Yup, it's fall and it's great!

On Tuesday after this past long weekend, I posted about how mentally I feel like we're in fall, but I still hope to have an extended summer with a few primo days... while that remains unchanged I must say, it's not like we're in fall anymore. It IS fall. Why the strong stance you ask? Why today? Because friends, today is the day the NFL returns in all it's glory! My team doesn't play until Sunday, but that doesn't make today any less special!

Welcome back football. My Sunday's (sometimes Thursdays and Monday nights) have been lost without you...

Color Run 2013: Montreal

I did it again, first one of the year: The Color Run!

Once again I made my way to Montreal to do the Happiest 5K on the Planet with my friend who lives in the city. It was so much fun! It was better than last year because last year it was held in October and was more than a little chilly. This time it was a clear, warm, sunny morning - could not have been more ideal. It was definitely busier than last year - the craze is catching on! The whole weekend was great. After the run we did a little bit of shopping and had a great meal on a cute patio downtown. 

Now, until the next one... I highly recommend it!

***Originally this post was intended for Monday or Tuesday, but I've been under the weather since I woke up Sunday morning with a funny feeling throat. I was hoping it was just because I breathed in a bunch of the powdered colour, but no such luck, it was a good 'ol fashioned cold! 

So many runners! Some prematurely throwing their colour as you see, haha!

This picture doesn't do the ground justice but everywhere you walk the ground is like artwork with all the random colour!

BINGO!

Happy first day of August! Can you believe it's come already? I had a very different post planned for today but I wanted to quickly share my evening last night. Basically, I got "BINGO"!

I went to drive-in BINGO with my mom (her first time) and we had a blast! It's such a fun, creative thing that the nearby country fair grounds does for fundraising every July. It's exactly what it sounds like: you drive your car up to the field, either stay in your car or pull out a blanket or chairs to sit on, and play bingo. They also have a BBQ and assorted pies that they sell there too. It's pretty cool. 

Last night was the last one of the summer and the only one I've made it too all year - well what do you know, I won the last game of the night! I couldn't believe it - so fun! Also, you know you're a grown up when: you talk about how with the winnings you're going to buy bed-side tables, hahaha!

The Weekend of all Weekends

Most of Last Year's Team

This weekend for me is the WEEKEND OF ALL WEEKENDS! Or at least tomorrow is the DAY OF ALL DAYS! Tomorrow my city is holding it's annual H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Volleyball Summerfest! Basically it's a just for fun (unless you're competitive, which I my friends, am not) all day volleyball tournament and all 'round good time! It is also a charity tournament, if you didn't get that from the acronym, so there really is no downside.  I look forward to this day almost all year long. Fact. Or at least starting in January. In January I start looking forward to April which I know is when the early bird registration begins. In March I have to try and restrain myself from recruiting a team because it's "too early" when in fact, I know that we're only a month away from registration! April, well April is awesome. Then every month after that I count down is in full force. It's my Christmastime in summer essentially! :)

I started playing in HOPE 8 years ago when I worked at a restaurant that put in a team. I could not believe the time I had. I played for that team for 2 more years and was addicted! The next year I had graduated school and was in my career and not at the restaurant, which meant I wouldn't be playing on that team. I took it upon myself to start my own team and have kept it up the last 5 years - this will be year 6 of my team and 9th year playing! So far my team has been an all-girls team where the point of the day is primarily to have a good time. If ever a new person plays for us sometimes they worry that they're not a good volleyball player. As much as it's fun to win, that's not what the day (and the team) is about. 

Every year we try to do some sort of theme as well. The first year most of us wore the same vibrant purple bikinis with white cover-ups, then it was the same VS deep pink bikinis, then an all-neon theme, then black and white (most of us did zebra), last year was pacific blue with neon yellow shorts, and this year is white suits with neon accessories/cover-ups. Outfits are half the fun sometimes I swear!

2010 - Neon Year

As far at the "Summerfest" goes, in addition to the volleyball playing, there are a couple of tents that serve drinks and play music all day, as well as a mini-concert series towards the end of the day. As I type this I'm pretty darn excited, and it doesn't hurt that tomorrow looks like a STELLAR day :)
 
Have an excellent weekend!

Twirl

The above quote was used a while back when Kate Spade launched the Twirl fragrance and capsule collection. There is something I just totally love about it - it just makes me think of being free and having fun...

