Do not regret

Source: The Lions Eyes via Young Folk Society

i’ve learned that

i’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. i’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled christmas tree lights. i’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. i’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” i’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. i’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. i’ve learned that whenever i decide something with an open heart, i usually make the right decision. i’ve learned that even when i have pains, i don’t have to be one. i’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. people love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. i’ve learned that i still have a lot to learn. i’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
- maya angelou

--reading this makes me so happy--

Friday Morning Dance Party

Do it.

If I look out my window...

... I fear I might see this. Well kind of, but not really (mostly because I've already checked the weather warnings and there are none to be had in these parts). Though it does smell like rain and it's cooled off quickly and the lightning and thunder are lurking in the dark clouds.

Cute hair alert

Oh, no, seriously thinking about a little chop chop. This super cute sharp do has left an impression on me. Should I do it...? 

J recently surprised me with a buzzed head, maybe a little Nicole surprise is in order! 

Not to mention her clothes. All spotted over at totokaelo.

Dreaming of...

... Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure 2011. 

I'm taking donations if you feel like showing your support. 

Or perhaps you'd rather participate, that's even more fun!

Eating Animals

Yesterday  I completed the book Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. He's more known for his novels- Everything is Illuminated and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Neither of which I have read, though I probably should. 

I sort of figured a book called Eating Animals would ask some hard questions and that it might effect the way I looked at food.  I even waited to start it until after we'd returned from our Paris-Portugal-Madrid-Honeymoon adventure before starting it. Thinking ahead to places like Spain and the famous jambon (didn't want to think about where that cured meat had come from). 

Basically without saying too much it's a good book that points out a lot about the production of animals/meat that most of us, likely, already suspect. I think best of all he presents all sides. Although he does argue for vegetarianism, he also speaks highly of responsible farming and the importance of becoming informed about the farm and slaughterhouse you support when you make your purchases.

So, good news... there are options. 

A buttery blog

I just discovered this gem of a blog, Always With Butter. Seriously beautiful photography complete with cute collection of mouth watering recipes and tips.  Best of all I am so inspired. If it wasn't so warm out I'd make this Cheese and Chive Bread, pronto. 

Sandwich Sans Meat

I've recently been trying to eat only free range, organic, loved animals or no meat at all. No meat at all seems easier as it's hard to know if the animal had a good life or felt pain. So you can bet I was thrilled when I saw this!

This open-faced sandwich I found over on NICOMADE makes my mouth water and it's meatless. Also added bonus is that I can use my grill. And fresh basil from our little patio garden!

New Goal

I'm going to take a class and make a quilt. This one that NICOMADE is sooo beautiful, it has inspired me.

Johnson Sewing Center here in the city offers classes, I think I shall look into it. Anyone care to join me?

Photos also via NICOMADE

Grateful for...

Today I am grateful for...

... best girl friends who send sweet texts

... hilarious stories at work

... sunny warm weather 

... jeans on Fridays

... pretty flowers on the patio

.. fun weekend plans with J

Feeling Sentimental

This video makes me feel so excited and inspired.
Also a little nervous.
I want to make things.
I want to create.
I want to use my hands.
I want to share.

So just do it, right!?

Reblogged from That Kind of Woman who had also reblogged it from MostExeRent  bRog (credit where credit is due)

Bust a gut

This made me laugh out loud, hilarious.

Lisbon

Hola from Lisboa.We`ve just spent 4 days touring the capital city of Portugal. It has been super hot and sunny and the list of things to do has been a bit daunting though, I do believe, we`ve managed to see and do a lot.

Today for instance, we rode the train about 35 minutes to the coastal town Cascais where J took a lesson in scuba and I read under an umbrella on the beach. It was lovely and relaxing. We fineshed today with dinner at a local favourite restaurant where we shared the grilled chicken with rice and a salad, it was divine... and so so so busy when we left. Crazy busy.

Yesterday we went to the Lisbon Oceanario and watched the sea otters, penguins, sharks and sea turtles, and much more, go about their daily lives. I was so giddy as it was my first visit to an aquarium. At first I was worried that I might feel sad for all the creatures in these weird controlled environments but having now gone I feel as if the staff do a fine job and the fake sea world keeps the animals happy. We fineshed that day with a film (they play in english with subtitles here).

The day before that we enjoyed a wine tasting and explored our little neighbourhood of Chiado which is a artsy shopping district with great cafes and a tonne of great people watching. We ended that evening at the widely popular Cafe Buenos Aires where we ate a flower salad with goat cheese, strawberries and tomatoes and a sweetened baslamic vinegar, so good!

Right now it`s night and the rain has started. Since we`ve been here it has not rained yet, until now. I admit that the rain is a welcome relief because it brings a cool night sleep and a quiet street. 

Tomorrow we`re back on the train to head to the Algarve. Miss everyone back home.

Photos via the lovely internet.

Hilarious Moment of the Day

Hilarous Moment of the Day: When J accidentally drove on a sidewalk and as a result we ended up in a tight little cobbled residential side street. The street was filled with people playing games, chatting and kids running all over. A nice fella signaled to go down and to the right. People were totally gawking at us, and no kidding since the look of terror on our face was enough to warn them to, step away from the black Fiat, and step away they did. The best part is that moments later we popped out on the street almost exactly where we wanted. Ah the beauty of travel.


