2 years ago I went to the Mattamy design center and picked out what the inside of my house would look like!
There were so many choices! Different shapes of handles, colours of floors, counter tops and being the indecisive girl I am I brought reinforcements with me! S, Niamho and my parents all came to help.. Thank god or I would probably still be in there humming and hawing!
I finally settled on a style colour that I like to call neutral rustic!
After designing the inside we swung by the site of where my village home was going to be built and I was so excited to see that the foundation was down!
I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by!
Have you ever built a home? What was your experience like?!
This week has been total rollercoaster for the pop music world with Taylor Swift’s new video, if anyone has missed it, you can watch it here. It seems like everyone is decoding the disses in her new video and especially the last scene.
Throughout the video she brings forth all the past shade from other celebrities and media as well as her past “characters/old self” to break down all her old stereotypes and reputations. As always Taylor gets the last word in a fight and she brings(ends?) this fight to all her haters.
Now I love TSwizzle and I have major respect for her new vid which tries to rid herself of her past and her haters yet this week I think Taylor should take a note out of the baddest, rocking-est, feminist, self love promoter Pink!
Pink is cool, wise, strong and the epitome of a badass woman! Pink has met her fair share of haters yet she always stands up for her true self and promotes self love beyond all.
At the VMAs this week she won the Vanguard Award and delivered such a moving and inspiring speech for all.
Pink calls on everyone to love themselves, to celebrate what makes us different and to be true to who we are. Pink has never failed in being just who she is and encouraging us all to live our own truths. When the world gets you down pull a Pink, go home, make a powerpoint and remember to be yourself.
And if that doesn’t work, rock out to this song, cause so what? You are still a Rockstar!!
This weekend we were up at the cottage and decided it was time for a Cocktail Competition. The contenders: the Mint Julep, Mohito and Rum Collins. Luckily we had a number of taste testers willing to assist.
Some were a bit overwhelmed by the responsibility.
First up was the Mint Julep.
We gathered the ingredients:
4 Mint Leaves
1 teaspoon Powdered Sugar
2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Fill the glass with Ice
Muddle the mint with the sugar and use some of the mint for garnish.
This one got full marks for presentation. Lovely looking drink.
I’d say it really brought out the best in some.
Two of my favourite lovers of the Mint Julep. Mr. Bond and Mr. Dad.
Next up was the Mojito. Now, in all honesty, as the taste testing went on, pictures of the process became fewer and fewer. Just a coincidence.
So this is the picture of the process for the Mojito:
I mean, what more do you really need to know? It includes Rum.
Our recipe:
6 mint leaves
2 teaspoons of Powdered Sugar
1 full lime juiced
Muddle the mint, sugar and lime juice.
2 oz. Havana Club
Fill the glass with ice
top with soda water
I’d say these drinks came out beautifully.
Finally, the Rum Collins. Even fewer process pictures for this one. This is what I have:
Cheers!
Our Rum Collins recipe:
Fill the glass with ice
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 oz. Captain Morgan White Rum
Fill the glass with Club Soda.
Stir.
Finally, the taste testers gave their scores:
Rum Collins: 0
Mojito: 2
Mint Julep: 4
A great weekend was had by all, but mostly by the taste testers.
After a long, busy, week there is nothing better than unwinding and laughing until it hurts. Below are my Top 5 favourite female comedians, everything they touch is gold and amazing and when they team up you’ll bust a gut! These women are fearless and do not back down from social taboos and controversial topics like racism, sexism and religion.
Melissa McCarthy –is an actress, comedian, writer, fashion designer and a producer! Talk about wearing many hats. Melissa had her comedy debut as Sookie St-James in Gilmore Girls and all you GG fans know she totally crushed it. McCarthy has been nominated for an Academy Award ( Best supporting Actress), a BAFTA , a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Golden Globe Award, was nominated 5 times for Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her five appearances as host on Saturday Night Live and won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy.
Liza Koshy– Is a Viner and YouTuber and is one of the most popular personalities out there! This summer she reached 10.4 million subscribers!! That is outstanding! She has a silver and gold YouTube play button and will soon be getting her diamond play button. She has won a Streamy Award and a People’s Choice Award!
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler – They met in 1993 at ImprovOlympics and the world has been grateful ever since. They continued on to Second City and Saturday Night Live. I love these women for being gutsy in comedy and taking risks.
They act, do improve and even write. In 2015 these two superstars were the first ever joint winners of the Best Comedy Series for the Guest Actress category, as well the first dual Emmy winners of any acting category! Women making history!
Lily Tomlin– HILARIOUS! If you are a little younger and haven’t heard of her watch Grace and Frankie a Netflix original and you will know why Lily is on my list. You might also recognize her voice because she was Ms.Frizzle on the Magic School Bus!! What?!? Cool!
However, Lily has been one of the major players in the comedy world since the 1960’s. She has won Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, Grammy Awards, Screen Actor guild awards and in 2012 Lily and her partner Jane Wagner received the 345th star on the Walk of Stars.
