Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday

• Pinning.  That’s right.  I’ve finally fallen victim to Pinterest.  I signed up a while back, played around with it a bit, thought “meh, whatever”, and kind of forgot about it.  In the past week or so, though, I’ve been pinning.  A lot.  Especially recipes, which I’ll probably never make.  Are you on Pinterest?  If you care to follow my boards, you can find me here.

• The other day, I pinned this picture in anticipation of seeing The Vow on Tuesday night with some wonderful friends.  It makes me grin every time I look at it.

And, after seeing the movie, I know now that I totally, completely, 100% agree with this statement.  It was probably the most unbelievable part of the movie.  Not even Rachel McAdams – who I adore – could convince me that someone could wake  up from a coma and just not be in love with him anymore.  Uh-uh, not possible.  That’s more like a dream come true than a sentence.

• Foodgawker.  It’s like Pinterest, but for food only.  People share pictures and descriptions of recipes they’ve tried.  When you click on the picture, it takes you directly to the blog or website where the recipe and instructions can be found.  Once you sign up, all you have to do is click on the little heart below the picture to “save” the recipe to your Favourites.  I’m using some inspiration from there to make snacks for the weekend – finally going to try out “Crack Dip”!

• Looking forward to a “snow day” tomorrow.  I was planning to go on a shopping spree on my day off – for groceries, and a few other “me” items, like nail polish, Breaking Dawn on DVD…you know, stuff like that.  But I’ve decided to just do my groceries after Zumba tonight, and save the trip to Wally World for some other day.  My new plan, due to the forecasted 10 cm on it’s wasy -  is to hunker down, make hot chocolate, watch movies, prepare some snacks, and wait for my Book Club pals to arrive in the evening.
• Book Club.  This month, we’re discussing The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I read it last summer and looooved it.  But, beyond the book?  I’m just excited to have some friends in, enjoy some yummy food and some girl talk.  It’s been too long.
• I’m loving the thought of hanging out at the curling rink on Saturday with family & friends.  My brother and brother-in-law, as well as some of my friends, are going to be curling in a bonspiel.  Do I watch the curling?  No, not really.  But some of the best times I’ve had are sitting around up there, chatting & laughing.  Can you tell this is the sort of thing I’ve missed so much…and crave to do more of?
• I’m loving this little guy:

My friends Stacy & Ricky welcomed this adorable little bundle early Wednesday morning.  Tanner was born at 12:10 AM, weighing 9 lbs. 2 oz.  I went up to visit them at the hospital last night, and literally wanted to bring Tanner home with me!!  I can’t wait to visit him again, and to see how his big sister Maddy interacts with him. :)  (Picture stolen from his Auntie Shannon’s Facebook.)

Since I’m off tomorrow, and I’ll be so busy doing lazy-day things, I won’t likely be around the blog…so have a wonderful weekend, everyone!! :)

Oh, what I’d give for a day at the Spa…

It’s We Want to Know Wednesday, and how did the lovely hostesses know that I’ve been longing for a day at the Spa?!  This week’s questions are all about pampering!

Linking up with Mamarazzi, Queso & Crazymama.

 

Here are this week’s questions:

{1} What is your go to color if you paint your nails? do your toes and fingernails match?
{2} Have you ever gone for a mani/pedi? how often do you go?
{3} Do you color your hair? do you have a salon do it or do you do it yourself?
{4} Facials...have you ever had one?
{5} Would you or have you ever done botox?
{6} Beauty knows no pain, do you believe in waxing, electrolisis, eyelash extentions, anti-aging creams, micro-dermabrasion, peels, botox?

My answers:

{1} What is your go to color if you paint your nails? do your toes and fingernails match?  I like to switch it up!  In the past year, I’ve developed a nail polish fetish.  I simply can’t go to the store without picking up a new colour or two.  My collection of polishes has grown vastly, and it’s quite a range of colours!  Currently, I’ve got Revlon’s “Black Star” on my fingers, and Sally Hansen’s Complete Manicure “Raisin the Bar” on my toes…they don’t match, obviously!

Not my fingers!!  via Google Images

{2} Have you ever gone for a mani/pedi? how often do you go?  I’ve had one mani and one pedi in my lifetime!  Loved both, and would like to go more often.  In fact, I’d love to learn how to do them myself!

{3} Do you color your hair? do you have a salon do it or do you do it yourself?  I started colouring my hair a few years ago.  It started out with just a few blonde highlights, but I now go dark for the winter, and then put the highlights back in for the summer.  I go to my hairdresser to get it done.

Summer Blonde

Winter Brunette 

{4} Facials...have you ever had one?  I had my first one last fall at a friend’s Bachelorette Spa Day.  I was a little worried – I was afraid it might be bad for my sensitive skin.  I was wrong.  It was blissful.  The lady also gave a relaxing head and neck massage.  I loved every second of it, there were no problems with my skin, and wouldn’t hesitate to get one again!

