CASE OF THE WEDNESDAYS ...

Happy Hump Day!

How's your February 29th going? Leap Day - how exciting. I'm convinced something is in the air ... Full moon style.

I am totally having one of those days! Serious case of the Wednesdays. I woke up bright and early at 4:40 this morning (I am flying from Halifax back to Orlando today), and I should have known that it would all go downhill from there.

To make a long story short, my taxi was 20 minutes late, and essentially, I missed my flight by exactly 20 minutes. Things were looking good when I got to the airport - no bags to check, short line at the ticketing counter .. Again, I just should have known better. Maybe the worst part was getting my hopes up. Isn't it always that way though? When you're running late, you seem to hit every red light and can't seem to find parking to save your life? That was my experience through security and customs. The security aisles went from 3 down to 1 as soon as I entered the lineup, slowing it down to a glacial pace and then I was randomly selected to do the weird body scan thing, which for some reason seemed to take hours (although I'm sure it was regular time).
By this point, I knew that I didn't have a chance in making my flight, so I resigned myself and walked at a leisurely pace through customs to the gate where I was told that the next flight was overbooked already, so I would need to wait until noon for the next one after that.

I now have the pleasure of spending 6 hours in the International Departures area of the Halifax airport. I'm annoyed, but it could be worse. I'm going to catch up on my studies and probably eat a chocolate bar that I'll regret. It's actually really quiet right now. I'm the only one at the gates. It's sort of peaceful, in a strange airport way. Like I said, it could totally be worse.
It's actually a really great time for me to practice another one of my new years resolutions; to actively choose a positive attitude more often. I'm working on it - coffee helps.

 Hope that you're having a great day and that you don't hit all of the red lights!

 PS - the above picture is my view for the next 6 hours. The tropical-looking palm tree seems out of place next to the snow covered ground doesn't it? Kind of pretty, though.

PPS- Make sure that you check back tomorrow.  There's going to be a really exciting quest post! In fact, the photo posted above seems quite appropriate.  Stay tuned.

RESOLUTIONS REVISITED

Hi Friends!  Happy Tuesday!

Remember in January we talked about New Years resolutions?  I also dreamed of this haircut earlier in November.  Well, yesterday I took the plunge and fulfilled one of my resolutions (to be bold and make a big change by cutting my hair short).  I went to visit one of my great friends who also doubles as my amazing hairstylist.  Her name is Bridget O’halloran and she works at the Head Shoppe in Cole Harbour.  After many appointments of chickening out, I finally felt ready and told her to chop off my long locks.  She worked some serious magic with her shears and colouring skills ….

BEFORE

AFTER

What do you think?  I absolutely love it.  My hair feels so light and healthy.  I can’t believe that I didn’t do it sooner.  I seriously cannot stop touching it and running my hands through it.

It’s so refreshing to make such a big change.  I know its just hair, but sometimes it really helps to switch things up and go outside of your comfort zone.  It’s definitely a great way to kick the winter blues. 

After a shampoo and an air-dry, I still love it.  I just have to get used to my pathetic little ponytail and not using half a bottle of conditioner in the shower.

Usually I don’t get nervous about haircuts.  I’ve had it all.  Good bad, light, dark, long, short.  My philosophy is that in the end, you always still look like you.  Nevertheless, it took me a long time to build up the courage for this cut.  I knew that with Bridget I would be in good hands, but for some reason, I was feeling really insecure about short hair.  It’s hard to say goodbye to something that you’ve spent months, even years, working on.  It sounds silly, but long hair is a serious commitment.  Though, surprisingly, when she made the first cut, I felt exhilarated.  It’s incredible how much different you can feel about everything after a relatively small change.  It’s like pressing a refresh button or something.

Bridget made me feel super comfortable and asked me what I wanted every step of the way.  She’s really great at making sure she knows what you have in mind, but she’s also not afraid to offer her opinion and give professional advice.  She takes pride in her work and is reluctant to do something that she doesn’t think will be good in the end.  I really respect that about her and it’s one of the main reasons I trust her so much.

If you are in the HRM area, I totally recommend an appointment with her.  She’s a great stylist and is amazing with colour.  Not to mention she’s a total sweetheart.

So, how are your resolutions going?  I am still working on being more positive on a daily basis and drinking more water.  What are your resolutions?  Have you given up or are you still going strong? 

PS - I really have a little bit more respect for the masters of the "selfies" - it is really hard to take a decent photo of yourself in the mirror .. even if it's only the back of your head.

MONDAY MUSINGS: … AND THE AWARD GOES TO …

Hi Y’All. Happiest of Mondays!

