I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.
What about you?
Author: Lila
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Design Challenge: Guest Bathroom
Today on the blog I will be continuing our home renovation challenge by moving on to the guest bathroom. I were inspired to redecorate and to do this post after reading a blog post courtesy of mydomaine.com about, “The 22 Guest Bathroom Essentials You Never Knew You Needed”.
To redecorate in the most cost effective way possible; I wanted to work within the confines of my light oak cabinetry, brown slate-effect flooring, light warm taupe counter top, white sink, tub and toilet. I am a firm believer in a fresh coat of paint and little tweaks and additions here and there to freshen up a space.
Paint: Muslin (Benjamin Moore)
Hardware: Dakota Cup Pull in Chestnut (Restoration Hardware)
Faucet (sink): Moen Caldwell Mediterranean Bronze 2-Handle Centerset WaterSense Faucet (Lowes)
Faucet (shower): Moen Caldwell Spot Resist WaterSense Tub and Shower Valve in Mediterranean Bronze (Lowes)
Backsplash: Smart Tiles -Subway (Lowes)
Lighting: Feiss Barrington 37″ Wide Bronze Four Light Bath Bar (Lamps Plus)
Towel Rack: Banbury 24 in. Double Towel Bar in Mediterranean Bronze (Home Depot)
Toilet Paper Holder: Design House Recessed Toilet Paper Holder (Amazon)
Wastebasket: Farmhouse Torched Wood Waste Basket (Amazon)
Countertop Accessories/Decoration: Mason Jars (Etsy)
Kleenex Box Cover: Rustic Wood Box (Amazon)
Linens: Salviken Bath Sheet, Bath Towel & Hand Towels (Ikea)
Bathmat: Toftbo (Ikea)
Wall Art: Deer Silhouette (Black Forest Decor)
Costco is awesome; what’s not to like?!?! As, Good Cheap Eats points out…
1. Lowest prices on household staples
2. Ability and ease to buy in bulk
3. Discounts on health care items, tires, appliances, homewares, tools, clothes and much more
4. Selection of healthy items
5. Cash back
6. Food court
7. Funky food items you can’t always find elsewhere
8. Excellent return policy
Our favourite…free samples of course!!
I was in heaven when a Costco opened up 35 minutes away; prior to that the Costco runs were limited.
So what are our staples? What can you find in our Costco carts on a regular basis?
-Babybel cheese
-Mini hummus packs
-Mini guacamole packs
-Skotidakis Skyr Greek yogurt
-Mini cucumbers
-Mini bell peppers
-Nectarines
-Blueberries
-Golden Kiwis
-Everything bagels
-Van Houtte house blend (medium roast) Keurig cups
-Chicken breasts
-Pepsi
-Cat litter
-Robax
-Advil
-Reactine
Latest Best Buy(s):
Soda Stream
Keurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
Sharp TV
Long hair has always been my thing. However, it can be a pain to style and maintain. I have never been super adventurous with my hair, except for that time when I dyed it blonde or had purple tips. I have never been great at styling my hair: more often than not it has ended up in a bun because it just gets in the way while I’m at work or it is just so darn hot out. Over the years I think I have tried every product known to woman to tame my mane. In this blog post I’ll be sharing my favorite and most effective products and tips.
Find a GOOD hairdresser
This doesn’t mean the most expensive one either! Find a hairdresser who is honest and who listens to what you want and who isn’t overly wrapped up in trying to sell you tons of expensive products (usually different ones each time you go). Find a salon who invests in continuing education and training for their employees.
Regular Maintenance & Layering
Now that you have found your hairdresser, make sure you make the effort to regularly get it trimmed and indulge in a conditioning treatment every once in a while. I used to go years, yes I said YEARS without getting my haircut. My hair is very thick, so I need layers to thin it out and give it some much needed volume.
Don’t Overwash
I used to wash (and dry) my hair EVERY morning even if it wasn’t ‘dirty’ (or greasy). I love showering in the morning because it wakes me up. But I found that all this washing just stripped my hair of moisture and made me burn through product like crazy. Now, I have a hair routine…
Day 1: Shampoo & Condition (Wintertime: hairdryer. Summertime: air dry)
Wear down and embrace my natural waves!
