I've been to a couple of live shows this week and I've already posted about the artists so I'll leave that part out. Right now what I want to take a minute to appreciate is live music itself. Regardless of the artist, as long as you like them, the pure pleasure of listening to a live show is perfect. I especially love when the artist tells little stories about the songs they are singing - stories of how the song came about, where they were when they wrote it, what it reminds them of. Some little piece to get you closer to your favourite songs, that's my favourite part of the whole experience.
So that's that. Just a moment to appreciate.
n.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Peanut Butter.
Nothing better.
On a spoon.
On a slice of toast.
Sandwiched between two slices of bread with cut up banana in the middle.
Melted with some good chocolate.
Mixed with a small amount of honey on any of the above. (maybe not the chocolate but I'd try it).
Rediscover the love affair with peanut butter - it has to be good for you. And no, not the natural peanut butter either, I'm talking the sugary goodness that is the PB I grew up on. Kraft all the way.
n.
On a spoon.
On a slice of toast.
Sandwiched between two slices of bread with cut up banana in the middle.
Melted with some good chocolate.
Mixed with a small amount of honey on any of the above. (maybe not the chocolate but I'd try it).
Rediscover the love affair with peanut butter - it has to be good for you. And no, not the natural peanut butter either, I'm talking the sugary goodness that is the PB I grew up on. Kraft all the way.
n.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Christmas Vacation. The Movie.
The.Very.Best.Christmas.Movie.
Chevy Chase, Christmas Vacation - this movie is so old, and yet still so funny. I've probably watched it hundreds of times. Every Christmas. More than once. More than twice. More than that.
I love it. I love cousin Eddy. I love the reindeer eggnog glasses. I love the Christmas tree hunt. I love the attic scene. I love the music.
Yes, I love this movie.
If someone in this universe hasn't already seen this, where have you been, and please watch immediately.
For the rest of us, the season has arrived - dust off your movie case, put the fire on and hit play.
n.
Chevy Chase, Christmas Vacation - this movie is so old, and yet still so funny. I've probably watched it hundreds of times. Every Christmas. More than once. More than twice. More than that.
I love it. I love cousin Eddy. I love the reindeer eggnog glasses. I love the Christmas tree hunt. I love the attic scene. I love the music.
Yes, I love this movie.
If someone in this universe hasn't already seen this, where have you been, and please watch immediately.
For the rest of us, the season has arrived - dust off your movie case, put the fire on and hit play.
n.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Home.
Home on Water Street in St. John's, NL, is one of the prettiest stores I've ever been in.
Go there.
Warning - you will be very tempted to spend a lot of money.
But in a good way. In a way that you'll wonder how you ever lived without your purchases.
This store is packed with the most lovely, unique, sweet, adorable items that you can find for your home. I love it here. And I especially love the two owners!
I would list the particular kinds of things you can buy here for your home, but shopping in this store is just as much a part of the experience so I'll leave it at a simple 'go there' in hopes that you just will.
n.
Go there.
Warning - you will be very tempted to spend a lot of money.
But in a good way. In a way that you'll wonder how you ever lived without your purchases.
This store is packed with the most lovely, unique, sweet, adorable items that you can find for your home. I love it here. And I especially love the two owners!
I would list the particular kinds of things you can buy here for your home, but shopping in this store is just as much a part of the experience so I'll leave it at a simple 'go there' in hopes that you just will.
n.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Soap.
Not just any soap. I'm talking GOOD soap. Not dove, not ivory, not zest - but good soap.
It's just so much better folks. Your skin feels better, the soap smells nicer, the ingredients are better, you feel cleaner (I may have made that last one up). Spend a little more but it lasts way longer - so it all evens out in the end.
Lately I'm loving Mistral's Almond Milk soap - I picked mine up at Home on Water St in St. John's, but you can find it many places.
www.mistralsoap.com
n.
It's just so much better folks. Your skin feels better, the soap smells nicer, the ingredients are better, you feel cleaner (I may have made that last one up). Spend a little more but it lasts way longer - so it all evens out in the end.
Lately I'm loving Mistral's Almond Milk soap - I picked mine up at Home on Water St in St. John's, but you can find it many places.
www.mistralsoap.com
n.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Flannels.
At the risk of sounding 70 years old, I need to post about how much I love that I've recently re-introduced myself to my flannel pjs. Love them.
