Friday, April 29, 2016

Friday Favourites

Another round of some favourites on Friday.


This clip has been all of the internet this week, but if you haven't seen it yet, please watch.  Men read actual comments/tweets (not written by them) to women sports writers.  The comments are real, and it illustrates what these writers have to face each day.  It's easy to say "ignore the trolls" but these are real people, and the comments are just terrible. 


Everyone loves Drake, right?  Well, I do. And his new album drops today.  I don't typically buy albums, but I am still excited to hear the new songs and see all of the hype around it.  #viewsfromthe6

We made one of our favourite breakfast foods this week, our granola recipe.  It's so tasty, especially with the balkan style yoghurt. 


I love being downtown, especially at night.  This is my attempt at a picture of the CN Tower.  It never looks as good as it does in person, but still a favourite!



Linking up with AndreaErika and Narci.




Thursday, April 28, 2016

May Goals


My goals for April were:

1. Organize my clothes.
I organized the clothes in my drawer, but didn't do my closets yet.  I also need to bring up my bin of summer clothes.  A lot of those things will translate to maternity clothes.

2. Put away our winter coats and boots and clean out the front closet.
Done!


3. Go through the cupboards and throw out expired and old food.
Done!

4. Spend some time helping E to learn how to ride his bike.
I actally didn't do this, but Dave has taken him out a couple of times.  I am told he is doing well, so hopefully I can get out with him soon.

5. Schedule a hair apppointment and mani/pedi. 
I'm getting my hair done next week, and I got a mani/pedi at the first of the month. 

6. Make a healthy snack to take to work.
I bought some almonds at the Bulk Barn and will roast them up this weekend.  I also bought jar of (natural) peanut butter and a loaf of raisin bread and have had that a few times.  Not extrememly healthy but better than most things.

For May, I'd like to accomplish the following:

1. Get both yards cleaned up and some flowers planted.
(This is last year)


2.  Read my book club book and one more book.

3. Reconfigure the guest room (at least on paper) so I know how to change it to the baby's room.  We will find out this month if it is a boy or girl, so I will also know if we can move the blue mat out of there and get a pink one or keep the old one.  (I am totally old school when it comes to boy/girl colours for babies.)

4. Go to yoga twice a week.



5. Start walking in the mornings before work.  I ran every other morning last summer at 6:00 am during the week.  There is no reason why I can't do the same with a walk this summer.  I am hoping the weather warms up soon so it becomes more enticing.

(This is last year)



Wednesday, April 27, 2016

What's Up Wednesday


I can't believe it's time for another What's up Wednesday post.  

What we're eating this week...
Sunday - BLT Pasta (but we had leftover sausages instead of the bacon)
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Out

What I'm reminiscing about...
Our family photos taken last year during the Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival.  It was our first time getting professional photos done and we loved them.

What I'm loving...
My bag from Stella and Dot.  I hemmed and hawed over whether I would get the weekend bag or the smaller work bag.  I decided on the work bag.  I don't actually go away for the weekend very often, and when I do I just bring a suitcase.  The work bag is more practical and it will also be good for a diaper bag.  


What we've been up to...
Cleaning the house up after the winter - the dead things in the garden and the front closet.  Dave has been working on the basement, the floor tiles are done, so the next step is the toilet, shower tiles and vanity.  


What I'm dreading...
Not much right now, mostly just a lot of things to look forward to.  If I had to pick something, it would be the sunscreen that we will soon have to apply everytime we leave the house.  I think I said this last year too in one of these posts, but since the sun is still very strong and we are all still very white, then sunscreen is our destiny. 

What I'm working on...
Trying to keep our house tidy and our lives moving forward on track.  I felt like February and March were write off months, but April has felt better, so bring on May!

What I'm excited about...
Finding out if I'm having a boy or girl.  I have to wait until my 20th week ultrasound and the time feels like it has been crawling by.  I am excited to start going through all of our baby stuff and figuring out what I can keep and what we will need to buy, but I'm waiting until we know the gender before doing all of that. 

What I'm watching/reading...
We are watching the Raptors playoff games, the Blue Jays, Game of Thrones, Vinyl and Home to Win.

I'm reading magazines, Jay Onrait's book, Number Two, and Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.


