::*::grateful::*::

With the help of a friend, I have come to a stark realization that despite my saying that I am grateful for things, I'm really not. 

Okay, that sounded completely wrong...

I am VERY grateful about things...but I need to let it be known. For example, Travis has been there for me through thick and thin - I really need to give the guy more credit. And I also need to tell him a lot more how much I really appreciate him. It isn't fair if we coast through our relationship together without truly appreciating what the other has to offer. 

This doesn't just have to apply to relationships, it can be friendships, family relationships as well - even a relationship between a furry friend. 

You can be grateful for pasta, transportation, your favorite mascara, the sunrise & sunset, the internet, electricity, running water....

The possibilities are really endless. 

But it's also important to let the world know what it is you're grateful for. You can't just harbor those feelings inside and not say anything - that's pointless! So I know that I've done gratitude lists in the past...but I also just quit after a list or two...I think it's important for us to do this every single day.

Now I know that many people dislike the Kardashians {immensely} but there is one thing that I used to see on their show that I could appreciate and that was when they sat at the dinner table they would tell of a low point and high point to their day. They would call it the Peak and the Pit...or the Pit & the Peak...whatever way you choose to go. I think that's important to do as well..instead of always being a negative nancy and complaining about how our days were crap and could have gone better we should also embrace the positive. 

It also teaches us that the good really does outweigh the bad...because no matter how shitty your day got, it always got better...and I'm sure you felt loads better after realizing the peak of your day than the pit.

It's a great chance to put some perspective into our lives.

::*::random:random::*::

We arrrreeee moving!! 

Did I already mention that before? Well...I'm telling you again if I already did. T-minus 5 days! I was very excited in the beginning...lost interest, got stressed out, and now I am excited all over again! 

Overall, things have been going really well! 

Since I am obsessed with this lists thing I am going to list all the new things going on with me since the beginning of January!

1. I lost 30+ pounds! 

Yes...that's right...thirty pounds is a heck of a lot! But it had to be done...I am feeling lots better for it, but it's not to say that I still have many more goals. 

Which leads me to also being...

2. A heck of a lot stronger!

I can do 15 burpee's in a row! I remember back in August when I started going to the gym and going to classes that I could barely....BARELY do 3-5 in a row...let alone 15!! They're freakin' hard! Not only that but I can do 10 legit push-ups...I can left a lot more. I can squat til the cows come home and even do some with weights..I can also leg press 210lbs! My heaviest back in the day was 135lbs! 

3. I still have a pooch, but I ain't letting it slow me down. 

4. I am a registered holistic nutritionist!

5. I drove! I actually drove around with my bestie today! I did my driver's training classes and now just need to get behind a wheel. 

6. We are moving!

7. I am a lot busier at work and movin' on up! I'm not going to get into too many details on that because it probably wouldn't interest any of you, but this is something I definitely am optimistic about. 

So yea! It's been soooo busy....packing is pretty much all done...just need to do some moving this Thursday....and Friday! And then we have a long weekend...and I'll be taking some time off work as well to unpack and settle in {especially help the babies settle in}. 

Oh and my 30th birthday is coming up! How crazy!?! 

Yes, LOTS going on....

Lot's to look forward to! 

That's my update! 

-S.*

::*::52 Lists::*::

People say that moving is one of the most stressful times in one's life that one has to undergo. I guess it's only as stressful as you make it for yourself, am I right? What if you move a gajillion times?!

So far, the stress is at a minimum but it's possible that that is because I'm not allowing it to get to the point where I might lose my freakin' mind. 

I used to do that a lot...I had the tendency to magnify minute problems into gargantuan ones. 

I don't think I wasn't bored as much as I didn't have the means necessary to just deal with life's problems all that well at the time. 

::*::16 for 2016::*::

I'm curious as to how certain people hold onto their motivation..if you will..if that is something that you can even do. 

Man oh man, was I ever gung-ho on the gym lately - and still am!! But then there are days like today...where I really cannot be bothered to get out of bed. And all it really takes is just one day...ya know? Friday I was sick and couldn't function even remotely normal so passed...yesterday was too busy and today -- too rainy? Lol. 

I guess there is a lot on the go as well - did I mention we're moving?!!! YA!!! 