Isn't winter a good mix between getting outdoors and hibernating inside?
When hibernating I strongly suggest you do so in a pair of warm, cozy, over-sized flannel pjs, winter wouldn't be the same without them.
n.
Isn't winter a good mix between getting outdoors and hibernating inside?
When hibernating I strongly suggest you do so in a pair of warm, cozy, over-sized flannel pjs, winter wouldn't be the same without them.
n.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Robyn
Have I mentioned I love a good dance? Well, I do.
And I'm loving any and all Robyn songs to get my feet moving.
I especially recommend 'Call Your Girlfriend' and 'Stars Forever'. How can you stay still when these are playing?
Loving the energy pumped into my system from this artist. Thank-you Robyn.
www.robyn.com
n.
And I'm loving any and all Robyn songs to get my feet moving.
I especially recommend 'Call Your Girlfriend' and 'Stars Forever'. How can you stay still when these are playing?
Loving the energy pumped into my system from this artist. Thank-you Robyn.
www.robyn.com
n.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Like Crazy...
Saw this movie last night and have to say, I just loved it.
It was well done. The storyline was sweet, simple, heartbreaking, passionate, happy, sad and honest.
I'm a sucker for a good love story, and this one had me roped in from the very beginning.
Movie critiques are not my thing, but, in simple terms, the camera work was perfect. A certain scene of the two main characters intertwined in about 20 different ways flashing across the screen one after the other is probably one of my favourite scenes in any movie I've ever seen.
I would watch again. Loved it.
Like Crazy...playing in some theatre near you hopefully.
www.likecrazy.com
n.
It was well done. The storyline was sweet, simple, heartbreaking, passionate, happy, sad and honest.
I'm a sucker for a good love story, and this one had me roped in from the very beginning.
Movie critiques are not my thing, but, in simple terms, the camera work was perfect. A certain scene of the two main characters intertwined in about 20 different ways flashing across the screen one after the other is probably one of my favourite scenes in any movie I've ever seen.
I would watch again. Loved it.
Like Crazy...playing in some theatre near you hopefully.
www.likecrazy.com
n.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Baskin Robbins...not ice-cream though.
I'm not a huge fan of ice-cream, but I am a huge fan of Baskin Robbin's frozen yogurt flavour called Maui Brownie Madness. Frozen yogurt, brownie bits, some sugar-free fake chocolate sauce. That's right, doesn't sound too appealing but for some reason, it so is.
It's 0 degrees celsius out right now but I have frozen yogurt on the mind. Yum.
n.
It's 0 degrees celsius out right now but I have frozen yogurt on the mind. Yum.
n.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tourist
I love travelling and I would volunteer for the role of tourist any day. But I also love playing tourist in your own city so I thought I'd write a little note to remind you to do that from time to time as well.
I have a lovely friend visiting this weekend and strolling the streets I sometimes take for granted makes me realize why I love my chosen city of residence so much. Its' little nooks and crannies - shops and cafes. They have character, they can be conservative, but if you look in the right places you'll find what you love.
I love that I know the best places to get a great salad, an amazing carrot cake cupcake, mouth watering ice cream, the best cappuccino, a wholesome yet delicious tofu sammie...and little things like that that make my day when I first stumble upon them.
I love knowing my city, and I mean really knowing my city. It took years, and when I remind myself of it like I did this weekend while hosting someone else, it makes me appreciate it all that much more.
Go play tourist.
n.
I have a lovely friend visiting this weekend and strolling the streets I sometimes take for granted makes me realize why I love my chosen city of residence so much. Its' little nooks and crannies - shops and cafes. They have character, they can be conservative, but if you look in the right places you'll find what you love.
I love that I know the best places to get a great salad, an amazing carrot cake cupcake, mouth watering ice cream, the best cappuccino, a wholesome yet delicious tofu sammie...and little things like that that make my day when I first stumble upon them.
I love knowing my city, and I mean really knowing my city. It took years, and when I remind myself of it like I did this weekend while hosting someone else, it makes me appreciate it all that much more.
Go play tourist.
n.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Jenny Lewis
Jenny Lewis.
She is a folksy singer with the sweetest songs and softest voice.
Check her out. Perfect background music for a great glass of wine and great conversation with an even greater friend.
www.jennylewis.com
n.
She is a folksy singer with the sweetest songs and softest voice.