Day 2: Ponytail
Day 3: Bun
Then repeat…
Brushing
Confession: I used to go to bed without brushing my hair; which seems weird since I brush my teeth every night before bed. Why wouldn’t I brush my hair?!?! Laziness plain and simple! I don’t brush it 100 times or anything, but I have noticed a difference in my hair since making the effort. It prevents knots and prevents oil build up on the scalp.
Minimize Products
a) Shampoo: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Shampoo. Best part is that this is a product that is inexpensive, works and can be found in almost every hair care aisle at the grocery/drugstore.
b) Conditioner: TRESemmé Moisture Rich Conditioner. This is by far the best conditioner I have used in a long time. I am a fan of in-shower conditioners rather than leave in ones.
c) Treatment: Moisture Healing Mask by Nelson Beverly Hills. It is a go to hair product for me during the harsh Alberta winters; which I use once a week.
d) Dry Shampoo: Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk. This is a go to hair product for me during camping and fishing trips when normal, full, long showers aren’t always a possibility.
As you can see I don’t overload my hair with excessive products. I rarely use things like hair spray, mousse or pomade. I also only dye my hair once a year. Back in the day I would use box dyes from the drugstore but now I leave it up to the professionals. Make sure you read the labels!!
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Popcorn Recipes
Earlier this month I watched an episode of Top Chef, and chef Dawn made popcorn for a “Drive-In Movie Elimination Challenge,” and it made me CRAVE popcorn. And, let’s face it a lot people have been (and will be) scarfing down popcorn while they binge-watch their favourite shows during the latest lock-down. thought that we would share with you some tasty recipes to jazz up your viewing and popcorn eating experiences. I offer an adult version, a sweet treat and a kid friendly version. Enjoy!
Cheese & Chipotle Popcorn
1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
1/4 Cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tsp chipotle powder
1.5 Tsp sea salt
4 Tbsp butter (or margarine)
After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds; then drizzle all over the popcorn. Sprinkle with the cheese, chipotle powder and salt immediately. Toss lightly to ensure the spices coat the popcorn
Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn
1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
1 Tbsp butter (or margarine)
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1.5 Tsp cinnamon
0.5 Tsp salt
After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Whisk the maple syrup and cinnamon into the butter. Drizzle over the popcorn, sprinkle with salt and toss lightly.
Ranch Popcorn
1 bag (regular) microwave popcorn
3 Tbsp milk powder
1.5 Tsp parsley
1 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp garlic salt
0.5 Tsp dill
4 Tbsp butter (or margarine)
After popping your ‘corn, melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir in the spices. Drizzle mixture over the popcorn and toss lightly.
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36 Before 36
Since today is my 35th birthday, I wanted to challenge myself to accomplish 36 things before my 36th birthday because getting older should be fun and something you shouldn’t be dreading. So here’s to a year of new experiences!
1. Try water therapy
2. Visit the Royal Alberta Museum
3. Attend a conference led by one of my teacher/educational idols
4. Go to Fort MacLeod
5. Successfully make one of my Grandma’s Hungarian dessert recipes (Walnut Roll)
6. Go to a movie by myself
7. Go on a fishing trip
8. Find the perfect pair of jeans
9. Take a course
10. Host a cookie exchange
11. Go to the Art Gallery of Alberta
12. Have my makeup professionally done
13. Complete a fitness challenge
14. Make my own signature drink
15. Attend (another) Cirque Du Soleil show
16. Get a manicure
17. Start seriously saving for retirement
18. Do a charity walk
19. Watch the sunrise and sunset in one day
20. Name a star
21. Lose 10 pounds
22. Go bowling
23. Have High Tea at the Hotel Macdonald
24. Take a cooking class
25. Get a new hairstyle and colour
26. Go to Fort Edmonton Park
27. Observe Lent
28. Find a new author that I love as much as Agatha Christie
29. Sleep under the stars
30. Go on a girl’s trip with Megan
31. Send my husband on an epic hunting trip
32. Update my kitchen cabinets
33. Eat at Calcutta Cricket Club in Calgary
34. Get a tattoo
35. Improve my home office
36. Cut out swearing
May and June are always hectic; and literally every teacher meme about ‘getting to the finish line’ is true. However, at least for me, it is a sad time. We say goodbye to our students, some for the summer and some forever as they embark on their post-secondary adventures. At the same time as we are wrapping up we are also gearing up for the next school year. There are a few things us educators can do that can make this time of the year better.