As much as I am going to miss this place {and the view!} we decided we wanted something bigger {cheaper!} and more home-y. So have signed a new lease on a townhome about 10 minutes from where we live now {and closer to work!}. Not only that, but it's close to everything else {grocery stores and the mall!!} and it is just a fabulous new place to make NEW memories in all over again. :) 

I'll be sure to share a tun of pictures! 

I'm still going to probably drag my ass to do a sesh of cardio - but in the meantime, I am going to share a recipe post as well as my beloved book post - as my email is being bombarded with new things to read and I did promise myself and my GoodReads app that I am going to read 16 books in 2016. I have already read one...so 15 more to go. :) 

Make sure to let me know if you've read any of the ones below or if you have any suggestions for great - new - books! 

HA...I just figured out how to do split screen on my MAC - this is going to make posting this a heck of a lot easier. Lol. 

The 52 Lists Project: A Year of Weekly Journaling Inspiration by Moorea Seal$16.95 CAD

I wanted to pick this book up immediately ~ unfortunately, you cannot find it anywhere! This book in Canada is available in select stores...and the only store closest to me that has it, is Woodbridge {TOO FAR AWAY} and they only have one copy! Regardless...it's definitely at the top of my list despite it's 3-6 week waiting period. Ugh.
Why I love this book and want to get it, is because I want to really get back into writing this year. I always used to be a HUGE writer...journaling constantly, writing short stories and poems and just haven't been able to get back into it for some reason - a workbook like this is ideal for me. To ge the creative juices flowing. It's technically a journal - but to me, it's so much more.

::truism::

So much has been happening so far this year ~ and not in a bad way! I remember beginning the new year so many times with the mentality of "New Year, New Me" as I am sure you have probably seen or heard of a million times so far this past January from social media, TV commercial, radio shows, etc etc etc bombarding you every which way you are able to turn. 

I always did a list of things that I wanted to accomplish that year, but somehow, most of the time, I never got around to it. For example, in 2012, I told myself I would try creme brulee. Something so simple...and guess what? I never did. 

To put so much pressure on oneself with these "New Year's Resolutions" and then to allow something as trivial as trying creme brulee to ruin the way you feel about yourself and what you have accomplished thus far is ludicrous in my opinion.

Of course, this is not to say that I don't have goals this year, but that's just it. They're GOALS. And I will strive and work towards these goals no matter what. 

I've come to the realization that we must do things that make us UNCOMFORTABLE in order for us to grow. I learned that in the second half of 2015. 

I know this sounds so cliche and when you hear it you kinda just want to say "SHUDDUP!" but it's so true when people tell you that "baby steps" are important. I hate the word "can't"...so when you tell me I can't take leaps and bounds, that frustrates me, as I am sure it does with others too. But it's truth...and I guess the only way you'll learn is if you make your own mistakes and go on your own journey, but baby steps REALLY are important. 
It's hard some days when you sit there and think to yourself "WHY am I not any farther?!" but you need to give yourself credit. You're probably a heck of a lot farther then where you were on Day 1.
It's hard, but it's worth it. It really is! 

Anyways, no promises on this blog for this year. I'll get to you all when I can. But just wanted to impart these little words of unvarnished truth. 
I sorta needed to get it offa my chest since I feel like I've hit a wall myself. And it's only the 25th of January! So, let's keep pluggin' away, shall we? :)

-S.*

::onto:2016::

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!! 

Wow...what a year 2015 has been...

First off, want to begin by saying that yesterday was pretty awesome! I worked for half the day, trained, got home, made a delicious & healthy dinner (baked whole organic chicken, potatoes and salad), had a Star Wars marathon (1-3!) and had another workout (cardio, baby!) and more Star Wars...and King of Queens....then bed at 12:01am! LOL. It was nice, honestly. 

This morning I woke up and decided to start my year by journaling - 

I decided I'm not going to make any resolutions for 2016 at all. I, first of all, cannot believe that's it's 2016 already. It's insanity how quickly time flies these days. I don't even know where 2015 went! And even though I say to myself now that 2015 wasn't as eventful or exciting as I wanted it to be, it definitely was a year of firsts. I got a new job, I finished school and graduated, I began training...among a multitude of other things. So I should be proud and give myself a pat on the back. I feel like I'm on the right track - and that there ARE good things to come...