Check her out. Perfect background music for a great glass of wine and great conversation with an even greater friend.
www.jennylewis.com
n.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Fresh.
There are a chain of restaurants in Toronto called Fresh and they rock.
It is a vegetarian restaurant that serve unique, incredible dishes that actually taste wholesome, delicious, healthy, and fantastic. Like, mouth watering fantastic.
When you leave Fresh you feel super satisfied, and most likely will plan your next visit. Your belly is happy, your tastebuds rejoice, everyone is good.
Try this place. You will most definitely thank me for it.
www.freshrestaurants.ca
n.
It is a vegetarian restaurant that serve unique, incredible dishes that actually taste wholesome, delicious, healthy, and fantastic. Like, mouth watering fantastic.
When you leave Fresh you feel super satisfied, and most likely will plan your next visit. Your belly is happy, your tastebuds rejoice, everyone is good.
Try this place. You will most definitely thank me for it.
www.freshrestaurants.ca
n.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Christmas Countdown...
It's obvious by now that I love Christmas and all things related. But I wanted to take a moment to blog about Christmas without the mention of any one particular 'thing'. A moment to post about the entire event that is Christmas. The countdown is just so perfect in itself.
You know how the anticipation is almost as good as the real thing? If you take a moment, slow down, and look around you can almost see and feel Christmas approaching. The lights, the music, the smiles, the rush. It's true love for me on all accounts. Just notice it.
n.
You know how the anticipation is almost as good as the real thing? If you take a moment, slow down, and look around you can almost see and feel Christmas approaching. The lights, the music, the smiles, the rush. It's true love for me on all accounts. Just notice it.
n.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Oprah.
I hate to admit this because I will no doubt be made fun of by...well, one dear friend in particular anyway...but my guilty pleasure is my Oprah magazines. Oh yes, every month I am tempted to buy and every month I cave in. Even those months that I think the headings are ridiculous, I still cave in.
I always buy it, and I always read it cover to cover...except the sections with Dr. Phil, seriously terrible.
I love her 'live life to the fullest' ideal; I love the recipes and the pretty pictures of the food; I love her book section, sometimes some great selections in there; I love the articles and well, I guess I just love this magazine.
Which makes me feel old. Ha.
n.
I always buy it, and I always read it cover to cover...except the sections with Dr. Phil, seriously terrible.
I love her 'live life to the fullest' ideal; I love the recipes and the pretty pictures of the food; I love her book section, sometimes some great selections in there; I love the articles and well, I guess I just love this magazine.
Which makes me feel old. Ha.
n.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Christmas Scent
My mama has been making her own Christmas scent for many years and the smell not only transports me to Christmas, but, much more importantly, Christmas at home.
This is one of my absolute favourite scents in entire world - so warm, spicy, Winter-y, Christmas-y, and so very easy.
Grab three or four cinnamon sticks, four or five whole nutmeg, and a hand full of cloves - put in a small saucepan and fill three-quarters full with water. Boil. Reduce to simmer and let it bubble away, just make sure you don't go too far because the water will eventually disappear (just add more and repeat).
Smell. Transport to the best Christmas memory ever and smile.
n.
This is one of my absolute favourite scents in entire world - so warm, spicy, Winter-y, Christmas-y, and so very easy.
Grab three or four cinnamon sticks, four or five whole nutmeg, and a hand full of cloves - put in a small saucepan and fill three-quarters full with water. Boil. Reduce to simmer and let it bubble away, just make sure you don't go too far because the water will eventually disappear (just add more and repeat).
Smell. Transport to the best Christmas memory ever and smile.
n.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Random Quotes...
"When you get there, there isn't any there there." Gertrude Stein.
It took me 33 years to learn that lesson. Think about it. You can't chase happy, you just have to be it, now.
n.
It took me 33 years to learn that lesson. Think about it. You can't chase happy, you just have to be it, now.
n.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Dog Treats
Do you have a dog that you utterly love and adore? Me too.
Is your dog high maintenance? Mine too.
Does your dog develop crazy reactions to protein that cause emergency surgery? Oh, mine as well.
I love Parker. Like over the moon love my dog. But he is high maintenance, and has cost a fair amount given his unique health issues. As such, my dog is a strict vegetarian. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find treats without any animal products for dogs?
I have a solution - especially to replace raw hide, which they love.