Teacher Wellness/Self-Care
This is increasingly becoming a popular topic. Compassion fatigue is real. Teacher fatigue is real. We can’t possibly be effective and look after others if we don’t look after ourselves. We may think to ourselves that we can just burn the candle at both ends and then ‘recover over the summer.’ But let’s face it…we never actually do…we just keep going. Attending PD sessions, planning lessons, buying supplies, adapting curriculum, preparing materials, decorating our classrooms, etc. Never underestimate the importance of sleep; make it a priority, not something you do for a few hours each night after working. Set a timer; once it rings put away what you were doing whether you finished it or not and “go the fuck to sleep!” We always stress how important it is for our kiddos to sleep but we don’t always practice what we preach. You can avoid the June burnout and pre-summer cold simply by getting a good night’s sleep on a CONSISTENT basis.
Have Fun With Your Colleagues
Some people subscribe to the belief that the people at your place of employment are co-workers and nothing more; but I strongly disagree. You walk into any school or staffroom and you find a family; a number of adults (from custodians, to educational assistants to secretaries to administration staff to teachers) who are all heavily invested in “their kids.” We are all riding the same emotional rollercoaster together, we are the ones in the trenches fighting tooth and nail to make sure the kids get the best possible education, feel safe, are supported and set up for success. There are elements of confidentiality associated with working with young people so technically we only have our colleagues to talk to about what goes on. Our colleagues are special! As much as we need to take care of ourselves we also need to make sure our “work family” is taking care of themselves. Leave the comfort of the staffroom behind and have some fun; take advantage of the nice weather. This will help you all re-charge and finish the year off on a strong note.
Find the Joy/Celebrate Success
There are lots of stakeholders in education and they all have differing opinions on what is being done, what should be done, and how you and the students have been doing. It is very easy to internalize and take things personally; a low test score, an interaction with a stakeholder than didn’t go as planned, a lesson that flopped, a new initiative launched by central office or the Minister of Education. We let those define our days, months and school years as a whole; we let them pile up over the school year. Let’s stop with the negativity. Re-frame your mindset: if something didn’t go what, come up with at least one way in which you can plausibly work toward fixing it for the next school year. Find joy every day; no matter how small it may seem. And do this overtly; reflect with the kiddos, your colleagues and your loved ones.
When the school year does end…
Don’t Let Work Take Over Your Summer
Don’t ever feel bad for taking a break; I know I struggled with teacher guilt for a while. I am getting better and making sure I have some ME time. I force myself to take the first week of July off with ZERO school work. Then I only do maybe an hour (or maybe 2) Monday-Friday. I have been scheduling more and more mini-trips or activities throughout the summer to make sure I actually get out, get moving and have fun.
Categories
Healing Through Hunting
I spent May long weekend 2018 turkey hunting with my husband, since he had finally been drawn for his Merriam’s Turkey after an 11 year wait. It was a welcome mini vacation to southern Alberta after the traumatic experience our community suffered earlier in the month.
Many of us have bounced between the emotions described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and at the same time had to help others who are in different stages to grieve; hoping that you all get to a feeling of catharsis and that you are able to establish a new normal. However, along the journey you not only deal with gut wrenching emotions and thoughts you also have to be cognizant of and deal with the physical manifestations of grief which include: fatigue (constantly feeling exhausted since sleeping seems impossible), tightness in the chest, shortness of breath (which can scare the shit out of you!!), headaches, forgetfulness, being totally and utterly distracted, stomachaches, feeling nauseous or even ravenous. Then to top things off grief makes you super susceptible to getting sick more often.
I sort of felt like I was sinking. While grieving myself I also had to be a bottom hand for vulnerable individuals who were grieving. Which is why I invited myself on my husband’s hunting trip. I needed to get out, to do something fun. Don’t get me wrong (I am always welcome to go hunting with him and I don’t have to twist his arm to let me go); my husband was an incredible support to me during this time .. I am lucky I have him to hold my hand in this life.
