::*::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.

::-::massive:update:&:books::-::

My kind of night...every night. Protein balls & tea. :) 

Fall is basically here...I mean, it isn't technically Fall just yet but the other day it sure felt like it. I have the candles going, the Fall smells everywhere, splashes of oranges and browns all over the place in our townhome...definitely looking forward to the leaves changing their colours. 

That is definitely one thing I really miss about our old apartment...the {fake} fireplace that we had...and just being able to see all the amazing colours the trees turned into just outside of our window. We have trees at our new place, but of course the view isn't the same. At all. But we are so much happier here, that's for sure. We definitely will never go back into an apartment. 

::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.*

::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. 

::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! 

::i:hate:mondays::

Happy Monday!! 

Ugh...

I hate Monday's. 

Don't ask me why I have such difficulty with Monday's but I do...usually the morning is met with anxiety and I wish I could turn it around but sometimes find it so difficult. I TRY pretty hard to wake up optimistic or to make my day that much better...but dealing with GAD...it can prove to be tricky. 

::lazy:weekend::

I wrote this yesterday but wasn't able to post it for some reason...

It is Sunday morning...well...almost Sunday afternoon as we are 4 minutes away from 12pm ~ and I am itchy. GAH! This is so annoying...not sure what the hell is going on so will be calling my doc tomorrow to figure it out. 

It's a very overcast day here in Ontario....no sunshine...no rain...just blah! I don't particularly mind days like this but would prefer if it did SOMETHING. 

This is the first weekend in a LONG while where I don't really have to do a damn thing!! My homework is all done and over with and so are all my assignments ~ weeee! But I am still keeping busy. Yesterday was all cleaning, food prep and doggy-food prep...I decided my dogs are going to eat a diet for a little while that I cook up for them...that took a long time but feel it's worth it if it gets their digestive systems back on track. That and I will be supping them a probiotic to get their little intestinal flora up and going again. Especially Maggie-Moo. So far....so good. They love their food. 

Travis wants me to help him get onto a healthier 'lifestyle' track...although to him I am sure it's a diet...but I so wish that he could get on board with me. It's hard living somewhere where you cook two meals and you watch your boyfriend eat the most delicious pizza while you're trying to detox with a green smoothie. :( LOL. 

Anyways...I feel like the next few days I am going to do a little detox...as I feel that we should be doing this at least once a month to give our digestive systems a break. So my fridge is packed with spinach, arugula, apples, cucumber, pineapple, berries and the like. As for Travis, it'll be baby steps. So no more eating off the coffee truck and I won't take his frozen pizza's away from him that he so loves but we will be portioning them out. So today is more prep work for me and tidying up the fridge...I personally hate it when the fridge is jampacked. :/ I need to figure out a delicious dinner too...

::O:M:G::

OMG.
I am finally done. 

FINALLY DONE my case studies....and then when I scanned them all and printed them and bound them all up - I noticed a freakin' typo. WITH MY LUCK A FREAKIN TYPO!!! And I can't change it because I don't have any Mac's at work!! >:( These things are the bane of my existence. :(
BUT. They are done. Finally. I can rest easy...I can't believe they are all finished...so why does it not feel like there is a load off my back...actually there is a bit....I think I am just so damn exhausted that I can't even think straight. I pretty much forgot what the hell happened this morning. :O 

On top of it all...I got Travis' cold...he was cold all weekend....and I am not looking forward to going through THAT so I need to up the dosage on the vit-C. 

So you can imagine why I am so tired. 

Thankfully Travis is feeling better and so is Maggie-Moo. 

::the:freakin:weekend::

Well...last day of tweaking and working on my assignments for school and tomorrow I will be sending them off in the mail and hoping for the best, so wish me luck! 

So my weekend has been spent pretty much studying, cleaning, cooking and looking after my babies and man who has a wicked cold. Thankfully I didn't get it but there is something else that is driving me crazy and it's this incessant itching I have been feeling the last week or so! It's just the worst today and is driving me nuts! Feels almost like I took a tab of Niacin...except there isn't that overall flushy feeling. 

It started off this morning on my neck, went to my back and now is back to my neck. WTF? 

It's super annoying and I want to take a Benadryl except that that stuff makes you so sleepy...so I will pass and maybe instead take it before bed. The crazy thing though is that if I am occupied with something then I don't itch! Again...WTF!? 

Anyways...will keep you posted on what is going on with that. 

Oh! Last night I tried a new recipe off the Martha Stewart website {my favesies} and I wasn't the biggest fan but Travis LOVED it. So will share, because you guys might like it and there were great reviews on the site too. It wasn't bad by any means, just not my cuppa joe. 

So stay tuned for that recipe. 

::mri:tests::

{Wrote this post on Friday - thus the Friday/weekend talk!}

Happy Friday my friends! 

What a week it has been. Lot's has been going on that I am feeling 1) scatterbrained and 2) overwhelmed! I am so very tired and can pretty much fall asleep anywhere at this point. I have been getting OK sleep...but I just need a weekend where I am just super lazy! Speaking of weekends, lots planned for the next little while! August is going to be a busy month, outside and inside of work for sure but there is a fitness expo coming up in my city that I am excited about among other things. 