Dr-Chew sweet potato dog treats. Amazing. My dog will do just about anything to get one of these. He loves them more than anything else in the world. They're great - no disgusting additives . One ingredient: sweet potato.
This makes my dog happy. Which makes me happy.
www.dr-chew.com
n.
Is your dog high maintenance? Mine too.
Does your dog develop crazy reactions to protein that cause emergency surgery? Oh, mine as well.
I love Parker. Like over the moon love my dog. But he is high maintenance, and has cost a fair amount given his unique health issues. As such, my dog is a strict vegetarian. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find treats without any animal products for dogs?
I have a solution - especially to replace raw hide, which they love.
Dr-Chew sweet potato dog treats. Amazing. My dog will do just about anything to get one of these. He loves them more than anything else in the world. They're great - no disgusting additives . One ingredient: sweet potato.
This makes my dog happy. Which makes me happy.
www.dr-chew.com
n.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Chardonnay Anyone?
I usually hate Chardonnay - like seriously dislike.
But, I seriously like one kind, from Sonoma Coast, called La Crema.
It tastes like butterscotch, no joke.
Love. This. Wine.
I know it's chilly and white wine isn't really a Fall thought, but for some reason this popped into my mind today and, like always, I wanted to spread the word.
www.lacrema.com
n.
But, I seriously like one kind, from Sonoma Coast, called La Crema.
It tastes like butterscotch, no joke.
Love. This. Wine.
I know it's chilly and white wine isn't really a Fall thought, but for some reason this popped into my mind today and, like always, I wanted to spread the word.
www.lacrema.com
n.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Mumford & Sons
Woohoo! A new Mumford & Sons song. I love love love this band.
Their songs are heartbreakingly beautiful - whichever one wrote the album 'Sigh No More' definitely suffered some major heartache in their life. Or, write it very well based on stories of others!
I love the sound of this band, great background music for just about anything - even dancing (Little Lion Man and The Cave have been danced to many times by yours truly).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJcyAVDApvE
n.
Their songs are heartbreakingly beautiful - whichever one wrote the album 'Sigh No More' definitely suffered some major heartache in their life. Or, write it very well based on stories of others!
I love the sound of this band, great background music for just about anything - even dancing (Little Lion Man and The Cave have been danced to many times by yours truly).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJcyAVDApvE
n.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Elf!!!
Dear I begin the Christmas lists? I could probably do a year's worth of blogging about all Christmas related loves.
First off - The Elf.
This movie makes me laugh and laugh. It puts me in a good mood instantaneously - even just thinking about it.
Will Ferrell is hilarious. I LOVE Mary Steenburger. Zooey Deschanel singing Christmas carols. Lots of talk about syrup and sugar. Bob Newhart is still going strong. Let's face it - there isn't anything wrong about this movie. It's all GOOD.
Damn. I love this movie.
n.
First off - The Elf.
This movie makes me laugh and laugh. It puts me in a good mood instantaneously - even just thinking about it.
Will Ferrell is hilarious. I LOVE Mary Steenburger. Zooey Deschanel singing Christmas carols. Lots of talk about syrup and sugar. Bob Newhart is still going strong. Let's face it - there isn't anything wrong about this movie. It's all GOOD.
Damn. I love this movie.
n.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sarah Slean
I love Sarah Slean. I love every album she has ever recorded.
I remember the first time I saw her play - the Ship in St. John's. Such a small venue; it was packed, it was wicked cold out, and I sat about 3 feet from Sarah Slean in awe.
I could eat her songs for breakfast. Love her.
She just put out a new album - Land and Sea. Simply beautiful (and she went to Newfoundland for inspiration for the Sea part so I feel an even greater connection).
Don't just buy her music, see her live - she is so kooky and wonderful. Gifted entertainer.
www.sarahslean.com
n.
I remember the first time I saw her play - the Ship in St. John's. Such a small venue; it was packed, it was wicked cold out, and I sat about 3 feet from Sarah Slean in awe.
I could eat her songs for breakfast. Love her.
She just put out a new album - Land and Sea. Simply beautiful (and she went to Newfoundland for inspiration for the Sea part so I feel an even greater connection).
Don't just buy her music, see her live - she is so kooky and wonderful. Gifted entertainer.
www.sarahslean.com
n.
Monday, November 7, 2011
dodgeball!
Yes, that's right, I said it - dodgeball.