{5} Would you or have you ever done botox?  I have never…I’m 28, I barely use wrinkle cream.  I haven’t got to the botox stage yet.  (At least, I hope!)  I don’t think I ever would, either.  That’s one luxury that I don’t think I’d bother with.

{6} Beauty knows no pain, do you believe in waxing, electrolisis, eyelash extentions, anti-aging creams, micro-dermabrasion, peels, botox?  As much as I love a good massage and a nice mani or pedi, I’m pretty laid-back when it comes to beautifying.  I mean, I just started using make-up about five years ago, and my expertise is pretty limited at that!  I take care of my skin, do what’s necessary, get my eyebrows waxed, and that’s about it.  I imagine one day I’ll look into anti-aging cream, but that’s about as far as I’ll go!

So…what’s your beauty regimen?  What lengths do you go to to stay looking young?  Go visit one of the lovely hostesses listed at the top and link up! :)

Let’s Talk…The Voice. And Adam Levine. Yum.

Anybody else out there a fan of NBC’s The Voice?

I loved it last season.  And now that it’s back for Season 2, I’m once again totally hooked.

I love the premise:  Talented individuals and duos are invited to “blind audition” for the four celebrity judges/coaches – Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.

 

They sit in giant chairs with their backs turned to the stage, only able to listen to the singer, until the decide if they want that particular contestant on their “team”.  If they want them, they push their button and turn around to watch the rest of the performance.  If more than one of them turns around, the singer then has the option to choose which one of the celebs they want as their “coach”.  Each coach is to assemble a team of 12 singers, whom they will then mentor through the battle rounds until one talented performer is left standing and given the title of “The Voice”.

Cool, right?!

I’ve even got my mom into it.

I have to admit, though, despite the fact that I love the idea behind the show, there’s one other main reason I keep tuning in, week after week…

Adam Levine?  Sitting there, all sexy, in his “I WANT YOU” chair???

Hell yes.

humina humina

Now, I know what some of you are thinking. 

Really, Jill?  Thought you’d be more of a Blake Shelton kind of girl.

And you wouldn’t be wrong.  Blake is smokin’, too.

He’s an added bonus for tuning in to The Voice.  For sure.

But at the end of the day?

I’m Team Adam.

When Adam turns his chair around, and the contestant chooses another coach over him?  I’m always a little bit dumbfounded.  I know that if I was on that show, I’d be praying Adam would turn around for me and give me that sexy little “I knew you were awesome” grin.

So how about you?  If YOU were a contestant on The Voice, who’s chair would you be hoping would turn around for you?  Adam’s, Blake’s, Christina’s, or Cee-Lo’s?

If they all turned around, which one would you pick?

***

Linking up today’s post with Impulsive Addict and Seriously Shawn for Talk To Us Tuesday!!  Feels good to be back, thanks for hosting ladies!!

Comfort Food: Montana’s on my mind.

I have a secret to share.

Okay.  Maybe it’s not a secret.  Especially to those of you who are my friends over at MyFitnessPal.

But over the past 6 weeks of turmoil, I haven’t been doing so well with my “healthy living lifestyle”.

Truthfully, I’ve abandoned MyFitnessPal.  I quit trying to count calories and points in my head a long time ago.

Instead, I’ve been shoving food in my mouth, left, right & centre, with wild abandon – save for a few days when my anxiety level was so high that the thought of food made me feel sick.

Those days didn’t last long, though.  I’ve once again fallen victim to the vicious chip-and-dip cycle.  I barely fit into my dress for Luke & Amanda’s wedding.  I’m suddenly craving chocolate all the time - and normally, I’m not a chocolate girl.  When I have spare time, I’m drooling over full-fat recipes at foodgawker.

It ain’t pretty.

And despite knowing all of this – knowing that I need to right the ship before it’s too late; before I no longer fit into my dress for Lindsay’s wedding – all I can think about is food.

And right now?  Montana’s Cookhouse, specifically.

Can’t.stop.thinking.about.it.

Yesterday, I travelled with Lindsay & Ryan to our friends’ baby’s Christening.  Following the Christening, we had to go to the Plateau shopping complex for Ryan to pick up his suit for their wedding.  And while there, we were discussing a general complaint that we have about the Plateau shopping complex.

The Plateau has a huge Wal-Mart.  Two large grocery stores, and a third is being built.  Banks.  Reno Depot.  A strip of outlet stores – Smart Set, Reitmans, La Senza, etc.  A liquor store.  An office supplies store.  Moore’s.  A movie theatre.  So, so much.  It’s one of my favourite places to shop, because you can find almost anything there.