Hunting has many health benefits; not only for physical but mental health as well, as outlined by, Health Fitness Revolution. I figured a hunting trip would help me get out of my grief funk. And guess what… it did!
* Connection with friends and family: you can relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends.
* Physical balance: core muscles are engaged and helps with posture; reducing aches and pains in your back and your balance
* Is physically demanding: Lots of work goes in to hunting even in the prep stage; it is a pastime that gets you off the couch…
* Exercise: not just from walking/hiking but using a bow and rifle can lead to the development of bicep and forearm muscular endurance.
* Enjoying nature: Science has proven time and again that, outdoor exercise decreases tension, confusion, anger and depression. Even a short period of time outside can do wonders for mood
* Nutrition: hunting allows you to harvest lean and organic meat. You also feel lots of pride when you can provide for yourself and your family
* Increases mental discipline: hunting is as much of a mental pursuit and it is a physical one. You have to concentrate and engage in problem solving which requires both critical and creative thinking
* Mental Relaxation: Nature has the uncanny ability to clear our minds; everyday stresses just melt away. You can’t worry about your schedule when you are marvelling over Mother Nature.
* Gives the body an adrenaline boost: . Increased levels of adrenalin = the break down glycogen = muscles get glucose = a fueled body (in a nutshell at least)
I also was able to embrace the history of my province; driving the Cowboy Trail and seeing the breathtaking ranches where hardworking Albertans endure. The Burmis tree standing tall after 650-700 years, the monuments honouring the Hillcrest Mine disaster and Frank Slide. And of course eating at the Rum Runner. As a social teacher I never miss an opportunity to nerd out. It is incredible to think about the hard work, determination and sheer grit of the people who lived in this area… who started from nothing in a fairly hostile environment. Think of the women who lost husbands in Frank Slide who dug deep, picked up and soldiered on —the resiliency and ingenuity is mind boggling.
We saw of course turkeys, moose, elk, deer, Canada geese with their goslings and other smaller birds of prey, skunks and squirrels. In amongst the snow covered trails there were beautiful yellow and purple wildflowers… reminding me that there is hope, there is happiness there are new beginnings after loss and hardship!
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Amazon Prime -Binge Watching
binge watch·ing
noun
- the practice of watching multiple episodes of a television program in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming.
Everyone has been guilty of holing up and binge watching a season or entire series. For me normally it happened during the winters but due to the pandemic it has become a year-round occurrence whether intentional or accidental. I decided to share a list of my favourite shows with you, especially since I am fresh off an accidental binge-watching fest of The Mindy Project.
Amazon Prime is great because there are A LOT of classic TV shows from my youth; its been really cool to re-watch old favourites!
I look forward to hearing your recommendations, please comment below.
- Golden Girls
- Two Broke Girls
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
- New Girl
- Yellowstone
Ten years ago my best friend and I spent the very early hours of April 29th together watching Prince William marry Miss. Catherine Middleton in Westminster Abbey. Both fans of all things royalty; especially the British monarchy we decided to celebrate in style. Mimosas were concocted and a traditional English breakfast was prepared and savoured between our squeals of delight!
With the third wedding anniversary of Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle on May 19 I figured I would flashback. For their wedding, my best friend and I were unable to get together but we still celebrated with a continuous stream of text messages.
She celebrated in Calgary while I celebrated in Falun; by waking up at 3am and brewing myself a VERY strong cup of coffee and snuggling in on the couch. My puppy snored away on the floor beside me. I must confess it was quite a different experience watching it on my own, despite texting her like every other second. I really wished we had been able to spend this momentous occasion together.
Among my wedding highlights…
1. Title
I was very eager to wake up to find out what title the Queen was going to bestow on Harry and his new wife. It had been long speculated that they would become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however, nothing is final until the Palace announces it. The Queen could have potentially made him the Duke of Clarence; since it too was available.
But, the choice of Sussex is most fitting. It has been noted since the last person to hold this title was anti-slavery campaigner and supporter of rights for Catholics and Jews. Both Harry and Meghan have made it (and will continue to make it) their life’s work to champion the rights of others. As well, it has been reported that Meghan’s mother’s family had been slaves on the cotton plantations in Georgia. Meghan is descended from a long line of trailblazers, so it would make sense that she will be the FIRST woman to be the Duchess of Sussex.
