MOVING!

After much consideration and some creative expertise from an awesome designer (review to come) I have decided to compile all of my blogs (3 of them) into one. Really it will make things so much easier and a lot more fun!

It's not complete by any means, as there are a few more changes to be made but all in all this is it. Check it out

CUTE LIKE ME BLOG

If you've entered the Scentsy giveaway  you will definitely want to check it out - leave a comment on the new blog to be entered THREE more times!! (You must have entered here first for your additional entries to count). Also, because of this change the Scentsy giveaway will be EXTENDED for another week - Wednesday August 4th :D 

As for the posts on the now *old* blogs, don't worry I'll be adding them individually as I can (ie recipes from my cooking blog). 

I am SO excited about this change and can't wait to get it really moving! *SEE* you all over there!

lululemon...

Dear lululemon,
I love you....thank you for existing. I've officially started my lulu collection and couldn't be happier and have already started planning the next shopping day!

A HUGE shout out to the lululemon Chinook Mall location in Calgary where my friend and I went. Not only was it completely organized, the staff were so helpful - in particular KRISSY and AMY who were nothing short of AWESOME - and the touch of having my name on the white board on my dressing room - perfect! Yes I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera, but do not fear, Amy and Krissy have agreed to do a mock of the *first time* when I next visit. Oh please be soon..

It's true, an addiction has started! (and I couldn't be happier about it)

the Bikini Shoppe

When we arrived at our first destination in Sacramento, California I discovered that I had left my swimsuit at home. (Referring to my *are you forgetful* post, makes me think there may be a trend). Seriously - how in the world does a person plan a holiday to California and forget the most important piece of clothing???

So when we arrived at our third destination, Mission Beach,  Brent and I set out to find me a suitable swimsuit for the week. We found one at the first store we checked - the Bikini Shoppe - that we both liked and I felt great in (miracle) and that was not ridiculously expensive (also a miracle). But, not wanting to *put all of our eggs in one basket* we went for a stroll down Mission Boulevard and checked out all of the other swimwear stores...everything was at least twice the price and nothing caught my eye quite like this one. Not yet bikini ready (I'm working on it) I had to go for a tankini, which I must say was not the easiest thing to find in bikini-ville...so we headed back to the Bikini Shoppe and purchased the very first one we saw. And I LOVE it! I love it...the girls in the store were fantastic and really helpful...I'll definitely go back there when we visit next time - they had some great stuff! They also have a website that I imagine is intended to make it possible to purchase online, but nothing is set up further than the main page. I'll update you if anything changes in that regard. My whole swimsuit was $50 which I think is a seriously fantastic price for a nice quality swimsuit. And I feel great in it... (I was sure I had a photo of me in it from our holiday but I can't seem to find it, so this wacky angled photo will have to do.)

I may *forget* my swimsuit every time we holiday ;)

Just.Dance.

 **Looking for the Scentsy Giveaway? Check it out HERE**

As we sat in the common area of Seaport Village, with the live music blaring, the kids playing and dancing, we noticed a man dancing along on his own. Initially we kind of chuckled along, making jokes about jumping in and dancing with him - it is kind of funny to see an adult just dancing away on their own. But as I got to thinking about it and watching him, I couldn't help but be inspired.

It occurred to me that when a child does the same the general response is filled with *oohs* and *aaahs* and sweet smiles and giggles. It's encouraged and really quite fun to see. But somehow there comes a point when it's seemingly socially unacceptable or discouraged. And I couldn't help but wonder not only why, but when. When do we stop encouraging *taking time to smell the flowers* or *taking time to just dance*.

Then I got to wondering about this man...his life...his experiences...and what he knows, has learned, and would say. What inspires him? And what about this day gave him the desire to dance? Maybe he's ill and wants to make every moment count, or maybe his wife recently passed away and music reminds him of her, or maybe it's nothing bad at all...perhaps he just appreciates life and realizes it's much too short to waste and can't help but dance. He was having a great time, dancing in the sun and enjoying his day.

It's true, I totally snuck this photo of him while I was taking some of the kids. I couldn't help it - I had to have one of him...In that moment I was inspired and was grateful to him for throwing away his inhibitions and doing what he wanted. I believe in that...I believe in being happy, in loving, laughing, and living. In dancing. I don't know who he is or where he's from. And I hope it's not offensive to him that I post this photo - if he happens upon this somehow and wants it removed, I will do so. But I had to post it and give a shout out to this man, a stranger to me, because I felt inspired. And of course, I wanted to give you all a friendly reminder to enjoy life to the fullest. No matter your story...

JUST DANCE

Scentsy - With Giveaway

The long awaited, much anticipated, and seriously fantastic Scentsy giveaway is FINALLY here!!! I hope you are as excited as I am, because Scentsy is by far one of my favorite products. I just can't get enough. I recently had a party, which was a huge success (thanks to everyone who came and ordered!!) and now have a HUGE collection of scentsy bars, car candles (air fresheners), and travel tins. Plus a new warmer too! Trust me though, I use my warmers all.the.time. so I'm sure to need more in the fall/winter. Besides, some smells suit some seasons better than others.

Right now I am burning more fresh and summery smells - Grape Granita (think Grape Jolly Rancher), Cherry Limeade, Camu Camu, and Cucumber Lime just to name a few that have quickly made their way to the top of my list. I am having so much fun trying new scents and love when my husband comes home from work and mentions how good it smells.

Don't despair if you are someone who is sensitive to smells. I know several people who are as well (my mother included) who LOVE theirs. My mother uses hers all the time and has found several smells that don't bother her at all. So if you are thinking of it, I say take the chance...this is a way better and healthier (not to mention safer) alternative to candles and other room sprays.