My Little iPhone

Yet another not-so-practical iPhone cover that I can't get enough of! Who wouldn't want a 3D bedazzled My Little Pony case with actual hair? :)

This photo was posted by Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet on Instagram and although I say it's not practical, it's WAY more practical then the last one she posted!

Not your average outfit post

This outfit post is not going to tell you how to look long and lean, or how to flatter your silhouette, nor will it tell you how to wear the latest trends. What it WILL tell you is how to be cozy and a little bit majestic at the same time!

Let me introduce you to my unicorn onesie. Like most girls, as a child I found myself rather infactuated (obsessed???) with rainbows, pink, and unicorns. Yes, I was the epitome of a girly girl, and still am. Fast forward to my adult life: I still do everything possible to embrace those things I onced loved so very much, but perhaps in a more mature and subtle way. This is of course until I stumbled across these beauties online. And by stumbled, I mean I typed something the likes of "unicorn adult onesie" into Google. There she was. A beautiful pink unicorn one-piece just waiting to be worn by me. It was meant to be. Of course when I saw a blue one and showed my roommate, she was all to willing to become the blue unicorn to my pink unicorn. 

The day they came in the mail and I pulled them out of the box, I just remember hunching over and laughing so hard. They were exactly what I envisioned, if not better! The heads too - they were a bit more sturdy and stuffed than I thought and that is what was killing me. I have nothing bad to say about them - they're awesome. Wearing it just makes me feel so happy and like a kid again! I definitely don't feel like a professional career woman, but who wouldn't like a little vacation from that by simply putting on a unicorn onesie?

P.S. These are just as comfortable as they look, if not more. 

P.P.S. The above pictures were taken by a friend of mine who JUST SO HAPPENED to come over unexpectedly the first night we wore them. And she never does that! It was one of those right-place-right-time moments for her. Imagine a unicorn answering the door? Haha! :)

Weekend O' the Irish

Sunday is St. Patrick's Day. If there is anything you should know about St.Patrick's Day, it's that it IS my favourite holiday... EVER! I'm not really sure how that got to be but I remember as a kid my mom would always get excited about St. Patrick's Day, we'd dress in green, and I'd wear a big shamrock pin and... yeah, so it probably originated there, haha! I so look forward to this holiday as it's just about green (Pantone colour of the year anyone?), fun, beer, and the odd Irish jig.

Last year: leaving for Montreal

The past couple of years I've gone away for St. Patrick's Day: Boston two years ago (amazing and my favourite) and Montreal last year. This year I am also going away, but to Niagara Falls! As a Patty's Day destination it doesn't really make A LOT of sense, but that's neither here nor there. Last summer my roommate won a trip for two to Niagara Falls and (due in part to its impending expiry) we decided to use it now! The trip includes a business class (read: free drinks) round trip train fare and 2 night stay in a two-room deluxe suite at the Fallsview Hilton Hotel! What?! Yup! So we are heading down the morning of St. Pats and going to the nearest Irish Pub the second we arrive (I Googled it, there is one). Last year apparently the Falls were green and I would love it if they were this year too! Our second night I think we'll tour around a bit as we both haven't been there in years, and go out for a nice dinner. Very much looking forward to it!

May you all have a safe and fun St. Patrick's Day! *Insert Wee Irish Jig Here*

The Falls on St. Patrick's Day 2012

St. Patrick's Day in Boston 2011

Funny Friday: Female Reality

Let's not pretend that this isn't a little bit true! We really can be complicated little creatures and I just thought this was too hilarious not to share. Sometimes this is just the way we are...  :)

Oscar Challenge Recap

Just under one month ago I set out to complete an Oscar Challenge. The challenge was to watch all 9 movies that are nominated for Best Picture prior to the show. I did not quite make it through all 9 but I did see 6 of them which I've got to say, I'm quite pleased with! I suppose there is still a chance I could see one or two more before the show on Sunday night, but I highly doubt it. I saw: Silver Linings Playbook, Les Misérables, Django Unchained, Beast of the Southern Wild, Zero Dark Thirty and Argo. Each one of these movies was good in their own way but I must say, after seeing Les Misérables, I felt like it was winner. I still feel that way. It's not that it was the best of the lot, because they are all VERY different movies (and this one is 100% musical, not one word spoken, so you have to like that), it's just that it was incredibly well done and affected me long after it was over. It was excellent. That being said, if Django won I would fully understand. It also impressed me.

Did you see any? Any predictions?

For my brief review of each movie, scroll on down, but I want to first share another "Funny Friday" video that is quite topical. I'm pretty sure it's hilarious if you've not seen Les Misérables but if you have, all the better!


