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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

R & R

Wow am I ever feeling good!!! My house is clean, the sun is shining, my skin is so soft, and I am feeling so revitalized. The only problem is I haven't seen a soul since Sunday. haha I am going to the post office this afternoon just so I can see at least one person. So, perhaps insanity is well on it's way and this is just the calm before the storm. :p

Every night I have been taking long relaxing baths just like I promised myself. They truly work wonders for making you feel so so so good.
I have some sappy music going on, candles, Russell Brand, ocean salt, dirty vodka martini, blackberry bomb, pineapple face mask, and shea cashmere body lotion for after. A total random mix of some of my faves. But last night there was a special guest appearance, yep, you guessed it!!!!
 HEIDI!!!!  She hopped in the bath and we had a good chat and a bathe for a couple of hours over the phone. It was fabulous to have company. Lily and Mapes are great but they don't speak proper english yet.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

There certainly wouldn't be many ME Me ME posts

J has got the baby bug baaaaaaad. The past couple of weeks all he has been talking about is our kids... that we don't even have. In random conversation he will bring up "so you want to have a babYYY?" in this high pitch tone. It's partly joking but mostly serious. When we went to our friends house on Saturday we talked babies for a good part of the night. They have this more then adorable 11 month old, baby Callum. As cute as he is, it got J seeing it's not all rainbows and lollipops. It's a life time commitment. Of course I want to have babies sooner then later, but the selfish part of me wants to wait a little bit. I still want to do some traveling. And I also want to enjoy each step in life. I want to enjoy just Jenna, J, Maple and Lily life for a little longer. I know bringing a baby in the world must be the greatest joy in life and I am so looking forward to that experience but I feel it can wait just little longer. And believe you me, I don't think there is a bigger baby/kid lover then me out there!!

check out this video.... so cute!!!

More BCBG

Woops!! I bought another dress. I figured with all of these events coming up it was a must :p
I just love how romantic it looks, can't wait to twirl the night away in this one

I also loved this dress

It's so flirty and vibrant, I especially love the back. My problem is I need all of the support I can get. I can't imagine not wearing a bra. A strapless is bad enough! I wish my breasts were just one cup size smaller. Oh the freedom!!! Wait, when did I ever says breasts? Boobs ah that's better.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Me Me Me!!

I just spent all morning working out my ENTIRE bod. Man, do I feel like a superhero. This afternoon I plan on making my go to vegetable soup that get's me through the week. It's so not fun cooking for one. So when I am by myself I like to cook things for the week and freeze it. Get all my prepping done in one day and then I don't have to worry about a thing.

While J is away I am focusing on myself. Mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally so basically my entire being. Don't you love those evenings where you just do you? Like pluck your eyebrows, workout, exfoliate, take a nice long bath. I do! So I am going to do that each and everyday this week.
My must do's of the week will consist of:
  • Walk down to the ocean everyday
  • Give myself a proper mani/pedi
  • Not think a wink of wedding planning (well let's be honest that probably won't be happening)
  • Read many books
  • Exfoliate every other day
  • Exercise everyday
  • Moisturize
  • Nap everyday
  • Find some new music
  • Lots and lots of facemasks :)
  • Only clean when I have to
  • Have a fire going every night
  • Take a bath every night with a nice glass of red, candles and sappy music
  • Drink lots and lots of water
These are things we should be doing for ourselves all of the time. But even myself, the least busiest person on this planet can hardly make time for myself. Well that's not true I could, but when J goes to work I like to pretend I am at work as well and so I cook, clean, bake, and organize until he returns. And when he does return home I turn instantly lazy and we like to watch a movie or stream some shows. I know, my life is awful!!!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Earth Hour!!

Don't forget to power down this evening!! I'll never forget my most memorable Earth hour. It was three years at the Hawksley Workman concert in the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg. Most romantic, intimate concert I have ever been too.  Obviously this video doesn't do the experience justice but wow what a feeling.
He is actually playing in Winnipeg April.8th at the West End Cultural centre. If you live in Manitoba do yourself a favour and check them out. I miss them by a week :( Watch the Piano Blink vid it's a low budget video filmed in the Portage Place mall. Such a good tune

Well I'm some stain there on your bed sheet, you're my diamond in the rough

If you haven't been introduced to Paolo Nutini I suggest you get acquainted real quick. Here are a couple of samples of how phenomenal the kid is.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

I have way too many guilty pleasures/favourite things, way, way, way too many. So not to bore you with them all, I will only list a few.
  • Red wine- I love trying new wines, there is so much to learn about wine.
  • Chips (all flavours)
  • Tea- Cornelia Bean, Davids Tea
  • Petfinder- I am obsessed with looking up dogs.
  • Dirty Martinis - The dirtier the better.
  • Lush- I looooove baths
  • Starbucks
  • Books- I can spend days in Bookstores
  • Cheese- Haven't met a cheese I didn't like.
  • Ocean- I am always drawn too it. So powerful, calming and exciting.
  • Music- You hardly ever see me without my i-pod.Although I am not one of those headphone snobs, I just like to have it on hand in case there is an ipod dock I can play it on. I really appreciate all music and love being introduced to new artists.
Ok let's cut this short. I am SO excited to find a mix of my two most guiltiest pleasures combined. Ready for it????