The problem?

Food.

There isn’t a nice restaurant in the Plateau area.

There’s fast food of all makes, shapes, and sizes – McDonalds, Subway, A&W, Tim Horton’s, a pizza place, a sushi place…

But no sit-down restaurants.

As we discussed the lack-of-dining situation in the area, Lindsay and I started firing off suggestions as to which restaurant we’d like to see in there – St. Hubert’s.  Boston Pizza.  Kelsey’s.  Montana’s.

Ohhhhhh how I wish they had a Montana’s!

I have a crush on Montana’s right now.  In the past six months, when going out with friends to the movies or just for dinner, 95% of the time we’ve chosen Montana’s.  And that’s usually because I tell them I want to go there.

Since Christmas, I haven’t been out very much, but the one outing I did make was with Lindsay, and guess where we went?

The thoughts of their appetizers can make me salivate.  When I went with Lindsay, we shared the Four Cheese Spinach Dip and the Oven-Baked Antojitos.

I could stop right there.  Seriously worth the trip, just for those two appetizers.  And I’m usually full after eating that.  AND they go supremely well with one of their delicious Pickled Caesars, which they serve in a mason jar – love!

To be honest, I’ve yet to be truly “wowed” by anything else on the menu – the appetizers and Caesar are the highlights for me.

But when it comes to the main course, I’m a big fan of the Chipotle Firecracker Burger.

That’s a deeeelicious sirloin burger topped with bacon, crispy Cajun onions and jalapenos, Colby cheese, and Chipotle Honey BBQ sauce.  Mmmmmmm…I usually ask for a little side of Ranch or mayo, just to cool the heat a bit.  My God, it’s good.

I’m also a big fan of the Baked Chicken Penne.

Seriously.  Drooling right now.

Room for dessert?  Generally not.  BUT.  If someone twists my arm?

You can bet yer ass I’m going for the Skillet Cookie.

Sweet Jesus.

I just ate lunch, and if someone offered to take me to Montana’s right now, I wouldn’t say no.

I told you.  It ain’t pretty.  These are not MyFitnessPal-friendly foods, people.

Someone get me a damned Montana’s in the Plateau area NOW.

(Or maybe not.  I’d rather not be featured on TLC’s “My 600-lb. Life.”)

A Tribute to Dad

As many of you know, the past month or so has been quite a rollercoaster for my family.

My dad was admitted to the hospital on January 8, 2012 for minor surgery, which took place on January 10, 2012.  The plan was to remove a small section of his bowel, where a small cancerous growth had been found.  However, once the surgeon was in there, he discovered it was much, much worse.  Due to complications from that initial surgery, my dad had to have two subsequent surgeries, and spent the last four weeks of his life in ICU.

My dad passed away last Wednesday, February 8, 2012 – three days before my brother’s wedding.

I’m still not sure how we have made it through all of this, but together, as a family, we have managed to celebrate – first, my brother’s marriage, and then, my dad’s life.

I’m not sure what more to say…words are failing me as I try to explain how I’m feeling about it all.  So instead of trying any further, I thought I would share with you the Eulogy my mom wrote (with help from us kids), which my Uncle Paul delivered at Dad’s funeral on Tuesday. 

My dad was a very private person, and I know I didn’t talk much about him here on the blog – but I thought this might give you all some insight into the man we’re all going to miss so much… my Dad.

***

Brent was born in North Onslow, Quebec on December 10, 1940 – the youngest son (and eighth child) of Bay and Velva Young. He was presented to older brother Garry as his second birthday present! They have always been the best of friends and Garry has always taken wonderful care of his little brother.

The Young family left the farm and moved to Quyon when Brent was four years old. Here he spent his “growing up” years – in a place that was always very dear to his heart.

Brent and Elizabeth were married on July 22, 1972 and once again Brent chose to return to Quyon after living in Ottawa for several years. He bought the Stanton Rd. home and it was there the three children – Kara, Jillian and Luke - were raised.

Brent took great pride in all their achievements. In fact, one of his last comments as they left his room in ICU recently was … “good kids”.

Brent loved sports – playing softball and hockey in younger days, bowling and badminton in later years. Brent coached minor ball – and Jillian never let him forget that he had cut her from one of those teams! He was an avid fan of the Quyon Flyers and one of Luke’s biggest fans throughout his years in minor hockey – a dedicated father who loved to offer advice to Luke and coach him from the sidelines.

Brent and Garry made wonderful music together. “The Youngsters” were regulars at the Quyon Legion for several years in the ‘60’s & ‘70’s. He loved to entertain at parties with music and recitation – “Rindercella” was always a favourite with the young fry, and he encouraged Jillian and Luke when they showed an interest in playing guitar.

