hit.  3 for $10.

I maintain that no kitchen is complete without a good zester.

Made With Local.  They have some great holiday stocking stuffer packs this season.  

Dad

If your dad loves garlic as much as mine, this is perfect.

For the Neil Young fan.

For manly food preparation.

The best.  Arber.

Gorillapod. 

Merry Christmas Eve Eve, all.

PS – it just started flurry-ing here.  Fingers crossed for a White Christmas!!

PPS - In case Santa is on the interweb these days, here are a few things on my wishlist ...

Glittery flutes.

Cacti.

Warm and fuzzies.

Practical and stylish footwear.

2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Happy Holiday Hump Day!!

We are inside the week marker.  Holla!  Are you done your shopping yet?  Please say no so that I don’t freak out.  Today I ran around like a crazy person in moccasins getting a lot of mine done.  I’m almost there … almost.

Here are a few things that may help you get over that last hurdle …

Gift ideas for:

Him

If he’s a Q fan.  

As per usual, Joe Fresh is spot on. 

From the 2012 Cup of Jo Gift Guide .. a homemade gin kit.  What?  

Get it framed .. or not. 

Analog living is where it’s at.  Shop around for a tee, tank, hoodie, or hat. You might even recognize someone you know on the site.

Her

The prettiest custom stacking initial rings. 

These are totally on my wishlist.  For bubbly times.

Monogram totes – a necessity.

If she’s anything like me, she probably forgets to charge stuff all the time.  Never have a dead device again.

These are awesome and she will love you.  That is all.  

Little Friends

A little bit of sparkle can go a long way.

The Hobbit.

Because at all stages of life, one should own sweatpants.  

This is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.

Super cute memory game with familiar faces.

Mom

Colourblock sweater.

Warm and cozy winter tea.

Pretty enough to leave out on the porch.

I know everyone has iphones these days, but these little guys are perfect for running outside or wearing to the gym.

Fun and creative recipes.

Dad

Simple and stylish everyday watch.

For taking coffee to work.

Photobok of memories from Pinhole Press.

Not only does it look awesome on the coffee table, it will keep you entertained/infuriated for hours.
ps – we have the cityscape one and it’s awesome!

I’m Your Man.

We are having our Secret Santa party tonight and I am pumped.  I have a skirt that is essentially an ugly sweater, bulk barn chocolate, a homemade gift, and I have hard apple cider.  Nothing can go wrong. 

Enjoy your Wednesday!