Let the Reviews Begin! (in the order I saw them)

Silver Linings Playbook - Great movie. Good, strong, unique story and incredible acting. Prior to this movie I was not a Jennifer Lawrence fan, but I became one after seeing this. Although I really liked it, and can't point out any flaw, I don't feel like it will/should win Best Picture.

Les Misérables - After this was finished, I found my self consumed with what I just saw and was sure, even though I'd not finished my challenge, that this would win best picture. I still believe that. You have to like musicals to enjoy this as there is zero talking, but I love musicals and this musical happens to be my favourite. The movie did not disappoint.

Django Unchained - Another great flick. You do have to like Tarintino in order to enjoy this movie, and if you do, you will love it too! Typical of his work you are constantly visually stimulated by his creativity, and you feel like he has shown you the world as he imagines it. As for the story, it is thought provoking and riveting. To compare it to one of his previous films, I would definitely say Inglorious Bastards style as opposed to a Kill Bill. If this won best picture I would not be surprised or disappointed.

Beasts of the Southern Wild - This movie was definitely more on the artistic side. It's not one that I would necessarily recommend but that's mostly because I don't think it would appeal to a broad audience. You'd have to like a certain kind of movie AND be in a certain kind of mood I think. The first half was VERY artsy, but I really enjoyed the story in the second half.

Zero Dark Thirty - Very tough subject matter detailing the events that followed 9/11 but it was an exceptional movie that was very tastefully done. Jessica Chastain is nominated for her role in this and I was blown away by her performance. I'm thinking she might win.

Argo - As everyone probably knows, this movie is based on a true story. I knew that going in but was not really familiar with the story itself. I thought it was riveting. I also found myself fully engaged and at the edge of my seat the whole time! It was really well told and the acting was superb. I had heard from a couple of people who saw it in the theatre that it was a little long (as in they could have cut out at least 20 minutes by editing it a bit better) but I didn`t really feel that way - likely because I was watching it from the comfort of my own couch! :)

 

It's My Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me! I'm not one of those people that's obsessed with their own birthday but come on, they are fun! Today is a pretty regular day - I will be at work as usual but then later tonight I will be going out for a super delicious dinner with my parents. 

Hope you all had a good weekend!

This is from my birthday last year. One of my favourite things in the world is balloons - better than flowers!

  

Oscar Challenge

It is EXACTLY one month until the Oscars and I've decided to give myself a challenge between now and then - watch every movie nominated for best picture. I've noticed on Facebook that there are a couple of people who are doing this, and that inspired me to give it a go. I mean, I love movies so why not!? Quite a few of them are on my "to-see" list anyway. 

So, can I do it? What will be my favourite? Only time will tell. For anyone who doesn't know, here is the full list of movies nominated for Best Picture:

I've never done this before and I have no idea how successful I will be, mostly because I don't even know if a few of these are still in theaters, but I will give it a shot! As I see them I'll be sure to review as I like to do, and most of all, share whether or not I think they're Oscar worthy! 

Have you seen any? Where to begin...

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Must See TV: Girls

One of my newest favourite shows is premiering this weekend for it's Season 2! The show (if you haven't guessed already) is Girls. If you have not seen the show yet, you've likely heard about it. Girls is an HBO show that kind of popped up out of nowhere (another show recommendation from my mom) and I just think it's so great. To describe this show it would be easy to first think of Sex and the City, but that's probably because it's about 4 very different girls living in New York City. Other than that, it is a very different show. The girls are younger and they deal with very different, very realistic problems. Like Sex and they City, you have your favourites but you can't help but root for all of them. Each character is brilliant and unique. This includes the guys too! There are some brilliant actors playing some interesting characters on this show. The writing is unreal too. Mostly funny, but also serious, dramatic, heart-wrenching - all of it! The shows creator and writer, also happens to be the shows star, Lena Dunham who plays Hannah. What talent.


Needless to say, I'm pretty excited for it to be back. And if you've not seen it for yourself, I recommend you do!

Bonus: Only if you like Girls AND indie movies do I recommend the film Tiny Furniture. It, like Girls, is written and directed by - and staring - Lena Dunham. I saw it not too long ago and loved it! Very her. Very brilliant.

Merry Christmas Holidays!

Today is my last (half) day of work and reality before the holidays! I'm now off until early January. I so love this time of year, but especially the vacation part - I mean who wouldn't? I get to bake, watch movies, relax, read, spend time with family and friends, all to my heart's content! Not to mention enjoy the odd rum and egg nog!