So I bet you want one? My friend and Scentsy consultant, Amelia is offering one lucky winner the generous prize of a Full Size Scentsy system - One full sized Scentsy warmer of your choice plus three Scentsy bars in your choice of scents. How awesome is that!!!

Here's what you need to do to enter:

Comment below telling me which warmer is your favorite - check out the options HERE. You must do this in order for additional entries to count.

For ADDITIONAL entries:

 Please make each a separate comment 

*Let me know a scent you would like to try or your favorite if you have one already - 1 entry
*Become a follower of this blog - 1 entry
*Follow us on twitter (button on sidebar) and tweet this giveaway - 1 entry

*Blog about this giveaway and send me the link - 1 entry

*Place an order on Amelia's Scentsy site and let me know what you bought! - 5 entries

This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the US 
and will close Wednesday July 28, 2010.

Quote for the week

Isn't this just perfect!

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus

Are you forgetful?

Every time my cousin, Radelle (of Eternal Reflections Photography) comes to visit I can't help but reminisce about fun memories growing up. We didn't live in the same city but that didn't stop our families from getting together, usually at their farm in Wetaskiwin. I loved it there and have some pretty fabulous memories - while I'm a city girl (or cityslickers as my cousins used to call my brother and I) there's something so homey to me about being out on a farm...I'm thrilled as I look back that I was raised with the experiences of both.

One memory that always has me laughing is when we were all heading out for a day in Drumheller. We were so excited and running around outside just playing it up while my aunt and uncle got everything ready. When the vehicle was packed we all zipped in the house for one last bathroom break, jumped in the van, and off we went. Everything was going great and we were having a blast on the drive until I looked down at my feet...no, not my shoes, my feet. Me...the city girl....forgot my shoes at the farm. seriously. We were already halfway to Drumheller, and no - we did not turn back....nor did we work out a way to stop somewhere to get me a cheap replacement pair. I just had to make do and climb the hoodoos barefoot. And climb them I did...I'm hardcore like that.

You may wonder why I was barefoot in the first place. Well as farm kids, my cousins were used to running around the yard without shoes on...it's just the way it was and when were were going out to play, they weren't waiting for me to get mine on. I had to keep up, and I did - though somehow I managed to be the ONLY one who didn't put shoes on for our trip.

*sigh*

This makes me happy...

Plain and Simple - Palm Trees make me happy. They make me smile. In fact, I'm totally tempted to put a fake one in my backyard. seriously.

Making the Cut

I've been working out with two friends since January. I enjoy working out with them and more recently have started genuinely LOVING working out...While I may not be able to do every exercise for the time allotted (sometimes I can't push through it and sometimes I don't) I really enjoy the classes we take. The 3 weeks prior to our family holiday I felt pretty motivated. I was getting up in the morning and doing an hour workout video (reviews on those to come) and then our hour class in the evening - 4 days a week. And you know, I noticed differences...I wish I had measured (I have since to track further progress), but even still...I noticed the way my shirts fit, even able to wear some shirts I hadn't been able to since I bought them. And I was able to wear shorts I haven't worn since I was pg with my son - 3 years ago. Well let me tell you how much better that made the trip. I had clothes to wear and felt like I looked good. Excellent...

Then we went on holidays. haha....Thankfully it didn't ruin me completely but I knew I had to get right back into it when we came home. Truth is - I missed it. So now I'm working on it all again and getting ready to commit myself even more. My friend and workout buddy, Laura recently bought this book by Jillian Michaels - Making the Cut. She was really happy with it, so I jumped on board and picked up my own copy a couple of days ago ($17 CAD at Wal-mart). I just finished reading it today and am motivated to try this out. I am taking the *Making the Cut Challenge* and I will be tracking my progress here. Scary hey? I have taken my measurements and will also do a before photo (that part REALLY scares me) and will be following the meal and workout plans laid out as best I can. I have no intention of cheating - it really is only 30 days and truth of it is, I want to see if it will work. It makes sense to me, feels like a good lifestyle and one I can keep up, and I won't know unless I give it my all.  I was a huge fan of Biggest Loser this season (doesn't everyone look fantastic!!) and can't deny this *chick* gets results! Besides, it really is about LIFESTYLE changes, not dieting or quick fixes.

So, wish me luck...No I am not trying to look *like* Jillian....I don't think we have similar body types anyways....however I am interested in being toned like she is and having my body at it's best. Besides - having some new recipes to try is always exciting. I've already made out a list of snack options according to my body (she has it broken down into 3 categories and has meal plans for each) so I can put that on my fridge and make smart choices when I'm feeling snacky.

I'm committed...anyone want to join me??

Angry...

Dear Burger King...

Thank you SOOOOO much for bringing back THIS:

I don't generally like really spicy things - I prefer to taste my food as opposed to just a burning sensation on my tongue. But this...I don't know - it is soooo good. I found out right before our holiday that they were back - so yes I went THAT night and got one for me and a friend for dinner (okay, it was like 9pm and right after my workout, but who's keeping track lol). It was her first time and she was super impressed. It tasted just as good as I had remembered, though I did take off some of my jalapenos as for some reason they were a bit too much for me that night. And I never get tomatoes because well, I don't like them. at all. The onion rings are TO DIE FOR on this burger...the jalapeno bacon and cheese....delish! I LOVE this burger....

But let's be real - the burger I got at the window doesn't look nearly as *well manicured* as the one pictured (from the BK website). Though I must admit it is not lacking in anything and I have never had an experience like the one in THIS post (seriously read it, it's pretty funny). To the BK this guy had the misfortune of eating from - seriously people....step up your game.

However...to the one I get to enjoy (rarely mind you.....what is the point of paying for a gym membership, working out, and then eating fast food like this??) I have been nothing but pleased.

So YAY to the return of the Angry Whopper. I wish you were healthy so I could eat you ALL.THE.TIME.