Harry was also made Earl of Dumbarton (for use in Scotland) and Baron of Kilkeel (for use in Northern Ireland). Meghan’s corresponding titles include: Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness of Kilkeel.
2. Tiara
There was as much speculation about the tiara as there was about the dress. Meghan chose Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau (1932). It most certainly held its own underneath that veil; and sparkled on that long carriage ride through the streets of Windsor. Some were shocked she didn’t wear a tiara associated with Diana, however, I think this day needed to be about Harry and Meghan. They included her, probably in many ways that the public don’t fully realize; as those touches wouldn’t be obvious to us. Her engagement ring, designed by Harry with the inclusion of two diamonds from Diana’s collection was much closer to her heart (literally; re: vena amoris) than a diamond tiara. More about the tiara can be found on a fantastic blog: From Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault.
3. Uniform
There is something to be said about a man in uniform. Around the world, hearts broke as the handsome Harry got married and was OFFICIALLY off the market. Personally, I never questioned whether or not Harry would wear a uniform. He is a distinguished military officer in his own right and he dedicates much time and energy to working with veterans. It was at the Invictus Games that Harry and Meghan made their debut in Toronto. On Instagram @KensingtonRoyal (formally) announced that “Both Prince Harry and The Duke of Cambridge will wear the frockcoat uniform of the Blues and Royals. Her Majesty The Queen gave her permission for Prince Harry to get married in his uniform. Both uniforms were tailored at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row.” I thought it was especially sweet that, unlike at William’s wedding, the brothers were matching. Intentional or not, it demonstrated the deep bond they both share.
4. Best Dressed
My top three stand out guests were…
–Amal Clooney, in a yellow dress with side drape by Stella McCartney and hat by Stephen Jones. Husband, George accented her ensemble with his splashes of a more subdued shade of yellow.
–Kitty Spencer, in an emerald green slim-fit dress featuring bold flower print at the bottom by Dolce & Gabbana, topped off with a matching Philip Treacy fascinator and a diamond choker I am in envy of.
–Karen Spencer, in her violet Pamella Roland dress with bolero cape. I simply love her fascinator as well.
5. Tender Moments
Harry and Meghan’s lovely day was full of genuine love and sweetness that is expected of a wedding. Yes, it was a royal wedding; there was pomp and circumstance to some extent but ultimately it was a deeply personal wedding that blended tradition and modernity, British and American perfectly. This love and sweetness was not only reserved between the bride and groom despite there being many examples of it.
-It was rather upsetting for the future Duchess of Sussex to have to announce to the world (just days before her wedding) that her father was not able to walk her down the aisle for health reasons. However, it was incredibly touching that she asked her future father-in-law, Prince Charles. He looked so proud and happy to fill in.
-Harry lifting Meghan’s stunning cathedral veil to reveal her beaming smile and gorgeous tiara. And of course this led to the infamous “lip bite” from Harry. We didn’t experience this moment at William and Kate’s wedding, as her father, Michael performed this task. It was pointed out that perhaps the length of the veil was a subtle nod to Diana’s own veil; whether or not that was the case, that veil was simply amazing!
-While Harry and Meghan sat listening to Rev. Curry performing his sermon, the couple sat holding hands (as they did for basically the entire morning), but at one point Harry looked down at Meghan’s hand and fiddled slightly with the engagement ring as they both remembered Diana. The look of love between them could have melted the iciest and most skeptical of hearts.
-Mike Tindall lovingly resting his hand on pregnant wife, Zara’s stomach; looking at her, probably remembering the happiness they felt on their own wedding day and thinking forward to the next chapter of their lives.
-The Duchess of Cambridge only 4 weeks postpartum, still in the habit of resting her own hand on her bump did so during one of the songs, probably missing her newborn son, Louis, greatly. She also shared a sweet moment with Princess Charlotte at the end of the ceremony on the steps. Stooping to her young daughter’s level and either pointing out the horse drawn carriage, reminding her to wave or remarking on how beautiful her new, Aunt looked.
-My all time FAVOURITE tender moment was the exchange of rings. Yes, I said RINGS…plural. Harry bucked tradition and Meghan placed a platinum band on his finger. Harry looked very happy to be receiving it and truly committing to his new wife.