What I'm listening to...
I heard a song the other day that was a sample of Creep by TLC.  I don't mean a remake/remix of that song, but the tune was underneath a new song (another example is Bootylicious' sampling of Stevie Nick's song, or Tupac's "Changes" uses a sample of Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is").  The first thing I thought was that I'm getting old, the songs I grew up with are now being used as samples for new songs.  Oh well, this is how it goes.

What I'm wearing...
Maternity clothes.  They are so comfortable, I love them. I have a few staple pieces from last time (black pants, black skirt, black dresses) and I'm adding a few tops from this year that aren't maternity but are big enough (for now at least).  I am lucky that I am pregnant at the same time as I was last time.  No winter coat, boots, or nylons needed!  I'm also enjoying my new sunglasses from Stella and Dot.


What I'm doing this weekend...
A bus tour of Toronto and dinner with my work colleagues on Saturday and E has a birthday party to attend on Sunday.  I'd like to do some more yard work, hopefully it will be warmer than it was this past weekend. 

What I'm looking forward to next month...
Some family visits in Toronto, Sakura in High Park, E's soccer on Tuesday nights, and a trip to Ottawa at the end of the month. 

What else is new...
We bought a new washer and dryer yesterday!! I have never had a brand new washer and dryer, so I am super excited about these.  After Dave finished tiling and grouting the floor, we put our old ones back in place, but they were on their last legs.  After some loud squeaking, threat of fire and a minor flood, we thought it was time to pull the plug on them (literally!) and buy the new ones now. 


Linking up with ShaySheaffer and Mel.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Weekend Recap

We started our weekend with no set plans but the days ended up being filled with activities anyway.  On Friday night we walked up to our local pub, Bryden's, for any easy supper.  Then after E went to bed, we finished watching this season of Girls.  a


On Saturday morning we got up and started cleaning the house.  My cleaning tip is inviting friends over on a regular basis so you have motivation to keep the house looking good.  


I took this for Ukrainian Easter which is next week, so this is why I've left these out. 


E and Dave went for a bike ride/run and then I went to get some food.   This is them leaving the house.


Part of our yummy lunch

I made brownies and this was the guy who licked the spoon. 

I also cleaned out some of my drawers and listened to the Disney Sing-Along playlist on Google Play.  I put it on because I thought E might like it but then he went downstairs and I was left to sing them on my own. 


Some friends came over to watch the Raptors game and some kids came along too.  E had a good time playing with them.  After the game we cooked up some sausages and had some broccoli salad.  It was a good afternoon, even though the Raptors lost.  

After our friends left, we also left to go to a birthday party.  We were able to bring E, and although it was a late night for him, he had a great time and was no worse for the wear after being up until 10:00.  

 This was one of the birthday gifts, Justin Bieber on vinyl, awesome!


 We were treated to a live band that played some amazing music.  It seemed like everyone at the party had a musical talent of some sort.  It was great!  They played Alicia Keyes, Bob Marley, some country, and Drake.  Loved it!

On Sunday morning we had some cinnamon buns from the bakery, fresh berries, and yoghurt.  Dave went down to the basement to grout the tiles.  E played with some playdoh and I cleaned out the front closet I put away the winter boots, hats, scarves and mittens and vacuumed and mopped up the salt, dirt and wood chips that have built up in the corners over the winter.  I love seeing windbreakers and flip flops!


After lunch, E and I went to the grocery store and then he and Dave went for a walk to the park.  We finished our night off with Game of Thrones.





Monday, April 25, 2016

Let's Talk - April

Linking up for "Let's Talk".  This month's topic is Hair and Beauty.  I know that is the first thing you think of when you think of me, haha.


 I have never been someone who spends a lot of time on my hair and make up.  I do more than the minimum but I don't think of it as a priority.  I know I could do better at washing my face and getting regular hair cuts, but I do wear make up everyday to work, but rarely on the weekend. I use nice hair products and flat iron my hair before I leave the house, but I have had the same hairstyle since I was in Grade 9 when I grew my bangs out.  I'm okay with that, I will never be that person who spends hours on their beauty routine or scheduling regular facials, hair appointments, or mani/pedis.  

I posted about my beauty routine here.  Not much has changed since then. 



I have started using a peach concealer under my eyes and I picked up a Nars powder after my Arbonne one ran out.  


Thanks for checking in!

Friday, April 22, 2016

Friday Favourites


I'm loving the sunshine and warmer temperatures that we have had this week.  Still not hot, but spring is here, finally. 