But I can't stand the "NEW YEAR, NEW YOU" slogans that are being smeared all over social media and advertisements the last week or so. Driving me BONKERS!! 

I know that sounds terrible - but it really is! I don't like resolutions, because if you don't follow through with half of them, then you feel like a failure! I started my new years resolutions, a long time ago! I just think that we shouldn't put this incredibly amount of pressure on ourselves, for no reason! We should just take it as it comes, a day at a time! 

We need to sent lifestyle goals, little tiny things that will make a big impact...pack a huge punch! 

So...that's what I'm doing. No resolutions, just little changes...that'll become big ones...

Also, positivity. That's a big thing for me as well right now. 

So....Happy New Year to all of you! 

May 2016 be the best year yet! Or...just take it as it comes! The good and the bad. :) 

But regardless, I am:

And here's to another year with The Darling Miss G - please stay tuned for LOTS more!! :) 

-S.*

::post:to:come::

Sorry! I have a good excuse!! Christmas is coming, exam is finished, training at the gym, etc etc etc! So....thus the lack of posts. BUT I do have a couple that I began writing and I need to tweak and share...so stay tuned. I plan on sharing a HOWL-iday post with you guys soon! Especially for those last minute shoppers that have pup-parents for friends! :) 

Hope everyone is having a great weekend...it's raining here! Where is the snow!?!?! 

-S.*

::back:?::

I can't seem to cut loose of this blog.

I tried to go a different route with Live Well with Miss G....but I've worked so hard on this one since 2012 that I can't seem to cut loose. 

When I sit there and try to figure out things to blog about on Live Well I just can't seem to get inspired enough to type ANYTHING. I begin...and then second guess everything it is that I write. I know I shouldn't, because it's MY blog...but I just feel like the Darling blog is more personable...it's like sitting on a box window with a large quilted blanket and a warm cup of tea and just reading some random ramblings for the sheer fun of it while it's raining or snowing outside...

I feel more inspired when I come here...probably because I have such a history with it. 

And as much as I like the new blog...the look of it in particular...I just can't launch off the ground with it like I wanted to...and Darling has some deep roots that I can't shake.

Therefore, I am back at the Darling...maybe I'll change the new of this blog...but for now...I am going to putter away here and then maybe figure something out for Live Well down the line. I love the name of it...I love both names...but I feel more comfy and cozy here with you guys. 

I always used to love blogging...and go through old posts...and even though a lot of edits are gone...we will still do a bit of fashion...more food...and a LOT of random ramblings. 

There will be book lists...and wish lists...and "inspiration" posts...there will be reviews and such as well. Basically, everythign that I did before...that I haven't done in a long while. 

Time to get back it. And get inspired. 

-S.*

::what:a:mess::

What a mess...no joke. 

I was going to surprise everyone...and move this blog to my very own domain! I was super excited...I got everything ready....but was disappointed when there was an upfront fee of $150...that and I needed to get a theme for my actual blog..which ended up costing me more. 

I tried to set everything up...and my wordpress was incredibly slow...I was becoming increasingly frustrated and upset! Nothing was working! I installed my theme...but then it wouldn't cooperate! None of my pictures worked...it looked sloppy....

I gave up. 

I contacted the domain...and am patiently awaiting a bunch of forms to cancel everything...unfortunately there will be some funds that won't be refundable...which sucks...because I saved up the last of my Christmas money to do this. SOOOOO...am out of that money now. 

I should have done more homework...

Or maybe...I should have thought to myself a bit more, why mess with a good thing? And who am I kidding...I have enough on my plate right now than to sit and design an entirely new website. 

I will work with what I got....and hone in on it. 

Just super disappointed...

On top of that. I cancelled my extra space on here...because I really thought it would all work out. So need to figure out how to get that extra space back in order to continue my blog. As there isn't enough space now as is...and each post tends to eat up my MBs. 

On top of it all. I am not feeling well. So this is just not my day. 

But I did decide to share this with you because I needed to just vent!

Anyways...Happy Saturday. 

Hope everyone is having a better start to their weekend than I am! 

-S.*

::weekenders::

Just wanted to check in and say hi! :) 

The weekend is going well, but it's going to fast!! Why can't it slow down!? 

Today I am going to be tidying up as well as making a delicious slow cooker chicken. 