Nutella and Cheesecake

Nutella Cheesecake!!!! Are you kidding me? Why haven't I been eating this my whole life? I just found this recipe on one of my favourite blogs Coconut and Lime and am going to have a go at making it tonight. I'll let you know how it turns out. Ohhh I'm so excited.

Here is the recipe!
 Crust:
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup Nutella
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2 large eggs,at room temperature

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Grease or spray with baking spray an 8x8 inch pan. In a small bowl, add the butter, sugar, flour, cocoa, oats and salt, mix thoroughly with a fork. Press into bottom of the pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten and press firmly. Bake for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Add the egg and flour, beat until smooth. Pour about 2/3 of the batter into the 8x8 inch pan. Add the Nutella into the remaining batter and mix throughly. Spread on top of the first cheesecake layer. Bake 25 minutes or until set. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.

Day of BFF'S

When you move to a place that's provinces and even countries away from your best friends of course there are going to be days that you miss them beyond belief. There is absolutely nothing better then being right beside them sharing stories and laughs. We are so lucky in this day in age. We have access to things like phone's, texting, skype, and facebook that it makes missing your loved ones a lot less painful. I was able to talk to four of my amazing friends today and man am I ever feeling lucky to have such amazing people in my life. These four friends truly just get me and I get them. I have a couple of other friends like this but I just wasn't lucky enough to converse with them all today!

Here are some random facts about my friends.

Shestin: I met Shestin over four years ago in Hawaii. He is someone who never forgets a word you tell him. When we first met he didn't like me as he thought I was a pretentious bitch. He grew to love me shortly after. He is someone who I hold on a pedestal. He just gets things. He is hilarious and extremely intelligent. I miss the days of laying on the beach with him, listening to the waves. He is beautiful inside out. We planned to travel central america with one another but I went ahead and got engaged, he is traveling now. He says things like this in normal conversation "more like in horror or suspense or action movies when a family member or other loved one realizes along with the audience that the end is near and so decides to make a phone call to that one person that they want to speak to most before they die and they talk about all kinds of stupid shit first like telling jimmy to be strong and stay in the 3rd grade and dont forget to water the goddamned orchids and remember to bring oatmeal cookies to grandma in the hospital because she hates chocolate chips and they finally get to the part of saying i love you but only get out "i lo--" Need I say more? I miss you!!

Bonnie: I have been best friends with Bonnie for 17 years, wow!! We have been through absolutely everything together. I know every little thing about her as she does me...scary! She introduced me to J. She is totally one of those solid friends who would do absolutely anything for you. She is beautiful and smart with fish. We want to have babies at the same time so we can go through that journey together as well. She beat me at marriage, she has been married for a year and a half. I was her maid of honour :) I just called her today to vent. She loves cats and her new dog Sadie and her Bryan. She is my matron of honor. Her husband is J's best man.

Jordan: I have known Jordan for 17 years too. Not sure when the exact moment we became best friends was but I'm glad it happened. He is hilarious. We always have interesting conversations. We have similar personalities. When Jordy and I are on a dance floor together no one else in the room matters, we just give er. He is game to do anything , anywhere as long as its law abiding :p. Milly Vanilly. He is the best dancer I have ever encountered, besides myself of course. He has a funny thumb. I trust him. He warns me when there is fires in the disco. I think of him always. He is sweet, smart and handsome. I miss you friendship.

Katelyn: Kate and I have been best friends for 14 years. She, like Bonnie, knows absolutely everything about me as I do her. She has always been behind me through thick and thin. She is passionate about food. She is my maid of honor (I have 2) We talked for an hour and a half today and it felt like 5 min.  Her mom makes the best cookies and brownies. We have the same sense of humour, except I don't love ppl falling as much as her. We know each others quirks to a tee. She has drive. She is an amazing writer. Gorgeous, witty and intelligent. I can't believe I am not going to be able to see you until my wedding!!!!

I can't imagine life without any of you in it!!! xo

Thursday, March 24, 2011

It's a small crime and I got no excuse

My two top videos that I could never get sick of. They both just seem to mesmerize me.

Ben Harper- Morning Yearning

Damien Rice- 9 Crimes

Doggy Fashion

I have been so consumed thinking about what I am going to be wearing for all of my fun wedding events I didn't even think about my poor dogthers!!! How selfish of me?

Check out Rover Dog on Etsy. Oh my gosh is there ever some cute finds. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think of dressing up a dog.... that is until I got one. It's my fix until I have human babies to dress up. J is going to kill me if he reads this. hahaha!! Sorry love.

I need to get these 2 outfits!! I think clothes look even more ridiculous on bigger dogs then little ones, so I think Mapes will just have to just wear a pretty bow. But Lilitth, oh she needs these!