Carol Burnett– Her career expanding over 6 decades has lead her into film, television, literature and stage performances. One of my all time favourite plays/ films is Noises Off. Burnett has been nominated for over 40 awards and has won 22 of them! Slay girl!
She was also the first celebrity EVER to appear on Sesame Street.
As you can see these women are absolutely awe- inspiring and rocking the comedy world!
I know nothing about golf. All my golf expertise comes from one late night viewing of Caddyshack and that one episode of Gilmore Girls where Rory goes golfing with her Grandfather.
Unlike other sports where you can blame the goalie or the other team instead of your own complete lack of skill, in golf you are on your own. All you have to point your finger at is the weather and yourself and cmonn that’s not happening. So I have come up with 7 tried and true steps that will make even Tiger Woods (is he still playing?) think you are a Pro Golfer!
It is all about the outfit!
Remember the statement “dress for the job you want,” the same is true in golf! If you are not wearing a collared exercise shirt and a funny hat are you even golfing? #bringvisorsback
Get a golf cart
This is mostly just practical and fun!
It can also be used to drive your golf mate to their ball because you rather take the leisurely stroll over to your ball, you know do some light stretching and, accidently kick your ball closer to the green or into a nicer patch of grass.
The Michael Jackson glove
I know I already talked about clothing but the glove is so much more. Not only is it a cute accessory that shows how “serious” you take golfing, it is also a great distraction. When putting on the glove make sure to embellish all movements so that everyone sees you putting it on. Put on and take off the glove multiple times, and readjust it often.
4. Use the language
Use the proper golf lingo and correct those around you of the proper word or pronunciation ie. birdie, par
To go next level: use sport metaphors or encouragements as much as possible.
5. Talk about which club to use constantly and with authority
“I think I should use my 7 iron on this swing, it will be way better than my 5 wood!”
6. Razzle Dazzle
It is all about making a show, before you ever hit the ball always look like you are lining up the ball with the hole, or look like you are gauging the direction and strength of the wind.
* When on the green, go big or go home! Get on the ground, measure and take long pauses between shots.
Practice swings
ALWAYS add in practice swings before you hit the ball. This will make it look like you have control over your swing and if you happen to actually miss the ball it just looks like you have taken another practice swing.
Make it look routine
Though it may be the first time you got air under the ball or even hit it, your golf pro persona gets holes in one all the time so act nonchalant!
Bonus Tip
This tip is only for those who are skilled in deception or in desperate need to impress.
Only hit the ball when your golf partner is not looking
Wait until your golf partner is busy looking for their ball in the forest or having a drink or distracted by your nonstop questions about their entire life story, the history of golf or their top ten shocking Game of Thrones deaths before you hit the ball. Depending on their distraction level you can either hit the ball multiple times and count is as one, kick the ball where you want or carry the ball in your pocket until you get closer to the green and then just casually drop it.
By following these easy steps you will no longer be the tag along friend but instead you will be the Golf Pro of the group!
This week our WCW goes out to a group of women. We think this group is pretty appropriate given that we are a sisterhood (but for real).
So here are 5 reasons we WCW the ladies of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants: Alexis Bledel, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrara.
#Squadgoals
2. Longevity: Although it’s been over a decade since the first move, the stars of the Sisterhood of the Travelling pants are still the very best of friends.
They are planning for a future Sisterhood with their children.
3. They celebrate each other.
We love that they are each other’s Champions and support network.
Here’s an example. Amber Tamblyn had her directorial debut this year with Paint it Black. The sisterhood showed up for her. Amber Tamblyn is quoted as saying, “She’s (America’s) seen the movie like four times at this point. She’s sort of like my biggest champion in seeing it. It’s Blake’s first time seeing it, it’s Alexis’ first time seeing it. So, we all go to each other’s stuff and all support each other.”
When America Ferrara was in a play, who showed up to cheer her on? Her Sister Squad!
This sisterhood cheers on each other’s accomplishments. That gets three cheers from us.
4. They cherish their friendships
5. They celebrate Women
Here they are at different Womens Marches, marching for women, together.
Women supporting women. That’s something we get behind.
We are linking up with Momfessionals to share what our Best Day Ever would look like and why.
First up, S:
On my Best Day Ever, here I am, coming home to my palace (yes I bought Versailles).
Because I don’t want to deprive the world of its history, I’ve kept it open to the public.
Once I get home, I’d take a quick nap. A nice nap puts any good day over the edge.
Then I would go for a stroll in my garden.
NBD.
I love the water, so I’d get C to take us out on the row boat to enjoy the beautiful sunshine.
No breaks! Keep rowing!
But what Best Day Ever would be complete without sister time? Not this one.
I’d hit the town with my sisters.
We’d grab a baguette, some grapes and cheese and make an evening of it.
A little baguette fencing to keep the blood flowing. On guard!
I love a dinner and a show. So I know exactly where we’d go. The Moulin Rouge!
We’d watch the show and munch on the strawberries and enjoy some Champagne.