I picked up some magazines this week.  I don't usually buy magazines so this is a nice treat.  There are a few good recipes and fun ideas to try out.



On Thursday I stopped by Starbucks to get a coffee in the morning (Dave had a conference with breakfast and I didn't want to make a whole pot of coffee just for me).  I have never bought two drinks for myself at the same time, so along with my coffee, I also got an iced tea lemonade.  So refreshing in the morning :)



I heard some old school Toronto rap on the radio this week.  I was a big fan of Choclair and Kardinal Offishall back in the day.  Anyone remember this one?


I am fan of the Royal Family, and loved the photos of the Queen taken to celebrate her 90th birthday. She is a remarkable figure.  


I am hoping my Stella and Dot order arrives today.  I went to a party this week and picked up a few things and apparently my order is in transit now.  I am excited to see my new things.


Happy Friday!!

Linking up with AndreaErika and Narci.



Thursday, April 21, 2016

Recipe - Mozzarella and Tomato Appetizer

My mom and I have made this recipe a number of times. It originally came from Everyday Food and it's called an "Instant Party".  It is very tasty and simple to make.

Marinated Bocconcini
1 pint (about 2 cups) of mini bocconcini (bite sized fresh mozzarella)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cups chopped fresh basil
salt and pepper
Drain bocconcini, add olive oil, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper.  Stir to combine.  Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.  Stir in the fresh basil.


Crostini (this is optional, you can serve this on crackers or untoasted bread)
1 baguette, sliced
olive oil
salt
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Place slices of baguette on cookie sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle lightly with salt.  Place in preheated oven for 6-8 minutes until lightly toasted.  Set aside.


Roasted Tomatoes
1 pint grape tomatoes
3 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 garlic clove, smashed
olive oil
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (or keep the oven on from when you did the crostini).  Spread tomatoes, thyme, and garlic on a cookie sheet lined with tin foil.  Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Toss to combine.  Roast for about 8 minutes or until the skins on the tomatoes have split.   Serve with the mozzarella and the crostini.  The mozzarella and the tomatoes should be served in separate bowls, with everyone heaping their own onto the crostini.
(Caution: when you roast the tomatoes, chances are there will be smoke and if you have a sensitive smoke detector, it will go off.  I speak from experience. So turn on your oven fan on high when you put the tomatoes in the oven.)






Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Summer Things for the Family

Some of our favourite summer things. I think this sums up things nicely :)

Sarah

Dave


E


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Show and Tell Tuesday

Linking up with Andrea for Show and Tell Tuesday.


Today I am showing and telling you about a day in my life.  This is last Friday.  I tried to remember to take pictures every hour on the half hour.  

6:30 - My alarm goes off. Time for my prenatal vitamin.  They make me feel a little queasy because you're supposed to take them on an empty stomach and wait an hour before eating.  It's that hour before I eat breakfast where I don't feel great.  But they are good vitamins, so I tough it out.


7:30 - Downstairs and ready for school and work.  Friday was a PD day so E was spending all day with the YMCA people (the ones that run the before and after school program).  They told the kids to wear a costume so we took Flash to school that day.


8:30 - In my sunny office.  I love my view. I can see the City of Toronto and Lake Ontario.  


9:30 - After going through some emails and doing some odds and ends, it's time to get started on my list. 


10:30 and 11:30 - No pictures, but I'm basically just sitting at my desk surrounded by confidential information so I couldn't really take any photos.

12:30 - I had to go to the mall at lunch so I grabbed some lunch at the food court - Basil Box.  So good, and a much shorter line than Chipotle.

1:30 - Heading back to work.  I went into Simons, the new department store at Square One.  I found a  few nice tops for good prices. 


2:30 - Drafting an email that seemed to take forever.  


3:30 - a little snack of root vegetable chips and water


4:30 - Almost done my work for the day!


5:30 - Home from work and laying down for a few minutes, enjoying the sun streaming through the window.


6:30 - Ribs have been slow cooking in the oven and now time to go on the BBQ.  We were celebrating Dave's dad's birthday so we enjoyed one of his favourite meals.  Then we had some yummy cake.  


7:30 - Reading with E in bed.


8:30 - Watching the Blue Jays


That was the last photo of the night.  After the baseball game, we watched Spotlight but I ducked out early.  I could feel a cold coming home so I just wanted to get as much rest as possible. 

Thanks for joining me on just another day in my life.