I got my hair done yesterday, thanks to my friend Keverino! It honestly feels so great to finally have my grays GONE {for now, anyway, lol}. And before my birthday I am going to have my Sister cut my hair into something fabulous. I need to peruse some hair magazines. I want something totally different. I've had one length of hair for such a long time! Maybe a bob? Or a lob? Or...a perm? Nah...

But we will figure it out! :) 

::quantity:or:quality::

Well wowwweee!! 

I am not even going to explain. Lol. 

Except that I have a new job and life is *chaos*. 

So I try and write (handwrite or on my phone in between breaks and such) blog posts to share. Here is a little something I wrote a week or two ago that I wanna share. :) 

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Only SOME of my scarves on the left there hanging on the back of my door. Ones I wear regularly. The scarves on the right are non-negotiable. Most of which my Mom knitted and am obsessed with. Chunky infinity scarves. Love them. Get compliments on them all the time...she should start an Etsy shop.....

This is nowhere near the amount of jewelry that I actually own. This is probably....1/10th. Been collecting since I was 16 probably.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There was a thought that struck me the other night as I voraciously perused a website titled aliexpress...it's a website...not sure where it's based out of. China? I know that a lot of the products come from there and shipping can take upwards of 1 month - then again, what doesn't come from China? 

I was furiously adding things into my wishlist...an assemblage of stud earrings, some chandelier ones, a couple rings and a galaxy of necklaces. I think I was able to finally narrow it down to about 26 items for a total of $70. 

::new:year:first:post::

I can't believe that it's been well over a month since I posted last. The last little while has really been insane and chaotic for me. I did happen to write a bunch of posts on my phone that I planned on posting here but never got around to. Don't ask me how I didn't get around to it. I guess at one point I lost a bit of motivation in all area's of life and coasted for the first two weeks of January a bit. But I woke up this morning with a bit of a new zest for life and am ready to begin tackling my days. :) 

::waiting:to:be:in:my:arms::

Gahhh!!! My poor little blender is trapped on a plane or truck or something somewhere across Canada just wanting to be in my arms. :( 

I am really excited for my Vitamix and when found out I was getting one last Tuesday patiently waited....but now there is a delay due to 'severe weather' and I am utterly saddened by this turn of events. Tomorrow is my last day at work..and I just wanted to bring that baby home. 

You cannot believe how excited I am for this blender...it's been a year and a half that I have been seriously coveting this thing and now I am ONE LUCKY DUCK to be getting it!!!!!

I am just so grateful for the amazing people that are around me around this time - it's been difficult but they make it all that much better. You know who you are. ;) 

So yes! I gotta wait!!! :'(

::it:is:what:it:is::

Monday Funday! 

Beautiful plowers from Trav

Happy Monday everyone - wow, do those weekends fly by. This one did for sure...and it was semi lazy - but productive. I tried that new recipe that I posted - the lemony chicken casserole...to be quite honest with you - to me it wasn't very special. I probably won't make it again or if I do then I will definitely add more seasoning to it as it was bland. For some reason my chicken cooked, but the potatoes didn't! It took quite a long while. And some pieces still ended up being a little hard. But it was alright. 

I did make my cabbage rolls on Friday night - which took FOREVER. I started at 3:30 and they were finally done around 8pm. See why people don't like making cabbage rolls?! Lol. 

Travis and I also went out yesterday to finish up some of our Christmas shopping and then spent the afternoon watching a bit of TV, NHL15, cooking some moooore and I got caught up on two episodes of Mob Wives {season 5} - what a crazy show. Let me tell you. 

I weighed in today at 135.6lbs. Ugh. Honestly - probably water weight. So we will see what that scale says tomorrow. 

I am so sad I am going to have to cancel my gym membership soon so will need to ask people on FB or online somewhere if they are willing to take it over. It's so bittersweet. 

Still looking for a job...it's damn hard during this time of year, I honestly wish I had some more time. 

BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS!

::friday:funday::

Believe it or not...I am going to torture myself again today {much like last Saturday} and make cabbage rolls...that's right. More cabbage rolls. Lol. 

They are so damn delicious {recipe given to me by my Mamma} but they are so much work! It took me a good two hours in the kitchen on Saturday. Lol. 

So what we do...is we core the cabbage {shitty part #1}, then we boil it {I have two pots on the go} and then you boil and wait...and carefully peel each leaf off....seriously. 