Photo via the internet, ha

Hola from Porto

Blurry photo of the view from our room this afternoon.

Hola, I hope you are all well. Today J and I flew via Ryanair from Paris to Porto, Portugal. I do not love to fly and this flight did not help change my mind. It`s a discount airline and all I could think was, `this pilot just got his license.` Though it ended up being just fine. We arrived safe and sound, though hungry, tired and dizzy (okay I was dizzy) -- J was a trooper as always.

We happily found out hostel (careful, the website has music) and could not be more pleased with how lovely the atmosphere is. As I type I can look out the window to the river, I can hear music playing and birds chirping (they have a few little birdies in the living area) and the bustle of people gathering to cook in the kitchen. A welcome slower pace after the busy streets of Paris.

Tonight we plan to take it easy and plan, a little, for our road trip in the Douro.

... arrived safe and sound

Photo of our view from the hotel. Yes, it`s the eiffel tower, way off in the distance. Though it`s actually much more magical than the picture makes it seem.

When we finally arrived in Paris, we were sooo tired but would not allow ourselves to sleep. More like J woke me up everytime I nodded off  (which was actually my head suddently dropping, and it happened a lot). We stayed awake with a river tour of the Seine with multuiple beautiful stops.

For dinner we found ourselves at a restaraunt called Les Papilles, it`s a renouned favourite. We were so fortunate to get a seat at the bar since every walk in after us was actually turned away. It was one menu, no choices but you got to choose your wine from the wall. It was amazing and the service was so friendly. Now we are stuffed and off to bed.

Bonsoir--

Bon Voyage

J and I were up bright and early this morning because today we fly to Paris. This is me at the airport sneakily taking a picture with this rinky dink little notebook computer. Ha! Nervous to fly but excited to travel.

Wedding Recap

Photo via Kylie G.

After a crazy busy few months of preparation, the big wedding day finally arrived this past Saturday. It went mostly exactly as planned with one not at all expected, pre-wedding, nose bleed. I had just put my dress on when it happened. Lucky for me my lovely bridesmaids were quick as a whip and got that dress off me in seconds. The dress was saved and I was only about 5 minutes late for my own wedding. Ha.

The ceremony was a blur and the reception was fantastic. We served gourmet burgers for dinner, complete with a variety of toppings which pleased picky and adventurous eaters alike. A variety of wine and craft beer was plenty. Smiles all around.

Our emcee was like a magician with his creativtive presentation and speech.. He actually drew our story as it was read. Amazing! The speeches were all emotional and touching. I think we`re safe to say it was the most loving environment I`ve ever been in and I feel so blessed to have such beautiful people in my life.

Sigh...

Dreaming of...

... a clean, organized closet filled with only clothes I wear and things I actually use.  That would be a relief.

New Favourite Blog

That Kind Of Woman, is simply fantastic. She posts a tonne and you can feel how genuine she is. Just a smart curious gal who collects pretty stuff.

Photo via here

Think less freedom

Indeed, I could use this advise wisely. Lately, it feels like, I've been spinning in circles all the while trying to get life things done. Not to mention the wedding, the trip that follows, and the somewhat necessary, depending on who you talk to, celebrations that precede the nuptials. 

Photo via here

One line Journal - Today is my Birthday

Today it is my birthday and suddenly I find myself 26 and feeling a little bit more grown up. But I'm not too grown up to splash in the puddle on my way to the bus (and like it!). 

Converse Puddle Splash via here

Dreaming of...New spring clothes

Something new and fresh and spring! I'm sick of all my old clothes. 

Outfit from Jcrew  as seen on Sheilini.

Bunting Flags, check

I know I haven't been blogging much, or at all, lately. I blame it on the winter, or maybe this old keyboard at home that doesn't seem to type as smoothly as the one I use at work, or maybe there's no excuse at all. In any case, I have been a super busy lady. 

As I may have mentioned previously J and I have been working away like busy little bees planning our April wedding! It's fast approaching and most of the details have been worked out. I have to say it's amazing to think it's all actually coming together; at first it seems impossible. 

One of my very early projects was bunting flags (crappy photo attached, but you get the idea). Our colours are, sort of, a whole bunch of colours and includes pattern too! 

Back to the Future

O I love this idea. I wonder what picture of mine I would want to recreate...?

Photos via photographer Irina Werning

Thanks to Cup of Jo for sharing.

One line Journal - Ladies Lunch (okay longer than one line)

This afternoon there was a gathering of old friends. Almost like a tea party, a bunch of ladies gathered around their prized salads and, ahem, even some store bought dips (guilty), no matter it was a lovely time enjoyed by all. Complete with wedding talk and baby cuddles and all other things girls chat about.

It's really great to make the time to celebrate friends. I just thought I could say it one more time.

Photo via LIFE

Best Chocolate Treat

Sorry for the lack of blogging. I guess over the holidays I pretty much did nothing, ha. My nothing included movies, drinking good wine, visiting with family and old friends and eating, a lot.

One problem with a week of 'nothing' is that it takes a little bit of time to get back to 'normal'. I find myself craving loads of chocolate and yummy richness but sheesh you've got to say no at some point. Well one really fun and yummy way to eat a little sweets but not too much is to treat yourself to a piece of salted chocolate. O man, Lindt with a Touch of Sea Salt. Yum!

For that I am grateful!