So did you stay up to watch the Academy Awards show last night (is it just me or does it seem to run kind of late – like way past my bedtime late)?  The Oscars are sort of one of those things, aren’t they?  People love it or they totally couldn’t care less. I get that, though.. after all it is sort of weird, right?  Rich and famous people analyzing what other rich and famous people are wearing, rich and famous people giving other rich and famous people awards, rich and famous people congratulating and thanking other rich famous people on their successes... you get where I’m going with this right?  I mean, I know that the movies are more than just movies. I understand that they are works of art, they inspire hope, spark debate, raise serious issues, and create an escape from a sometimes overwhelming world… and I totally get that there are some serious achievements that deserve recognition, but you know, saving a life is a serious and important achievement too, so why don’t we have a huge crazy fancy award show for all of the amazing paramedics, surgeons, first responders, volunteers, doctors, and nurses out there?  Billy Crystal even poked fun at this in his opening monologue saying, “Nothing can take the sting out of the world’s economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with gold statues.” At least they can laugh at themselves ...

And here comes the hypocrisy (but it’s sort of okay, because I’m not rich or famous – that’s what I tell myself, anyway) …

Picture it ..
I am sitting at my parent’s dining room table with a glass of wine and my textbook.  Yes, textbook.  I am totally mature, scholarly, and focused.  I am telling myself  “I don’t really care about the Oscars.  They’re on every year.  I don’t want to support the weird celebrity culture.  I’m so over it.  They’re not even that good.”  And then from the depths of the basement TV room, I hear Tim Gunn say the words “Fabulous” “Versace” and “Rooney Mara” and it is all over. 

I totally watched it and I totally loved it!  I love love love love the red carpet.  I don’t want to, but I do.  I love it in the weird way that I really love breakfast sausages and rainbow sprinkles (not together, though).
Honestly, I think I have only seen two out of all of the nominated films, so I wasn’t too concerned about the awards or speeches, I’m in it for the dresses.  Don’t judge me … or do.  Whatever.

Here are my red carpet highlights:

Michelle Williams - I loved everything about her, especially the fact that she brought her BFF as a date and it reminded me of Dawson's Creek. She was so cute and chic.  The Louis Vuitton dress was definitely one of my faves.  Her jewels were perfect, and her lipstick was amazing.  She makes a great case for short hair, too!

Rooney Mara – Or Audrey Hepburn?  I absolutely loved her makeup.  It was flawless.  Although, I wasn’t a huge fan of her Givenchy dress.  The boob flaps kind of threw me off.  I get it though, it was soft and delicate.. the exact opposite of Lisbeth Salander.

Christopher Plummer – AMAZING!  I am so incredibly biased.  I love him so much.  Sound of Music, enough said.  His suit was so cool.  Hello .. blue velvet.  Not to mention that he totally rocked his Order of Canada pin (which is sort of funny because the Los Angeles Times called it a “whimsical flower petal lapel pin” )and he’s now the oldest Oscar winner ever.

Emma Stone – She is one of my serious lady crushes.  I love everything about her.  She seems to have a great ‘tude.  I bet she’d be fun to drink wine with.  We’re best friends in my mind.  I also love that she described her Giambattista Valli gown, saying, “it’s fuchsia and it’s got a bow.”  About sums it up.  So cute.

Jessica Chastain – Not really my style, but she looked like a total babe.  The McQueen dress was stunning – definitely a work of art.

Tina Fey – Surprisingly, I loved Tina Fey!  Her hair and makeup and Carolina Herrera dress were so glam.  I love the colour – I wish that she and Christopher Plummer had walked the carpet together – matching prom style.

Gwenyth Paltrow – Gwenyth is pretty much my all-time lady crush.  Usually, she can do no wrong with me.  But ugh, the ponytail.  Seriously?  Loved the dress, hated the weird low, loose pony.  Why?  Just why?

But who cares what I think?  I watched it in sweatpants, wool socks, and a ratty ponytail while knitting and eating nachos.  That’s totally glam, right?

(Photos via  Huffington Post)

SUNDAY QUOTE

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Happy Birthday, Tom!

Congratulations!  You are now officially our favorite 30-year-old!  Thanks for being the best.  We hope that you have the most wonderful day.

Lots of love, 

From Una and Liesl

XOXO

PS - A big Happy Birthday to Tom's mom, Madeleine - we also hope that you have a great birthday back at home!  They share a birthday - how sweet is that?

SUNDAY QUOTE

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE.

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.




Dorky as it sounds, I truly believe this.

