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!

Categories
Food & Drink

When life gives you eggnog…

…make an EGGNOG PIE!

egg nog bottle near cupcake red berry fruits and ice cold drinks
Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

What could be more delicious, easy to make and super festive???

Ingredients
1 Keebler Ready Graham Cracker Crust
1 box Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 1/4 cup Eggnog (full fat)
1 tsp Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum
1 tub Cool Whip

Directions
1. Gently mix the pudding mix, eggnog and rum together in a mixing bowl
2. Fold in the Cool Whip
3. Spoon the delicious filling into the pie crust
4. Refrigerate overnight

Categories
Writing Prompt Wednesdays

December Journal #3

What are your thoughts on euthanasia?

Oh what a heavy topic! For animals or humans? My husband and I had to “put down” our dog due to kidney disease. My husband was with him at the end. It’s just over a year since I lost my cat. I had him for almost 16 years. He had begun to go downhill really fast. After two days I decided to take him to the vet because I didn’t want his last days on earth to be full of pain. However, I knew I couldn’t be in the room when he took his last breath and died in my arms. I am not strong enough! My husband offered to take him. Luckily, he didn’t have to endure that devastating goodbye because my cat died in his sleep that night. I think having the right to euthanasia for both pets and people is important, however if you choose it or don’t choose it that’s up to you and it’s no one’s business. It is no one’s right to condemn you. I think making informed decisions is the best we can do in life. I did have a family friend, a woman I regarded as somewhat of an aunt make use of “doctor assisted suicide,” as it used to be called, I think now they accepted term (I could be wrong) is Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID). I know the hell that she went through and the bravery in which she faced death.

Prompt from: Piccadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts

What about you!

Categories
Entertainment

Christmas Movie Monday: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

Movie: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Source: Disney+

Synopsis: “Young Clara needs a magical, one-of-a-kind key to unlock a box that contains a priceless gift. A golden thread leads her to the coveted key, but it soon disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. In that world, she meets a soldier named Phillip, a group of mice and the regents who preside over three realms. Clara and Phillip must now enter a fourth realm to retrieve the key and restore harmony to the unstable land.”

My Thoughts: I was intrigued when I saw this on Disney+. Despite the criticisms of Keira Knightley’s acting and the story, I personally thought it was a decent movie. It gave me Alice in Wonderland (the Mia Wasikowska) vibes. I think the problem for most people is that The Nutcracker is such a Christmas institution; it is beloved, it is tradition; so when something like that is re-imagined it is tough not to get hung up on the deviation. Taking that out of the question it is easy to appreciate this movie. The set both physical and digitally added aspects was stunning.

Rating: 10/10

Categories
Gifts

Stuffing the Stockings: Part 4 -Teens Edition-

Can you believe it, Christmas is only 10 days away?!?!? I literally don’t know where the time went. I feel more than a little behind on Christmas shopping! Today, I am sharing what I will be stuffing the stockings with for the terrific teens in my life…

Shower Steamer
Ornament
Jumanji Card Game
Cocoa Ball
Cable Protector
Re-usable Lint Roller
LED Cup Holder Lights