It makes me laugh every Wednesday night.
Play it one day with some friends and just try and not laugh. Ridiculous.
Adult dodgeball, just priceless.
n.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Random Quotes...
'We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears' - La Rochefoucauld.
Don't you just love the honesty in that quote; I do.
n.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Chai Tea Latte
One of my most favourite drinks of all time is a chai tea latte.
To sum it up in four little words - it tastes like Christmas.
I promise.
It really does.
Now that Christmas is coming (insert squeals here) I lovingly sip on my chai tea latte and enjoy the shorter days, crisper air, and rosy red cheeks. And presents to come. Always enjoy the presents...
n.
To sum it up in four little words - it tastes like Christmas.
I promise.
It really does.
Now that Christmas is coming (insert squeals here) I lovingly sip on my chai tea latte and enjoy the shorter days, crisper air, and rosy red cheeks. And presents to come. Always enjoy the presents...
n.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Matt & Nat
I've been loving Matt & Nat bags for a while now, but having just gotten a new big tote for work I'm back to really loving them. They are Canadian, their bags are super cool, plus eco-friendly and vegan - what's not to love?
Fun side note - the linings of their bags are made with recycled plastic bottles (approximately 21 bottles to each bag in fact).
Check them out. Buy a bag. Buy two.
www.mattandnat.com
n.
Fun side note - the linings of their bags are made with recycled plastic bottles (approximately 21 bottles to each bag in fact).
Check them out. Buy a bag. Buy two.
www.mattandnat.com
n.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
KitchenAid
Dear KitchenAid Stand Mixer, I love you. A lot. Since you've come into my life you make things so much easier and I'd like to thank you for that. I just lock you down, set your speed, and off you go while I taste test the chocolate I'm about to add to your ingredient bowl. I could run around and do a million other things and you just keep doing what you do best - mixing.
I love you, I really do.
If you bake, cook, or are even just a tiny bit lazy, buy one now. Especially if you are a crazy Christmas cookie baker. Your life will get easier. It IS worth the money.
http://www.kitchenaid.ca/flash.cmd?/#/en/category/2/
n.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Fall Comfort Food
(I probably should have done this post after my 'I love Fall' post).
Tonight I cooked one of my favourite go-to meals, and it's perfect for the cooler months because it is one of those meals that somehow warms you from the inside out. And is just so very yummy.
It's crispy baked tofu in a tomato curry sauce and it's quite easy to pull together. Just remember to marinate the tofu overnight and then when dinner time rolls around it's so quick and simple.
One thing though, I never use dried coriander in this dish, I actually wait and use the fresh version of the herb to sprinkle before eating.
Enjoy!
http://28cooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/crispy-baked-tofu-with-quick-curry.html
n.
Tonight I cooked one of my favourite go-to meals, and it's perfect for the cooler months because it is one of those meals that somehow warms you from the inside out. And is just so very yummy.
It's crispy baked tofu in a tomato curry sauce and it's quite easy to pull together. Just remember to marinate the tofu overnight and then when dinner time rolls around it's so quick and simple.
One thing though, I never use dried coriander in this dish, I actually wait and use the fresh version of the herb to sprinkle before eating.
Enjoy!
http://28cooks.blogspot.com/2009/11/crispy-baked-tofu-with-quick-curry.html
n.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Eckhart Tolle
Without sounding too much like Oprah, I just have to admit that I really, really, love Eckhart Tolle and two of his books in particular - The Power of Now and A New Earth.
I didn't read either until this year and wow, what a difference they've made to me, my year, and my outlook. No joke. Incredible how you can get lost in the past and future and forget about what's important - what you have right now. It's a reminder to take a different viewpoint of your life, and the world around you.
I believe you have to be in a certain mind frame to read this or the books can get quite lengthly, wordy and possibly dry. For me, they made me take off a pair of blinders that I had grown attached too - for you, who knows, but it can't hurt to try.
n.
I didn't read either until this year and wow, what a difference they've made to me, my year, and my outlook. No joke. Incredible how you can get lost in the past and future and forget about what's important - what you have right now. It's a reminder to take a different viewpoint of your life, and the world around you.
I believe you have to be in a certain mind frame to read this or the books can get quite lengthly, wordy and possibly dry. For me, they made me take off a pair of blinders that I had grown attached too - for you, who knows, but it can't hurt to try.
n.
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