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovers!

IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL CRY IF I WANT TO

Just kidding.  No tears.
Although I did listen to the song about a million times yesterday because it reminds me of cassette tapes on road trips with my parents.

Yesterday was my sweet sixteen twenty-fourth birthday and my lovely (and apparently sneaky) friends threw me a surprise BBQ at the beach.
It was a honest-to-goodness surprise, too.  I really had no idea; the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind.  I was genuinely fooled and also really touched.

Have you ever had a surprise party thrown for you?  It’s so amazing. The fact that all of these people took time out of their day and secretly arranged themselves to celebrate with me is so special. I feel so lucky to have such caring friends.

You guys rock!  Thank you so much for a magical birthday!

PS – My friend Genny made a beautiful cake and I am kicking myself for not taking a photo before it got devoured.  I managed to save one of these little flowers, though.  They were all over the cake.  Aren’t they pretty?

SUNDAY QUOTE

TOP 10 ROMANTIC MOVIES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

Happy Thursday!

I love comedies.  I love romances.  I love romantic comedies.  I love to cry because “it’s just so cute” or “it’s just so romantic” or “it’s just so sad that they can’t be together” or “I’m just so happy for them”.  I cry at all the times you are supposed to cry during movies.  I am totally that girl.

I like to watch romantic movies alone or maybe with a girlfriend or two.  I want to become totally absorbed in the impossibly romantic and spontaneous plot, the perfectly timed dialogue, and most importantly, the leading actress’s flawless, yet seemingly casual hairdo.  I want to eat movie popcorn and let tears fall down my cheeks.  I do not want to have to listen to someone point out all of the movie’s impossibilities and cheesiness.  Don’t worry.  I am totally aware.  That’s why I like them. Shhhh.

Here are my top 10 favorite romantic movies to watch alone (in no particular order).  These are the ones that I can watch over and over again.  You may notice that quite a few of them are musicals.  That’s a whole different story …

Love Actually – This is probably on most people’s list, but hello .. it’s not called “The ultimate romantic comedy” for nothing.

The Sound of Music – “Dear Rolph.  Stop.  Don’t Stop.”  Sigh.

Romeo + Juliet (with Leo and Claire Danes) – “Leo” (gasping).

Casablanca – Serious classic.

Dirty Dancing – Obviously.  The lift … !?

Sex and the City (1) – Because really, who doesn’t want to see Carrie and Mr.Big together?  Besides Aiden ..

Moulin Rouge – I bawl.  Literally .. bawl.

Grease – When “Hopelessly Devoted” starts, you know you’re hooked.

The Notebook – Again, bawling.

Elizabethtown – Really cute and quirky.  Great soundtrack.

And here’s my runner-up list that is almost equally as long.  I like a lot of girly movies .. so sue me.

Titanic
500 Days of Summer
Bridget Jones’ Diary
Sweet Home Alabama
A Walk to Remember
Pride and Prejudice
The Holiday
Valentine’s Day
Crazy, Stupid, Love.

What are your faves?  Any Valentine’s Day plans?  I will definitely be popping in a few of these movies over the next week.  Gotta love love.

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR WOMAN

Don’t think I forgot about the ladies …

image via Etsy

Simple, but lovely sweetheart ring.

Super cute Ipad Sleeve. 

Almost all of my lady friends have a pair of these.  I got my first pair a few months ago, and will never look back.  They are amazing.  So comfortable and stylish.  Listen, if you can wear something with jeans and sweatpants, you’ve really hit the jackpot.

I am crazy about this.  I think this is so cute.  I don’t know if we’ve ever talked about my weird love of throw pillows, but in a word:  OBSESSED!

These are so beautiful.  I am slowly building a collection.  Get her favorite classic, clothbound.

Love the colour!  Great for trinkets and keeping things in one place.

Comfy, cute, and totally practical for stomping around in Florida, on vacation, around the pool, or in the house.

Her favorite romantic movie.

... and seriously .. has anyone ever gone wrong with dinner and a movie, flowers, chocolates, or a home-cooked meal?

PS - Gift ideas for your man here.

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR MAN

Hi All, Happy Monday.   Can you believe that it’s February 6 already?  It seems like January whizzed by. 
In the name of love, let’s get down to the important things this month - presents!

image via Hallmark.com

Is Valentine’s Day a big deal for you?  We usually don’t go all out with gifts.  My birthday is only two days before and Tom’s is later in February, so it seems like a bit much all in a month (plus Tom isn’t too hot on the consumerist aspect of it all).  Usually we give each other little things and will maybe go out for dinner, or get ice cream or something.  I also try to make a card or find a really really funny one to go along with some sort of baked good, and a little present (like a book or DVD).