The gym is going fabulously, I am enjoying that a lot. I did a health assessment there and I am not in the best shape (obviously) and was told I would benefit from a personal trainer. Of course I would. Hmphf. 

I *almost* got suckered in, but not before asking the opinion of many others and coming to the conclusion that at this point I am just going to 'train myself'. Eventually if I want to really work out to my max potential I may consider a trainer. 

So now I gotta avoid this fitness consultant guy at the gym....lol! 

Not so bad...it's open on both sides! 

 I just wanted to share something with you guys today, that might help others, you never know! 

Last night I had to go for my first ever MRI. GAHH!!

A few months ago I got the appointment booked at a hospital and didn't think too much of it...I didn't want to overthink it because I already have pretty bad anxiety and this would just exasperate it, but of course, the night before I began reading horror stories online that just didn't help at all - duh!! 

::rambling::

Well!! We got our new caaaar! :) We picked it up last night and it was an exciting time - of course it was raining, but I loved it. ;) 

I thought nothing could rain on my parade at this point - except a hideously crappy mark from my school. :( I have been getting nothing but 90s on my tests and everything and than one assignment really just threw me for a loop, I am too ashamed to even post what the mark was! It was just, that bad. I shudder at the thought. 

But I have to move on...and just try harder, which is my plan. 

A few things in this post today - other than some editorials throughout the day. 

I Quit Sugar is out today by Sarah Wilson! Definitely want to get my hands on this book - AND, Candice Kumai's new book is coming out in 2 weeks!! WOOHOO!!! I am beyond excited for that one. :) 

::dex:&:pep::

This post should have been posted a looooong time ago {early 2012!!}, I have been super busy with work and school and then as I was perusing my blog I realized I never posted this!! Omg.
Sorry to Dex and Peppermint! 
Here it is! Finally!!! The interview with two of the cutest YouTube stars ever!!! 

So, as most of you already know, I got Lou'e just over 3 months ago {or something like that, lol} and he has been an absolute dream. I couldn't have asked for a better puppy, honestly. He is such a good boy ~ still has lots to learn but he is so quick to get things and what he knows now was easy-as-pie to teach him to do. Although I must admit, potty training was a bit of an arduous task at first. 

I have become, beyond any doubt, a crazy dog lady. 

::a:new:chapter::

Why do we start things on Monday's? 

Is it because it's the beginning of a new week or is it just our excuse to throw all caution to the wind on Saturday and Sunday? 

To be quite honest, I was going to start something today but found myself in the kitchen at 4am gnawing on cold fried chicken. WHO does that?? 

I have had the most strangest cravings lately...

Not only that but I have just been feeling awful all around. I have crazy mood swings, anxiety, I guess you could say that at times I do feel a bit depressed. I have the most awful digestive issues that I have never experienced before, headaches, I have difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability. You name it. And for what seems like my umpteenth doctor's visit, no one can figure out what's wrong with me. My blood work is coming back normal...but other then that I'm pretty damn healthy. 

So it shouldn't come as a surprise to me that amidst my studies of preventive medicine that a light bulb went off. 

I feel like shit because I eat like shit. 

Seriously. 

::random:rambling::

Some things I did on my lazy day…read read read…it's all about ME!! :D 

I can't believe how quickly this Christmas break has come and gone. I didn't think that it would go by this fast. Half the things I wanted to do I didn't get done! Things like go through my drivers ed book, get a lot of studying done, go to IKEA {to get an office chair}, put pictures up…I guess there is still time to do all that…but there was so much going on over the break. Lots of get togethers, not to mention that half of us were sick too…including the puplets ~ meaning Lou'e. So that was a bit stressful. 

::little:catch:up::

How fast Christmas crept up and just blew past us. I really can't believe it. This year I tried to focus on getting into the spirit…and even though I listened to Christmas music every day, watched Christmas movies, decorated ~ and have two tree's up…it's still just not the same as when you were little. I don't feel like I did when I was growing up. I discussed this with my Sister, her boyfriend Leyman and Travis as well…maybe it might change when you have kids. Because their excitement might rub off on you, but as you get older it just doesn't feel the same. That doesn't mean that Christmas still isn't somewhat exciting. I just don't think it's the same.

Maybe I am just saying this because this year I have been so busy and things were a bit stressful. Between Maggie's surgeries, studying, work, and a billion other things I didn't really stand back and enjoy the lead up to Christmas. I try and be mindful but I think that sometimes it is hard amidst the hustle and bustle so I think that in 2014 I am really going to try and practise mindfulness…among other things. 

There are many things that I really want to focus on in 2014…I always said I wanted to do in 2013 that I just didn't do. I think I also need to be less hard on myself…and also need to focus on the good times and the people around me too. The good things. :) 

Anyways…I will write more on that in the next few days. I just wanted to share a few pics…a little insight into the past few weeks. 