Finally, we’d grab more baguette, grapes and cheese and relax for the evening some place with a bit of ambiance.
Yup, I could live that kind of day over and over.
Up next, Ais’ Best Day Ever!
It would begin by waking up in my princess bed to the sweet smell coming from my personal chef mixing up some delicious French toast and bacon…
( yes the flowers on the floor are thrown about fresh daily )
As my hunky chef is feeding me breakfast, I would get my make up done by the talented Kandee. (Check out my post I love Kandee– you’ll quickly understand why I want her to do my makeup)
Now that I am well fed and looking AH-MAZINGGGG I would go for a walk in the Gatineau hills ( that first day all the leaves change in the fall )
And yes, my best day ever is in Autumn because well its Autumn and who doesn’t love layers, scarves, and all the colours??
I could day-dream there all day
I would end the day by sitting with family , cuddled up in blankets drinking warm drinks and listening to Harry Potter being read by the best narrator ; my Dad.
I could totally get down with a day like this! Talk about #goals
Niamho adds- Hey, not fair! I was going to say Dad reading HP!
Niamho’s Perfect Day
Hermmm… my perfect day. My perfect day? Well this is more difficult to choose than I thought, seriously try it.
I know a perfect day for me will most definitely include french fries, tea and fam. chat, chocolate and Gilmore Girls. However, this is a pretty routine day for me, probably a weekly occurrence!
So, I am going to think outside my box try and indulge myself!
Right now, I have a real thirst to go back to NYC, see the sites, great shows and of course relive some of my favourite movies and tv shows. And though I love the show Girls, preferably not one of the drunk, naked, running through the streets scenes.
First thing is first, I have to get glammed up like Carrie Bradshaw.
Then off to sit on the steps at the Met just like Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen!
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Then go for a carefree run(ahem walk) through Central Walk, a la Phoebe.
Of course, gotta do some window shopping at Tiffany and Co.
Then I would take in a matinee show of Come from Away, which I hear was even better than Hamilton! Come from Away is about the small town Gander, Newfoundland which hosted passengers of 38 planes that were forced to land on 9/11. Don’t worry I hear it’s actually an upper.
Dinner at The Plaza
And then off to the interactive and immersive show Sleep No More. This adaptation of Macbeth has the audience don a mask and walk at their own pace throughout the building, follow different characters and interact with the environment and props! Seriously sooo cool!
To cap off my perfect day, I would go to the Empire State Building to see the wonderfully romantic view.
I picture it to be a Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks kinda moment but I have a feeling it would be more of Mindy Kaling moment.
This summer has been a very relaxing one which I spent primarily sitting at the beach at our family cottage or on the porch reading.
Not very active.
Now that I am allowed back on my feet I want to stop being a couch potato!
Let’s get moving!
I am beginning a couch to 5 k running program to get active at my own speed!
I, like many others are intimidated by running. I have come up with every excuse in the book.
“I don’t like running.”
“I am so out of shape I can’t run.”
“ I hear it’s not good on your joints to run.”
” I don’t like to sweat. ”
I literally have said it all but that is all in the past.
Enough is enough and here I go!
There are several different couch to 5 k programs out there and each person needs to find the one that works for them.
The great part about this program is that it teaches you proper pacing from walking and gradually integrating running. Not only does this program teach you how to run outside but also on a treadmill (which is amazing since we live in Ottawa and could have a huge snowstorm in a few weeks )
My goal is to eventually be able to run a marathon and with this program I know that this is a totally do-able goal!
I hate to say it, but it’s happening and it’s happening soon! I feel like it just started but now it’s all coming to an end.
(Me=Michael Scott)
There are only……two weeks left of summer!
Then back to work.
Back to reality!
I feel like I was just singing “no more teachers, no more books” but sadly no more sleeping in, or asking the question, “hey, what day is it? I have noooo idea cause I’m on vacay!”
So as a lament to beautiful days of summer… here is my list of
TOP 10 FAVOURITE SUMMER MOMENTS!
1. Obvs sleeping in!!!
2. Quality time with Guinness (my dog, also the only one with as much vacay as me!)
7. Having no schedule! Nada. Zilch. It’s all about the mooching around allll dayyy longgg!
8. Sipping some bubbly at this gem. Tavern on the Hill is an amazing both glam and casual, overlooking the water and the parliament, it is a must for everyone.
9. Sessions at the cottage. Led by the legend himself, our Dad!
10. My all time fav……… driving around with the roof down in the stang, Mustang!
They act, do improve and even write. In 2015 these two superstars were the first ever joint winners of the Best Comedy Series for the Guest Actress category, as well the first dual Emmy winners of any acting category! Women making history!
HILARIOUS! If you are a little younger and haven’t heard of her watch Grace and Frankie a Netflix original and you will know why Lily is on my list. You might also recognize her voice because she was Ms.Frizzle on the Magic School Bus!! What?!? Cool!
We are linking up with 
Not very active.
(Me=Michael Scott)
