Category Archives: Misc.

Enough about me..

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Tell me about you……

I’d like to learning a bit more about all of you! I was thinking about doing a readers survey- because I love surveys, but I’d like to start off a little less formally. Consider this a informal survey and invite to delurk in one.

Who are you? Where are you from? Do you have kids? Do you work outside the home? What do you like about reading blogs? How many do you read per week (not just mine)? What are some of your favorite topics/types of posts? What would you like to see me do more (or less) of?

Please share with me your thoughts to as many or as few of the above questions as you like. Or ignore my questions are tell me something totally random about yourself.

And GO!

My Mantra(s)

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You know those phrases that you find repeating in you head? The ones that keep you going? Help calm you down, focus your energy or let things go? We all have them, right? (right?)

I think that which phrase resonate with us says a lot about who we are. Actually, I read that on a lulu lemon bag. But it seemed to make sense. (It is terrifying really, where I am getting my blogging inspiration from theses days.)

Here are my go-tos:

“It is what it is”: I know, this one is so trendy right now, being all over pinterest and twitter lately. But it’s a good one. Reminding us to accept the things we can change and not dwell on frustrations.

“Just keep going”: this is the one I use when I’m at the end of my available energy (physical or emotional) and I just want to curl up and cry. Okay, sorry, that was depressing. But you know, you can’t always just drop it all and have a good cry- you have to just keep going. Like they tell you in sports- walk through the pain. Not that I play sports or anything. So actually I have no idea if they say that or not. It’s still avoid saying.

“Everything happens for a reason”: There is a reason, I think, why so many people (though not all) are drawn to believe in various religions– I think, what many of us want is to believe it all makes sense. That whatever happens to us, good or bad, has a purpose and a reason. I’m never really sure to what extent I believe in a ‘higher power’ so to speak, but I believe in a higher reason. Even if that reason exists only in my mind. Good and bad things both impact our lives and drive us forward in a direction, and in that way, they all happen for a reason. Like that there? Where a channelled a philosophy student? Good times.

“This too shall pass”: I think this one goes perfectly with parenting. Because at every stage they are maddening and amazing. And just around the corner they will change. That particular maddening thing will fade, a new one will appear. And with it, more and more amazing things will surface. I always think of the “this” which is passing is something bad- but with kids I should remember that it could be something wonderful too. They only are that age for so long. Hey only have their “firsts” once. Maybe thus quote should also remind me to savor the moment before it too passes.

What are your favourites?

Things that are cozy

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It’s officially cold and dark. I have seen snow. There is no denying that it is now winter. Which means a cozy evening is a must. I dislike cold and dark (especially combined with the West Coast inevitable dampness), but I kinda love that winter coziness. So, I thought I would list for you all things cozy that I love. (For the record, yes, this is so a #ijustreallyneedtowritesomethingfornablopomo post.)

Fireplaces: my favorite is a really, crackling fire. With the smell of wood burning and the radiating warmth. In our house, I am more then happy that we have the next best thing, that also takes NO effort to light: an electric fireplace. No sound or smell, but warmth and glow.

Warm Blanket: My favourite is this red bamboo blanket that a close family friend gave us for Adury- though it’s not a baby blanket- which why I probably adopted it. I this blanket because it’s soft and fleece like, is thin but feels heavier then fleece and is big enough to keep my torso to my toes warm.

Candles: Who doesn’t like candles? Besides, anytime we light candles Audrey declares it is someone’s birthday and then sings that person happy birthday. Then she asks where the cupcakes are. Smart girl. Who doesn’t like having a toddler sing them a spontaneous version of Happy Birthday, regardless of he fact it’s not your Birthday!

Hot Cup-oh-something in a Big Mug: hot chocolate, tea, hot rum toddy, coffee if its not to late –anything really warm and steamy. It just feels good to wrap both hands around the mug and bring it up to your lips and breath in the hot steam before taking a sip. Warning: watch for toddlers as they often jump out of nowhere when holding a hot mug-oh-something.

Podcasts: something about listening rather then watching just feels more appropriate on a cold dark knight. I don’t know why. It seems retro and fits with the candles? I don’t know. But I like it.

Knitting: I always knit more in the winter. Party because I am trying to knit Christmas gifts. But also it gives me an excuse to curl up on the couch with a blanket.

A really good sweater or vest: you know- the kind you put on and you just feel cuddled by it. It wraps around you like cold night protection. I bought a new sweater today- even though I shouldn’t have. I needed cozy shopping therapy.

Okay-that’s the basics. Now go forth and be cozy forevermore in this cold dark season.

(Oh geez- November needs to be over soon!)

It’s November People, Not December!

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I love the holidays as much as the next person. Maybe more. I am a big fan of cinnamon, eggnog, bright red and green, sparkly lights, cranberries, jingle bells and chocolates. Especially chocolates.

But I like my holiday season in the holiday season. You know, December. Where it belongs.

I know the commercial nature of holidays means it creeps up every year. I get it. It’s hard not to get excited the minute the holiday stuff starts showing up in the stores. We get so excited about the holidays that we just want it to start. right. now. Why not throw a little wreath up and pull out a couple festive candles? Why not have some eggnog on hand in the fridge for a particularly wintery evening?

Well, there is no reason why not, I suppose. Except for me, it seems less magical when its around for 16% of the year. I don’t want to take down my Halloween pumpkin only to put out stockings and cranberries. It’s just not meant to be a two month holiday!! Even more so, it’s not meant to be about all the ‘stuff’ you can by– that warm holiday feeling should come from being around friends and family.

Now another thing I think the holidays are about is giving. We don’t always have much extra to give, but I believe in dong what we can. But today, at the doors of the neighbourhoods grocery store there was someone with a bell and a donation bowl, wishing me Merry Christmas. And as much as I support charity— it’s NOT time yet to hear someone say “Merry Christmas”!!! It just doesn’t fit!

I am trying to resist the holiday temptation. My goal is to not decorate until December 5th. I’m going to try not to do anything “Christmasy’ until then either.

Except I can’t turn down an Eggnog latte or two. Those I can’t resist and I maintain I could drink them all year long and they would still be special.

But other then that…..

Cause, really, it’s NOVEMBER!!