Here are some cute and unique gift options for your man this year …

For sprucing up the apartment/condo/home. Not going to lie … I totally want these at some point

Beautiful rustic wooden cutting board.

Cool comic print.

A one-year subscription to his favorite magazine.  Or one that you think he’d love.  Outside, Adbusters, The New Yorker, Men’s Health, National Geographic 

Pick punch. Say wha?

Fancy pants beer glasses .. and maybe some local brews to fill them up!

Some luxury trendsetting gear designed by Swedish Olympian, Anders Gustafsson.  So Euro, so chic.  Also, if you are currently training at The Pines Resort, you could chat Anders up one morning at the boats about his new line of tanks and cardigans.

Manly soap set. 

Or maybe if you're on a tight budget this year, you can make a home-cooked meal and/or some V-Day treats.  Check out these candy-free recipes.

SUNDAY QUOTE

Sundays are sweatpant days.  They are for homework, fancy coffee, list making, treats, slippers, and reading in bed.  I thought that maybe on Sundays, I would share some of the things that I write down when I read books.  Sound good?

FOOD-RELATED FRIDAY: VALENTINE’S DAY MINUS THE CANDY

TGIF, Team!

So you may have noticed the background change.  Yeah, you know what’s up.  It’s February.  That means that it’s almost my birthday and it’s most definitely almost Valentine’s Day.
I totally love Valentine’s Day.  I love hearts, candy, flowers, cards, chocolate, red and pink, and most of all I love love.

So let’s celebrate hearts and cupids and girly frilly lovey dovey things.  Let’s write Valentine’s cards to each other and eat chocolate, hurt our tongues on cinnamon hearts,  watch romantic comedies, and make cupcakes.  Let’s love.  Okay?  Perfect.

When we eat too much candy (which we most certainly WILL .. starting tomorrow), we can start in on these delicious goodies.  10 Candy-free Valentine’s recipes.  I love the look of all of them.  The cinnamon rolls, fruit heart kebabs, and toast and eggs are at the top of my list. I am for sure going to make the calzones as a special V-Day lunch for my roomies.  Shhh don’t tell them though.  It’ll be a surprise since they don’t read the blog.

What are you up to this weekend?  I am getting my study on, attempting to make pretzel dogs (I’ll let you know how it goes), having a lengthy nap, and sharing wine with friends.

Have a wonderful weekend, lovers!

image and article via Babble

WISHFUL WEDNESDAY: A SPEEDY RECOVERY FOR A GREAT FRIEND

Happy Hump Day, Friends.

I hope that your week is going well.  The days seem to be flying by here at the lovely Pines Resort.  It’s sort of a time warp that way though; 3 weeks will fly by and then all of a sudden 3 days seem to drag on for years.  Melbourne, Florida aka Neverland.

Although time seems to be flying by, and things are going well, something is definitely missing from the equation.  That thing, well person really, is Kia Byers. 
You may remember Kia from this post.  She sells those great sunglasses  (the proceeds of which she now donates to charity) and is a wonderful athlete, friend, and teammate.
Unfortunately, Kia has been suffering from a back injury over the past competition season.  You can read her account of it here.  It’s seriously worth a read. It’s a really eye-opening account of injury from an athlete’s perspective.  As someone that (luckily) has been fairly injury free (knock on wood), I felt that her account helped me to understand how painful and frustrating it can be.  When the pain from her injury hit a major high, she made an incredibly tough call and decided not to race at the Pan-American Games this October, although she had spent months training for it.  This was one of the hardest things I have ever seen a teammate go through during competition, and Kia handled it with incredible strength, courage, and grace.  Although it was devastating, her attitude and maturity were as inspirational to me as watching a great race.  She knew that it was the best decision for her at the time, and she channeled all of her energy into being an amazing, cheerful, positive, supportive teammate to everyone else.  I think that alone took incredible strength on her part.
Recently, Kia underwent surgery for a herniated disc in her back and I would like to take this Wishful Wednesday to wish her a most speedy recovery.

Whether you’re an athlete or not, there is definitely something in Kia’s story that anyone can relate to.  What I find incredible is her ability to take pleasure in life and to remain positive in a time that is seriously difficult.  Her outlook is nothing less than inspiring.  I know that her attitude, determination, and strength will get her though her recovery and that she’ll be back in no time, better than ever.

I’m sending all of my positive vibes her way.  Feel free to do the same!

Wishing you the very best, Kia!