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Uncategorized

Back to the Vault: Beating the Winter Blues

I thought it would be fun to travel back in time and check out what I was writing about last year. On January 16th I published my second of three pieces about how to “Beat the Winter Blues.” If you missed it, or if you happening to be struggling with the winter blues like I do, I hope this helps!

Beat the Winter Blues Part 1
Beat the Winter Blues Part 2
Beat the Winter Blues Part 3

Stay warm!

Categories
Food & Drink

Simple Vegetable Soup

This is not only tasty, but it is ridiculously easy to make and it also freezes well.

Ingredients…

1 Tbsp Olive oil
1 White onion (chopped)
28oz Vegetable Broth
2 cups Water
12oz Corn (canned)
14oz Green beans (canned)
14oz Diced tomatoes (canned; with juice)
1 Zucchini (medium size; halved & sliced thin)
1/2 cup Orzo
Salt
Pepper

Directions…

  1. In a large soup pot, saute the onions with oil, salt and pepper until tender
  2. Add the broth and water to the pot and bring it to a boil
  3. Add the vegetables and orzo and cook uncovered until the orzo is tender (approximately 10 minutes)
  4. Enjoy!
close up of pouring stew into cup
Photo by Elina Volkova on Pexels.com
Categories
Writing Prompt Wednesdays

January Journal #2

Do you do good things when no one is watching?

I do because I don’t need credit; in fact it makes me uncomfortable. I think those under the radar kind or good things mean more to the recipient and giver than public displays. When we only do things for recognition we aren’t building the intrinsic motivation to be kind people and sadly I think it is negatively affecting our communities. We seek so much validation for example on social media and broadcast so much of our lives it would be nice to do good things when no one is watching or do it anonymously. I think people need to model kindness so others can emulate it but I think we can restore faith in each other by doing small random acts of kindness on a day to day basis.

What about you?

Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

2024: In and Out

I am jumping on the bandwagon and making lists for what is is IN this year and what is OUT this year…

IN…

-Moisturizing daily
-10,000 steps a day
-Drinking more water
-Getting out of my comfort zone
-Reading daily
-Duolingo daily
-Organizing my bedroom
-Honesty
-Self-advocacy
-Finding new bingeworthy shows
-Dates with my husband

OUT…

-Couch potatoing
-Mindless scrolling
-Wearing uncomfortable bras
-Alcohol
-Coffee
-Worrying
-Procrastination
-Negativity/Toxicity
-Financial irresponsibility

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

A Year in Review: 2023

January in Houston...

Fancy Bitches February…

March Break in Victoria…

Snow Goose Hunting in April…

Gardening in May…

Celebrating our 7th Wedding Anniversary in Style in June…

Lego Exhibit at The Muttart in July…

Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Macdonald in August….

The Importance of Being Earnest at The Citadel in September…

October’s Pumpkin Harvest with my favourite guy…

November in Banff…

The Grinch Life in December…

Categories
Writing Prompt Wednesdays

January 2024 Journal

If you had a child who had done something very wrong, such as stealing, how would you punish them?

Depending on the age of the child this prompt could have many answers. First, I would fight all my rage and approach the situation calmly. I would start by addressing the underlying reason for the “crime.” Then I would implement meaningful and prompt consequences: for example restitution and an apology to the “victim,” followed by a trip to the police station to talk about making good choices. Or I would connect with community resources available such as the  Schools Resource Officer (SRO). If the crime was severe enough and there were criminal charges I would not try to “bail them out.” I would want them to “face the music.” Perhaps, it is naive to have faith in the justice system, when clearly it is plagued with MANY problems. But the whole point of it is the rehabilitation of poor choices and attitude and reintegration. After facing the consequence or punishment the child would resume life again with the skills and attitude to function in society, daily life and the family without repeating the bad actions.

What about you?

Prompt from Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

Categories
Fashion

New Year’s Eve: Outfit Recap

We didn’t have any “exciting plans,” its rare that we even make it till midnight. I spent the evening curled up on the couch binge watching my favourite show and munching on my favourite snacks. I even dressed for the occasion…

Lace Trim Cami with Crop Pant Sleepset from Ricki’s

Categories
Reflections & Lifestyle

Accountability Post: December 2023

Today, brings my “three goal a month” series to a close. I have managed to make some positive changes in my life, and as much as I hate to admit it; I have also fallen short this year. BUT, I never gave up and that’s what matters.

For December I wanted to “finish the year strong,” by…

1. Brushing up on my Spanish

-This is one goal I managed to knock out of the park, I am absolutely loving Duolingo. It is like riding a bicycle!

2. Implementing “No Phone Friday”

-This one didn’t turn out; mainly because I sort of forgot about it; I got 100% distracted by an upcoming project.

3. Doing an end of the year purging

-The purge was not as far reaching as I had hoped but of course I did manage to do a big pre-Christmas house clean, and it felt SOOOOOO good.

I am not sure what sort of goals I will set for myself in the New Year, but I am very much looking forward to what 2024 has in store for me. I wish you all happiness and health in the coming coming year.

Categories
Current Addictions

Current Addictions: December 2023 Edition

Ad·dic·tion
/əˈdikSH(ə)n/
noun

the fact or condition of being dependent or “hooked” to a particular substance, thing or activity.

Music: Bing Crosby White Christmas (Spotify)
TV Show: House Hunters International
Book: Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night (Sophie Hannah)
Food: Tuna Tostones
Drink: Cinzano Prosecco
Clothing: Semi Fitted Cozy Rib Knit Pullover (WindRiver)
Cosmetic: Juliette Has a Gun Parfums (Discovery Set)
Product: Candle Lamp Warmer (Amazon)

Categories
Entertainment

Christmas Movie Monday: Holidate

Movie: Holidate (2020)

Source: Netflix

Synopsis: “Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other’s platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way.”

My Thoughts: I guess technically it isn’t a true Christmas movie; but it starts with Christmas so I am going to count it. It definitely struck a chord with me: sitting at the kids table and dealing with nosy family members over the state of your love life. Ultimately, when your Christmas (or any holiday for that matter) is going off the rails you can take comfort in the rough ride that Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey go on.

It doesn’t hurt that Luke is dreamy! But the on screen chemistry between the two is on point unlike that between Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell in Exmas. Also, the incredible Kristin Chenoweth stars as the kooky, sex-crazed aunt… so what’s not to love! The cringe factor for this film is super minimal despite some of the antics!

It’s hilarious and crude and a must-see!

Rating: 10/10

Merry Christmas, everyone!