I cook rice in the rice cooker {to the point it overflows}, saute onions {yumyum} and then once that is all done I mix the rice, meat and onions and then I start rolling those pollies. 

So yes...it is very time consuming...but it's soooo worth it. 

All that hard work in one snap shot. 

::POSITIVE::

There is so much good news that I have to share with you...here are a few things before I forget...and then will share a recipe with you! Something yummy, hot and total comfort food. 

First of all...my BFF got me a VITAMIX!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really cannot write more than that because I don't even know what to say! After finding out on Tuesday I am STILL speechless! I am so freakin' excited and am spending time on YouTube watching videos and reading blogs on how other people LOVE their freakin' blender and pretty soon, I'll be one of them!!!! 

POSITIVITY BREEDS POSITIVITY!!!

::weekend:weekstart::

Welp! I finished my book like I said I would and the way it ended was pretty intense and need to find out what happens next!! I won't go into details just in case someone happens to be reading it or will read it but it was the one by Jennifer Amentrout. Opal. The Lux novel. I guess we gotta wait and see!

The weekend went by so fast. Saturday was spent cleaning and running errands...and standing in the kitchen making food for people!! Cabbage rolls. Such a pain in the ass to make especially when you're not yourself eating them. Made em with beef and pork this time. It really is a lot of work.

I also tried that shrimp recipe I posted...it wasn't the greatest to be honest. Nothing to write home about at all and for some reason after flour-ing the shrimp and frying them up the flour coating just came off. So it was a bit disappointing but I'll tell you one thing though. Shrimps - how I've missed you!! Seriously delicious regardless. The price of them have just gone up though for some reason and that's why I don't usually buy them anymore.

::gratitude:&:bitching::

I am going to make it my personal mission to put a cease to my incessant squawking and bitching...

After reading and watching some inspirational videos this morning...I realized that I must be mentally draining to my family and friends...and especially to Travis. 

What is the actual point of complaining? I mean, venting is one thing...but the last few weeks I have been doing n.o.t.h.i.n.g but constantly bellyaching and fastened to this 'woe is me' mentality. 

For what? It isn't going to change anything...it really is not. 

So I have decided that I am going to go 24 hours without pissing and moaning. Really...it's going to be hard...but holy crap, did I not realize that I must be the proverbial black cloud over everyone's head during what is supposed to be the 'most wonderful time of the year'. 

I need to practice more gratitude as well. This is what's going to help me out a lot to get out of my negative-nancy funk. 

Google debbie-downer...you'll find my picture there! 

::weekend:&:cyber:monday::

Everybody's working for the weekend...

Isn't that the way of it for everyone? Lol. My weekend flew by so so fast...it was a busy one for sure and that's why I think that it seemed non-existent! Sunday Travis and I were both not feeling too hot...so even though we didn't do much it was pretty much a wash because we just slept on and off. 

Monday...well...you know me and Monday's. And it was Cyber Monday - Cyber Monday is NOT fun when you're broke! LOL. 

::be:a:little:more:grateful::

I love to read - so read pretty much any and every book I can get my hands on...currently I am reading 4 books, 2 fiction ones, one self-help and one book on nutrition and stats. I am a big self-help book reader...not because I particularly need help {although sometimes some or I may beg to differ, lol} but because it's interesting to learn new things and get a better view on the bigger picture. 

Anyways...with Thanksgiving just passing over in the US {Happy Thanksgiving my American friends and fam!} and reading a blurb in one of my books on gratitude...I figured that what I will do on my blog from time to time is write posts about things that I am grateful for. It could be anything! It could be the littlest things...or something major. I just think that it is important that in today's day and age we practice gratitude as we are constantly on the go and take many things for granted. 

So for this Friday - the day after Thanksgiving - we are going to list my 5 things...off the top of my head...that I am grateful for today. 

I am grateful for my babies. Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for them - they make me calm, laugh, smile...just about anything...I don't know where I would be without these two little furballs I just love them so much. 

I am also incredibly grateful for their health. It's incredibly stress-inducing when one of them is sick...they can't talk...so I never know what it is that is wrong with them. Maggie has been having some GI issues...but with the new food that I have been feeding them {grateful for the super smart guy that owns a local pet food store!} they are doing so much better. Anyways...I am just grateful for that and them overall.