Some of the best times is spent with friends and family. We had a great time with my BFF, Bee's, we did a belated birthday dinner for him the last weekend of November…but we listened to Christmas music, chatted and had a great time. The puplets love him. He's such an awesome man and we are grateful to have him in our lives. :) 

::merry:christmas::

What a year it has been. A whirlwind of sorts and I am sorry that I haven't been on here since September. I know, I always apologize. But the past few months have been really crazy for me! With rescuing another dog, having my family visit and stay for a while and getting ready for the holidays, plus work and school ~ it really has been nuts! 

2013 has come and gone…where has the time gone to? I am not really sure what I have accomplished…the only things I can really think of is going home for a few weeks…and that is always fun…moving into our new and gorgeous apartment…and rescuing Maggie. I am so grateful for the many small blessings in disguise and the friendships that I have formed this past year as well and how close I have gotten to certain people too. 

I will definitely try and blog more often on here…I think Pinterest got in the way at first and then life did. ;) 

So on that note, I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday! 

Merry Christmas everyone!!! <3 font="">

-S.*

::random:rambling::

I realize that I haven't been on here in quite some time and I have to divulge in something...I've been cheating...on blogger, I must confess.

I just can't help it...I really can't...

I am addicted to Pinterest!

I can sit on that thing for hours and hours! And I DO! I will go to bed at around 9:30pm and tell myself I will spend 15-20 minutes on the damn thing and I'll then glance over at the clock and quickly realize that I have spent a good 2 hours on the disgustingly enslaving web site. 

Okay, it isn't disgusting, it's preposterously satisfying. 

To be quite honest it can be inspiring. The images and quotes you come across can spark quite the floodgates of virtuosity in one's perception.

Basically meaning my so-called "writers/creative block" went out the back door along with those 2-3 hours of my life furiously click-click-clicking, pin-pin-repinning. 

I am not exactly sure why Pinterest makes me ridiculously jolly ~ but it does. I am going to chalk it up to the fact that it is my own virtual bulletin board of lovely things. 

I have my own bulletin board at home of inspiring, rapturous things that just make me happy but Pinterest you have on the go. 

Your go-to happy place in the palm of your hand, or in your pocket. 

Well, literally in your pocket, on your iPhone. 

Anyways...that is what I have been doing...cheating on you, Blogger. 

Anyways...

Yesterday I tried out a new recipe that my Mom had sent over to me from the blog The Novice Chef. And let me tell you, the kitchen never smelt so fabulous! Honestly...

Yum yum...my masterpiece!

Yea, that's the Chicken Caprese...yumyum. Four big juicy chicken breasts, some 2 pints of poppable grape tomatoes, 4 cloves local super fragrant garlic cloves, 10 giant basil leaves; finely chopped and some delicious buffalo mozzarella. 

On top of some "stringy" {spaghettini} pasta...which Travis dislikes immensely but he got over it as soon as this plate was put in front of him. Oh yea. ;) 

Healthy and delightful!

Well, more healthy if you don't use refined white pasta. Keep that in mind.

Tonight, I will be trying a new recipe from my new cookbook by Ali Larter, "Kitchen Revelry". 

Quite excited to try it. I have my go-to chili recipe that I make time and time again that I found a while ago on the AllRecipes site - "It's Chili by George" that is pretty much famous in the internet world and I have tweaked to my own liking but I want to try something different...so I will post this new recipe in a new post. :) 

Happy Monday! 

And welcome back, to me. ;)

Until Pinterest gets me back in it's grasp. 

-S.*

::random:rambling::

Before I begin anything, I would just like to say that I made the lighter sesame seed chicken on Friday night and it was *to die for*! Seriously...some of the best chicken I have tasted. My boyfriend even said that he could just sit down to a huge bowl of that chicken. It was delicious and the sauce that accompanied it was awesome. I am really considering maybe it again. To make it a little healthier I might opt out on the rice and make quinoa with it instead and add a lot more veggies. It was just awesome. 

I did stray a tiny bit from the recipe...instead of using the egg whites and corn starch I used two eggs and added a bit of water to it. Whisked it up. Then instead of dredging it in the corn starch I decided on flour. Will definitely keep doing it that way. Was such an awesome meal.

You guys should definitely give that recipe a try. 

Tonight I will make a shrimp and mushroom recipe with sweet potatoes. 

On another note, the weekend {once again} went by too fast. Saturday was a lazy bum kinda day and I took hebebe {my nickname for Lou'e} to the groomers where he came out looking fabulous! Definitely will be returning to this groomer. 

Then we went for a little birthday shindig for my boyfriend's brother and stayed for a few hours. Sunday, we slept in a bit...ran some errands and cleaned like mad for the better part of the afternoon and prepped lunches for the week. 

The rest of the night was spent relaxing, watching some TV. 

Now it's back to the grind! 

I am beginning to read Eat to Lose, Eat to Win by Rachel Beller. I will keep you posted on this book as I get further into it. 

I also read the fifth Game of Thrones book and seriously, things are about to get a little crazy in the upcoming seasons for those of you who didn't read the books. 

Anyways, happy MONday everyone! :)

-S.*

::darling:miss:G::

A little bit of random rambling going on here today in this post. I just wanted to share some pictures that I have taken over the past few weeks. :)

I really need to take more pics as well...

I got these lovely roses from Travis a couple weekends ago. Love the colours. So summery and cute. :)