Pathetic? yes! But soooo cute!!!

Since both of my pups are beach babes I probably should get them matching bathing suits. Or is that over doing it? haha

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Don't say dat!!

Here are a couple of highlights from my trip to Ottawa!! (In no specific order)

#1 Cats
Meet Vino, Leahs boy. His sister Shiraz and him loved my suitcase.

My newest bff Courtney sharing

So awesome! Sure Parliament hill is immaculate but the cats on the hill were much more interesting to me.

#2 Spa Day!
I didn't receive any treatments at Le Nordic spa, I just enjoyed the nordic baths. It was very relaxing and also pretty fun to jump in and out of the hot and cold baths. They had one waterfall that was only 5 degrees which was quite exhilarating to say the least.

Read My Lips

One of my greatest splurges in Ottawa was on TEA!!!! I am absolutely obsessed with the stuff. I have only opened one of my packages so far and that was Read My Lips  from Davids Teas. I surprisingly haven't tried chocolate tea before but wow it's amazing. Can't wait to try my other ones :D

It has adorable candy red lips in it :)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

But I never think before I say

I have been going since 4:30am, so I am beyond exhausted. I will leave you all with this little number :)

Sisterhood of the Traveling Wedding Checklist

I just got back from Ottawa, and wow does it ever feel good to be home, dogs and fiance, yes please!!! I'll say it again.... I am sooooo happy and grateful to be living this beautifully simple life on the east coast. It's amazing how much the hustle and bustle of cities overwhelms me now. 24 hour grocery stores, people always rushing to get somewhere, no friendly waves, creepy men trying to pick you up, the list goes on. Yes, I am becoming a full on hick and am totally fine with it. Ottawa is a gorgeous city and you must visit. If J's job was ever to take us to a big city it would probably be Ottawa and I am a-O.K with that. It really is gorgeous place with a lot to offer. I will post some pictures of my trip soon.

When I got home there was a nice surprise waiting for me. I knew some kind of book was coming my way and the anticipation was killing me!!

It's the book I gave my friend when she got engaged who then passed it on to another friend when she got engaged. Now that I'm engaged, my old pal sent it to me, it's my turn! We have a sisterhood of the traveling wedding book going on, how fun?!?!?

Who's next? ;)

Monday, March 14, 2011

ok one more!!!!

That's not a promise :p.
Check out this sweet poopy pup.

You know I love you, I know you love me

Sorry, I'll try to keep my seal posts to a minimum. I just think they are the cutest things I have ever seen and am feeling very lucky to be able to walk two minutes to watch them!!! :)

Back to my other obsession.... music. For those who know me really well, they know Tristan Prettyman is my all time fave. She will def be joining J and I at our wedding through my other fave singer, my cousin Rhianna. Every time I hear Rhianna sing I get choked up, because she is so very talented and I am so proud!! When she belts out some Tristan Prettyman tunes I weep. So this could may very well be a bad thing to combine on my wedding day. No, its probably the best.

Introducing the infamous Rhianna. Check her out @ Rhianna Saj MySpace and her blog :)
And the lovely Tristan Prettyman

Sunday, March 13, 2011

What a gorgeous spring day we had, plus ten and sunnyyyyy!!! The dogs and I spent all day outside watching seals, my newest obsession. The icebergs have all melted in front of our place so the poor seals had to take refuge on the beach as there pups can't swim yet. I hope not too many pups got swept away by the waves :(

We gave Lily a "trim" so she could properly enjoy the Spring weather.
A two minute walk from our house :)
You all need to come out to Cape Breton and head to Neils Harbour. Oh my goodness, never have I seen so many seals in my life. Every seal had a pup by it`s side or close by. The cuteness is to die for!!

Where`s my momma
Mom`s looking for food
Big baby snoozing
All of those black dots are seals, the pictures just don`t do it justice
Pooped after an afternoon filled with Seals

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Friday, March 11, 2011

Iceberg!! Iceberg!!!

Our beach is filled with icebergs and seals!!!

All you can hear are the sounds of the pups crying, so adorable.

I took a little video clip of a pup following it's momma. Turn down the volume though bc I went to higher ground to capture it and it's pretty windy.

Life is all what you make of it

Our first dress up date night was a success!!! This may seem really silly but come on, everyone enjoys getting dressed up and sharing a fabulous dinner with your loved ones, right? Our options are pretty limited out here. So we did the same thing we do every night, eat dinner on our tv stands ( we haven't bought a dining room table or bar stools yet) and instead of wearing sweats we were spiffied up a little. Just doing these small little things keep things fun!
 
A couple of weekends ago our friends made us this amazing maple curry chicken penne that we absolutely loved. This is probably not the exact same recipe she used but it tasted very similar. Regardless, it was amazing :)
All dressed up and nowhere to go
The girls had to get pretty too
Maples face is hilarious!!
Had to get the cheezy family self portrait in front of the fireplace.
J's not a very good picture taker