He was the proud “grandpa” to Caden and Danica - Kara’s children - and looked forward to their weekly visits.

He was always amused when he asked Caden about scoring goals at hockey – and of course he always scored at least one or two goals!

Brent loved to tinker in his garage. He was meticulous about where everything should be placed, and annoyed if anyone messed things up. He definitely wanted the cleanest car in town. Elizabeth is already finding this task difficult to maintain!

It has been a contest in the neighbourhood in recent years to see whose grass would get cut first – Bart’s, Randy’s or Brent’s. When one started the other two were quick to follow – don’t worry guys – Elizabeth is not sure she can keep that up, either!

Brent was a lifetime employee of the National Research Council. His career there as a supply officer in the chemistry department ended in 1995. He filled his early years of retirement working at Young’s Appliance Services, Ellard Kennedy’s & Mountainview, and for several years as Garry’s plumber assistant.

Brent disliked being the center of attention – not fond of birthdays, gifts, and definitely would not want a big fuss made over him today.

For a guy who liked to go fast in his “Mustang cars”, in later years the trucks – Jimmy, Maurice and Neil – (all named after former owners) – regularly toured the streets of Quyon at a snail’s pace. If you ended up behind him you were in for a scenic tour through town, as Brent puttered along, assessing community activities along his way.

When Brent made up his mind to do something nothing would stop him. It was that stubborn determination that definitely helped in his final battle. In one month he survived three surgeries and successfully came off a ventilator twice – no easy feat for someone who had battled COPD these past four years. He was not able to win this final struggle with cancer but the effort was amazing.

We pray that Brent is now at peace. Brent --- we will all miss you greatly!

***

I’d like to take a moment to thank those of you who knew the struggles my family faced this past month, and who sent messages and emails checking in; who sent food to the house; who came to the wake and/or funeral.  Your love and support during this difficult time will never be forgotten. xoxo

Power to the Purple. Do It For Daron.

February is “Power to the Purple” month.  The Do It For Daron Campaign is encouraging everyone to share this video to raise awareness for youth mental health.

On February 7th, wear purple in memory of Daron and all of the other kids who thought they had no where to turn.  Wear it to raise awareness.

Talk.  Talk to teens.  Talk to anyone who needs help.  And if you need help, find someone to talk to.

Nobody is alone.  Someone is always there.

Please visit DIFD for more information.

It’s Thursday? Let’s go random.

• I’ve set up camp at my mom’s these days.  With my dad still in ICU, and us unsure about what each day will bring for him, I decided to hang with Mom as much as possible.  But I’m starting to miss my own bed.  And Dad was doing well yesterday.  So last night, I said to Mom, “I think it’s about time I move back home.”  Her eyes about popped out of her head.  “NO!” she exclaimed.  I was confused.  “Really? I thought you’d be okay with it.”  She shook her head, looking a little horrified.  “Where would we put all of your furniture???”  I sighed.  “Mom, I meant move back to my place, not move back here permanently!”
• I’m pretty sure I should be insulted by the look of relief that crossed her face.
• That being said, there does seem to be a bit of a history in our extended family of grown, adult “children” moving back in with their parents.  So I guess I could understand her concern.

• I’ve neglected my place pretty badly since Christmas.  It needs to be cleaned in the worst way, and I need to re-stock the fridge before I “move back in”.
• I also need to clean my fish tank.  The slime is building, and the fish aren’t really visible anymore.  I go in once a day to feed them, and I’m always relieved to see they’re still swimming.  Told you guys I have gangster fish.
• Oh, and another reason I haven’t really bothered moving back to my place yet?  The TV is on the fritz.  Again.  Remember how I used to say I had to wiggle some chords when it decided to go all herky-jerky?  Well, the last time I did that, I yoinked the chord right out of the end attached to the satellite dish.  So all I can watch there are DVDs.  *sigh*
• Zip.ca and I are about to fall out.  I zipped the first season of Prison Break a long time ago and put it at the top of my list.  They keep skipping it and shipping me other DVDs instead.  All well and good, because I zipped them too, but what I really want right now is Prison Break.  Seriously, Zip.ca?  Is Season 1 of Prison Break THAT popular right now?!

• I would be switching to Netflix in a heartbeat.  But that would require me getting Internet at my place.  Which would mean I’d have to leave the Dark Ages.  And I’m just not sure I’m ready for such a big step.
• The best part of my life in the past three weeks?  Watching the All Star Draft on TSN, and when they asked Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators, after being drafted first overall by Team Alfredsson, if teammate Jason Spezza would be mad that he got picked before him, or happy for him.  Karlsson said, very clearly, very distinctly: “No, Spezza’s PISSED.”

• I think even my dad would’ve got a kick out of that.