Wishing you have a safe, happy, and joyful holiday!!!

Color Run 2012 Thank You Video

Just this week the Color Run released a video with a compilation of various runs done throughout the year as a thank you to all the Color Runners! As I've blogged about previously I've done 2 Color Runs this year: my first ever in Boston and another in Montreal. It really was a blast and after watching this video I remember just how fun it was and I couldn't help but share. I can't WAIT to do at least one more in the coming year. 

I should also say, I am a bit disappointed I wasn't at the same race as the unicorn... :)

All I Want For Christmas...

If you didn't see it last week, here's your chance! Jimmy Fallon, the Roots, and Mariah Carey do an "unpulgged" (with children's instruments) version of Mariah Careys hit holiday song, "All I Want For Christmas Is You". It also happens to be my favourite song this time of year. This is a really cute, funny, and surprisingly good version. Enjoy!

Decorated! Gangnam Style

It took several hours of hard labour but my roommate and I finally decorated our house. We even had time left over to make a quick video of what it looks like! 

Ok, just kidding (obviously). But in the spirit of our decorating festivities last night I wanted to share this video! There always seems to be one of these every year... :)

It's Christmas!

Tonight is the night that I look forward to every year and get's me in the Christmas spirit! Why? Because tonight is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show! I've been watching it for years and always made kind of a big deal of it. Having people over, making delicious food, drinking delicious drinks, and turning up the volume! Like most girls, I do like Victoria's Secret. Not just their stuff, but their brand, or rather the spirit of their brand. The show is so fun, loaded with great music, and fabulous looks. I just can't wait. 

Last year I took the fact that it puts me in the Christmas Spirit one step further. My roommate and I put up the Christmas tree and decorated the house (while drinking and eating as mentioned earlier as a crucial step) all before the show began. By the time it was starting, we were able to watch in the glow of our Christmas tree. So fun and perfect. Can't wait to do it again! This year's musical guests include Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, and Rihanna. These pictures are also a sneak peek tonight's show.

Merry Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

The Big Easy!

Jackson Square

As I alluded to in a post last week, I recently went to New Orleans! I didn't want to report on it until I got my pictures sorted out to share and now they are.

This was a trip I had been thinking about doing for a while. I always had the fall in mind as well for when to go. This fall all the pieces came together and I made it happen! It was just me and a friend and we went down at the beginning of the month for a long weekend. It. Was. A. Blast. There is no place like New Orleans. Nadda. One of the initial motivators for me was that I heard it was kind of like Vegas, and outdoor Vegas. And I really liked Vegas. After being there, I can totally see why! It's the same party-party atmosphere and energy, everyone is having adult beverages all day long and on the streets, and when you're on Bourbon street it's just bar after bar after bar. It's crazy!

On top of ALL that it's a gorgeous city. I'm not one to say "ooooh, it's full of culture and history", but man, is it EVER full of culture and history! We went on a couple of tours that showed us around the French Quarter (where we stayed) and learned so many interesting things about that history. It was actually super cool and added to the experience. The horse and buggy ride around the French Quarter was recommended to me and surprisingly was one of my favourite parts of the trip! As far as the culture it's so cool and laid back. The buildings are French, Spanish, and Caribbean inspired architecture - at least during the rebuild after the great fire of New Orleans (see, history!). It's a very unique look. It seems like wherever you go you can always hear jazz or blues music in the air. The food is unique too! Creole and Cajun. Lots of seafood (but lots of NON seafood choices for someone like me who doesn't prefer it). There's something for everyone! Also worth mentioning was that everyone we met was super friendly! 

It was a place that was on my bucket list and I can now check it off! If you've not been, I highly recommend it. I think it's only a matter of time before I make my way back there... :)

Must-try New Orleans cocktails from right: Pat O'Briens (World Famous) Hurricane, Hand Grenade, Shark Attack - with names that like, it's a wonder we survived!

A Poem Before the Weekend

This weekend in Ottawa is the annual Wine and Food Festival! And what a festival it is. It's essentially a trade show where people wander around in search of sample food and drinks. I like that you can always see your staple vendors - whether a favourite local restaurant, or your favourite brand of wine - but also, it's a great place to try new things out! It's also an excuse to get dressed up and go out (in the afternoon) and have fun with friends. This year a friend of mine is making it her birthday celebration! I anticipate lots of wine and good times. Before signing off for the weekend, I wanted to share with you a quick poem: