Summer Arrives with July 1st

We are coming very close to the July 1st long weekend here in Canada.    And so summer begins.    School is out, and many are headed to cottages, camping trips, pools, or just the backyard.

I have such fond memories of our cottage summers - we were so fortunate to grow up in this kind of setting.    Summer brings fond, fond memories for my family and I - so I think "cottaging" should be added to my list.

While we are not cottaging this weekend (by choice), we will be taking in all the things 'summer'.

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And this is my little rendition of summer-time.     What does summer mean to you?

And 20+ years later....we're 20 again

This past weekend in Ottawa, Canada was the National Capital Marathon weekend.     People come from all over the world to run either the Marathon, the 1/2 Marathon, the 10K, 5K or 2K.    We get the Kenyan's, the Ethiopian's and all the elite runner's from around the world.     Pretty facinating to watch these amazing athletes.    The time they run a marathon in, I'd be lucky to get a 10K done :-p (OK I did do a sub-60min 10K once but that was a year ago - and I'm sick right now, so I feel like I'm draggin' my ass around).

The best part of the weekend was that and old and dear friend of mine who I used to live with when we were around 21 came to Ottawa to run the 10K on Saturday night.     I had a chance to cheer her on at the start line and congratulate her at the finish line.    And better yet, we had the chance to have dinner, drink wine, reminice, and just "be" like old times with another one of our friends who I've mentioned here before, Lou Lou (aka Louise).     Only we drank a whole lot less, and went to bed a whole lot earlier :)   

I realized in spending time with them, that old friends stay with you forever, and that even after decades, the time spent together feels like "home".     So easy, so comfortable, full of joy and laughter - just all good for the soul.

So, you two, if you are reading this - I love you both- and cherish our past, current and future times together.    Please let's make it sooner than later.    Because if we wait another 20 years we'll be..........................49!   (ha. ha.)

Joy, part 2 - "A Good Day"

I saw this clip on Facebook tonight, and thought it was just so beautiful.    It felt like meditation as I was watched it.    I've never meditated, but it just felt so peaceful.     And like I said yesterday, a peaceful soul brings me joy.
I had to share it here, as part 2, to yesterday's post.   Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Yes, yes, words to live by

Grabbed this off of a blog I follow occasionally.    Loved all of it!     So, much so, I think these should be the new Commandments.

Happy Monday!

Mind Over Mood

Isn't that a great statement - mind over mood?!!    You know sometimes, if we really apply ourselves, we can change the lense to which we see things/people/occasions/incidents, which then changes our perception, and then changes our mood.

Sometimes, we should ask ourselves:  is there another lense I can apply here?    Is there another way to see this thing I'm seeing or experiencing?     Where is the evidence to back-up or support what I'm perceiving.   If the evidence is not there, then change the lense, my friends.  Life is too short.

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Tell me, is there a time where you changed the lense, and it changed everything?

Budgeting 101 - 2.0 and Life After 40

Been talking alot about budgeting lately, and that's because I'm darned well having fun with it.    As they say, if you have fun at something, it ain't work (I don't know who said that, but I'm sure someone did).

Today, normally a ski day, was the execution of a new module in our Budget Program.     Flyers.   Yes, indeed, flyers.    Our friends (same friends who gave us the stainless steel jars), taught us a lesson on how they use the flyers to keep their house stalked with all that they need whilst saving $300 a month.

So, this morning, I poured a cup of coffee, and got out paper and pen, and started identifying the best deals in town (OK not in town but in the Westboro area).     Finshed that, grabbed next week's $100 bucks out of the "Groceries" jar, and away I went.   

And let me tell you!!!!!  I came home with a trunk full of stuff, it could last a month, never mind a week.     10 chicken boneless chicken breasts for $14.00!!    8 lbs of ground beef for $16.00!!    $4.00 frozen pizzas for those nights (ie, Friday) when pizza is required (needed?)     A large PC canneloni for $5.00!!!      Laundry detergent for $1.99!!  (picked up 2 of those!).     I realize an abundance of exclamation marks is surely bad writing style, however, I am trying to excude my enthusiasm sheer elation.

On another note, I follow this great blog titled:   Fabulous After 40 - and I have to say, it's nice to hear that these lovely women tackle everyday issues.     Yes, Jen Anniston is over 40, and so is Madonna, and Susan Sarandan (she might be over 50 actually), but really........let's just talk about everyday common issues.



Fabulous After 40


These women are bang on!

Happy Saturday night - watching "The Pursuit of Happyness" (love the title, love Will Smith).

Chaaaa-Ching

Oh, I have been somewhat dis-engaged in the blog world for a bit.    I think it's winter, and me pining for spring this year.     I've always been the person who says "there is no bad whether if you dress for it", and "embrace winter" and "enjoy all that winter has to offer".     But this year............not the case, not even in the slightest.

But yesterday, with it being 12 degrees and sunny, I felt a little hint of excitement.  Could it be?   Could spring be inching closer?    GAWD I hope so.   Yes, I know!   It's only February.  But let us not forget about the little rodent who came out of his hole......and all that it stands for (it IS a credible data source you know).

OK, so Chaaaaaa-Ching.    This is a funny story, but it might be one of those "you had to be there".    Last summer we went to a finance planning weekend seminar with our friends Gloria and her hubby Marc.  So, the funny thing is the dude running the seminar kept yelling "Chaaaaa-Ching" and he would make us yell it too.  Arms in the air and all.  At one point I think we were all hugging one another, and standing on chairs, but anyway, you get the point.    You really DID need to experience this seminar.   We still laugh about it.  In fact, I am grinning as I type. 

That said, as crazy as the dude was, his methology was "cash-based" - meaning buying canisters or jars, and putting your budgeted cash-spend into each jar.      Seemed a little basic at the time, but we have since implemented this methodology.   We are just starting so will let you know how it goes.     By the way our friends (above) bought us these very cool and slick stainless steel jars as a house warming gift.    So, they even look awesome in our kitchen.   



I know I've posted about budgeting before, but I think this exercise is so cool.    I'm looking forward to the next 4 weeks.

What do you do?    How do you ensure you don't go over budget?    How do you make sure you don't spend too much at the grocery store?     

Create what you want, and let nothing stop you

So, I love this guy.    Ya, I know he's mean, and treats people like crap - it's not those attributes of him that I love.

Bravo TV: Flipping Out - Jeff Lewis

What I love about him is that he knows what he's good at (boy, does he!), he does what he loves, he is an amazing "creator", he takes less than ideal circumstances and turns them into beautiful experiences.   

That's why I love him.   It's Saturday afternoon, I'm watching "Flipping Out" waiting to leave for my facial appointment, and suddenly I realized that his approach translates into every day life.

If you have a less than ideal situation, take it on with avengence, raise your expectations, raise the bar, take nothing less, stay focused, ask for what you need and go for it - create the experience you deserve.    

Oh, and don't "flip out".     Happy Saturday!   

Money - can you do without?

So, one of my Projects for 2011, is a financial project.    I won't get into the meat of the project, but it is very specific, and fairly lofty, to say the least.

I am finding, however, that when making "finances" a project, it a) becomes, not only challenging (in a good way) but fun; b) you can make some serious headway, and c) it just plain feels good to be disciplined and see the gains.

Am thinking about moving to "cash-only" (for me).   Meaning, that I won't carry cards of any description, but will take out $X for the week or month, and that's what I will live on.    The cards will be for necessities, like groceries, and typical monthly, budgeted expenses.    Now that's a challenge, if I ever heard one!!   

I've have never really budgeted before, so this project is very new for me.  We have been working at it for a few months, trying this and that, and now I think we've figured out what will work for us.

Wish us luck!

So, what's your budget methodology?   Got any tricks you want to share?

In the meantime, I'll refrain from posting Tiffany's pictures, and beautiful shoes, etc.     How about the things that bring real happiness?   You know, the things money can't buy.

Obvious?  Yes.

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Feel the breeze and smell the water???

I can totally feel what it's like here.

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Photo title:  "Blooming in Spring"

I love the colours here - and I love spring!

Ahhhh, appreciating the things that money can't buy!!



New Years Resolutions......in or out?

Have I wished you Happy New Year yet?    My goodness, Happy New Year!

I once had a friend whose resolution went as follows:

"I resolve to avoid self deprivation."

And I have to say, I support this 100%.     Why?   Because I think that life is too short to deprive ourselves of things.   Rather, why can't resolutions be about bringing pleasurable things into our lives, instead of taking pleasurable things OUT of of our lives?

How about:

"I resolve to add pleasurable things into my life"

Have you ever thought about that?     It's a bit of an A-HA for me.    While I realize I must take most sugar out of my life, I must admit, I really don't get "pleasure" from sugar.  It actually makes me feel like crap, it causes a war with my skin, and never mind the effect on my Citizens of Humanity jeans.

So, I challenge you - if you are making a resolution, choose something you wish to add to your life, rather than force yourself to do without.

Now, for things that bring pleasure to my world:

Sarah 101 starts tonight at 9:00!!!

(while I don't LOVE-LOVE Oprah, I am looking forward to this Network)

Now this speaks for itself, yes?

I may need this light in our dining room in the future.

Now I must run and get ready for Sarah 101.    What are some of things that you resolve to bring IN to your life in 2011?

10 lessons of 2010.

Well we have just a little over 24 hours to go before 2011 - wow, it all flies by so fast.   I mean, I remember Y2K like it was yesterday. 

So, as I think about what I want to write about - I reflect back on 2010.     And what better to write about than all the learnings of the year.    The A-Ha's.     There have been many, I mean, one of the purposes of this blog is just that, figuring this life out one (beautiful) thing at a time.

So, here are some of my learnings of 2010:

1.    Everyone is on their own journey, everyone's reality belongs to them, as mine does to me - don't for one second think I know what could be going on with anyone else.    Mind my business and only my business.

2.   Apply a filter - always.    Inside voices are not meant for outside.   Keep inside commentary to myself, or for true and trusted friends.    Not meant for work settings, EVER!!    Or family settings for that matter.   (journal it if I have to barf it out somewhere :-p)

3.   Sugar and insulance-resistance cause acne.    Amongst other things.

4.   Speak the truth - always.    Mean what I say, and say what I mean.   If I don't, things will just go off the rails.  FAST.

5.  Compassion.    Find some.

6.   Life has a strange way of making me sit up and listen - so I might as well pay attention from the get-go.

7.   Change my relationship with food - food is vitality, my friend and not my enemy - never forget that.

8.   Working out keeps me sane.     Accept it.

9.   Dont' take it personally (stop being so sensitive) - it likely has nothing to do with me.   And frankly, it's just tiring.

10.  Honour myself:    Eat for vitality, drink less alcohol, get lots of sleep, drink lots of water and love how I spend (all) my time.

And those are my learnings for 2010 my friends.     And what are yours?- come on, please share.     So important to keep searching and learning and sharing.

In the meantime, what's the Life Beautiful Project blog without something beautiful - just for you 24 hours before 2011.

(source: Bits of Truth)

I love this - it's yet another one of those learnings.

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"Snuggles" - 'nuff said!

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"Simple Joy"

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Speaks for itself.

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"Togetherness"

Well my friends, the count down is on to 2011 - take the next 24 hours to truly understand what you've learned, appreciate how you've been gifted, and embrace what is in your power to change.

Scrooge-y or too much?

Merry Christmas everyone, or should I say happy day after Boxing Day!    Been a very busy few weeks, which is why I haven't dropped in.     But things are calmer, and I am calmer, and so....here we are.

Speaking of calm - may I just ask:  why does Christmas have to be so insanely busy?    Is anyone else as busy as me?  (surely no one can be as busy as meeeee [jk]).      But let's talk about this.     It seems to me that almost everyone I know runs around with lists, buying, planning, organizing, decorating (yes, I had a thing for my front door, but it stopped there [other than the tree of course]).     There's gift buying, gift wrapping, socializing, menu planning, grocery shopping, work parties, non-work parties (and with that comes wardrobe considerations).

Good grief - really?   does it really need to be this way?       I think with all this frenzy we risk forgetting what Christmas is supposed to be about.   Don't you think?   

Perhaps you're thinking - she's a scrooge, or maybe she's just Christmas'ed out.

But seriously people - who does not dread (too strong of a word?) the wind up?     So, tell me, am I just being scrooge-y, or does anyone out there feel the same?    Go ahead, if you disagree, call me out - I am honestly interested in how other people experience Christmas.

In the meantime, our pooch was in full form once again - she waited patiently for her papparazzi.

Merry Christmas (+ 2 days) from Hub and me!!

Humble up for 2011

Yes, that's right, I'm starting to think about a change for 2011.    Actually, that's not true, it's a change I've decided to make today.      It might not be easy, so it might take me till 2011 to get it right (if ever). 
I've decided to "humble up".    Have you ever looked at a situation and thought to yourself that the way you see it, is the ONLY way it actually is?     You know, it's common sense - your common sense.     You might look at something that someone did, or didn't do, and feel annoyed becaused it's not what you would have done.    You feel irked, maybe put out, or even insulted, and if the tables were turned you would have handled it much different, better in fact.

Well, let me tell y'a - I got a little talking to today from a friend, who made me realize that I don't know everything.     Excuse me?    Ahh, yes I do.   I was raised right, I was taught what is right and wrong, what to say when, and what not to say, when to mind my p's and q's, and when to accomodate (which is almost always btw.)   And, there is only one way to handle a situation, and it's the right way.    Right? 

Wrong.     I realized that not only are we all on our own personal journeys, but common sense may be different from different stand-points, my right and wrong, might not be someone else's right and wrong, how something registers with me, may register differently with someone else.

So, my mantra for 2011:   "humble up Susan" - this immediately makes me accept that I cannot control the actions or non-actions of others, obsessing about it only makes me unhappy, I cannot possibly understand the world of others, and I must focus only on that which I can control and change - because this reality I live in belongs to me and only me.

Phew - I feel better now.    So, since this post is really about bringing more joy and happiness in our lives, I bring you this:

(source) - if this doesn't make you smile, then, I dunno.........this is funny on so many levels (from my stand-point of course)

(source) - let us not forget this, EVER!

(source) - this is just so simple and easy.

(source) - Only when we stop obsessing about things outside of our control will we realize we can just turn on the light - I love this!!

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So friends, have you any thoughts on 2011?     Yeah, I know, Christmas isn't even here yet - but I think it's never too early (or late) for a reality check.     As Caitlin of Operation Beautiful says, "change the way you see, rather than the way you look" - good mantra for 2011!!     Yes?

Sugar is not just bad for your butt.........and a little duck anyone?

(note:  you are entering a pretty lengthy post - get comfie :))

A visit to my Naturopathic Doctor (ND) yesterday, is inspring this post.    Feel it worthy of discussion, since it rarely is discussed, never mind addressed by regular mainstream GP's.

My call to my ND yesterday was prompted by a few things:    my skin seems to have a found a mind of it's own (acne), and I've have been noticing (especially since the beginning of my Alcohol-free Zone) a significant increase in sugar cravings.    Almost uncontrollable, really.    Amongst other things (sigh).

She explained to me that my regular wine consumption had been feeding the natural yeast levels in the my body, likley at somewhat elevated but maintainable levels.     When I took wine out of the "environment", my body went into overdrive, looking for a replacement.  Let's face it - wine is pure sugar.  (I read once that a glass of wine was like having a serving of dessert).     And hence, the sugar cravings.      But!!  I didn't even really notice the cravings to be honest, so I was feeding them.     Worst thing I could do - and I"m not talking about gaining weight (thankfully I didn't) - I'm talking about the dreaded......................CANDIDA.  (gawd, I hate that word on every level).

She explained to me that Candida sets up a little environment/village/city of it's own, and takes over, essentially.      And it keeps asking for more sugar, bring on the sugar, yeah, it likes the sugar.      You see, yeast (candida), thrives with sugar.   

Some of the most frequent Candida symptoms are:  (source)

• abdominal gas and bloating
• headaches
• migraines
• excessive fatigue
• cravings for alcohol
• anxiety
• vaginitis
• rectal itching
• cravings for sweets
• inability to think clearly or concentrate
• hyperactivity
• mood swings
• diarrhea
• constipation
• hyperactivity
• itching
• acne
• eczema
• depression
• sinus inflammation
• pre-menstrual syndrome
• dizziness
• poor memory
• persistent cough
• earaches
• low sex drive
• muscle weakness
• irritability
• learning difficulties
• sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals
• cognitive impairment
• thrush
• athlete's foot
• sore throat
• indigestion
• acid reflux

Here are some links I suggest you have a look at - very interesting.  
http://www.holistichelp.net/candida.html
http://www.candidasymptoms.net/
http://www.naturesintentionsnaturopathy.com/candidiasis/candida-symptoms.htm

Yikes - it's pretty scary.    But what's scarier (IMO), it that our mainstream GP's likely wouldn't suggest Candida as a culprit, but rather, would treat the symtoms independent of one another (ie.  acne, infections, fatigue, depression, inability to concentrate).      

So, mind what you eat (crave?) over the holiday season.      And maybe up the probiotics - the Candida buster!

OK, enough seriousness, we are having a dinner party tonight, so thought I'd share my menu:

Duck with Blackberry Sauce
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Duck-with-Blackberry-Sauce-1265

Crisp Hericots Vert with Pine Nuts
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Crisp-Haricots-Verts-with-Pine-Nuts-240461

Wild Mushroom Risotto
(sorry, don't have a link)

Bread Pudding with Spiced Rum Sauce
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Bread-Pudding-with-Spiced-Rum-Sauce-105700
(this my friends, is simply Ah-mazing!!)

And now, because I think every post needs a pic:

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Go forth and conquer the 2nd last Saturday before Christmas!!!

Big Friday night....shopping, C-tree, drinks after the drought

So much to report - Ok, am just so happy with myself for doing ALL of my shopping for the weekend after work.    We are having a dinner party tomorrow night, and I did the whole haul after work.    I'm making duck - wish me luck!

Then, it was C-tree night.   And to add to this exciting venture, I decided earlier today that my Alcohol-Free Zone was over.      4-weeks, completed, and deemed successful in my books.    More about that later.   So tonight was chocolate martini and Christmas tree night.

Witness the beginning:

My what a beautiful half tree you have?   but "ya look good!"  (this is our thing we tell each other when one person is doing all the work and the other is sitting watching - in our Italian-fake accents - "ya look good, oh but ya look GOOOOOD")

Our choco-martini's.     Yumbo!!!    Mine was the empty one on the left - go figure!   (but we only had one!)

Bring on the craftiness........oh! and we had a fire, of course, it's Friday night - woo, exciting!

Found the antlers - she poses every year in her antlers - such a good sport!

Et voila!!     Bring on the pressies.

With ambiance.   

OK, so here are some of my learnings:

1.    alarm at 6:00, working all day, doing full dinner-party groceries and booze haul, and putting up a Christmas tree is alot in one day (oh, and I did a load of laundry tonight too, just sayin')
2.    drinks after a 4-week hiatus are not as good as one would imagine - interesting learning - they were just OK - mehh.........
3.   tell your husband he looks good when he's assembling the tree and putting on the lights - they like that :)

And so the weekend begins - enjoy!!

What's good about being 40-something......

I think it’s about time we talked about all the great things about being 40-something (or maybe you’re 30 or 20-something, and some of these resonate with you).

1.     When you say no, you mean no – and no, it’s not personal.

2.     When you say yes, you mean yes, no alternative motives.

3.     You are very aware of how others make you feel – or don’t feel in some cases – and take note.

4.    Being alone is cherished instead of feared.

5.    Cellulite on your butt doesn’t matter.

6.   You know who your real friends are, and likely, there aren’t that many (and that’s OK).

7.    You realize how little people are thinking about you, and that’s a good thing.

8.   You worry less about what road to take, ‘cause you’ve likely travelled many (if you’re anything like me) and they aren’t so scary anymore.

9.    Money isn’t viewed as such a hardship –but rather a positive thing.

10.   You’ve figured out some of the things that bring you joy, and repeat them.

11.   You’re OK to be in separate room as your partner and not think the sky is falling.

12.   You’ve figured out what your life purpose is (or maybe you haven’t but you have some ideas at least)

13.   You now understand your parents.

14.   You worry less about what people think of you (see #7)

15.    You have a personal style all of your own.

16.    Eating a cupcake is not going to make you fat!



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OK, so that’s a few of my thoughts on “what’s good about being 40-something”.   Please share some of yours?

De-Alcoholized Wine - is it worthy?

Friday night it is folks!      Yes, indeed, it’s wind down night, and as I mentioned in the past, it is my night to blow off steam, kick back either with my hub, and/or with friends, and bring on some delicious wine and food.

Fast forward three weeks to today.      (Just as a refresher – I am on a 30-day “Alcohol-Free-Zone” to test alcohol, or the lack of, on my brain.    Yes, that’s right, does it make me crazy, is the question???).

OK, so back to today.    I am so happy right now, I can hardly stand it, and there are lots of reasons for this, friends.       First, it’s Friday, this we know for sure.      Second, last night while out to see a musical, we had some time to kill, so a friend and I dropped into a grocery store to see what they had by way of de-alcoholized wine.       Sidebar:    I always said, if I could find a wonderful wine, that tasted like a deep shiraz, or a fresh crisp Pinto Grigio, and it didn’t have alcohol, I would be just as happy to drink that.     For me it’s the taste – I just love it.     

I found PC’s De-Alcoholized Sparking Wine, and it’s amazing!!!      It tastes like Champagne, which I didn’t mention above, but love it too (sigh, no, double sigh).     I have it in a wine glass, with icecubes – no…. this is not something I would normally do, but feel it’s acceptable if it doesn’t have alcohol(?????).     OK, whatever, it’s cold and delicious, and sparkling.     I’m as pleased as a peacock right now. 





Never mind, my cleaning ladies were here today, and my house is spotless, I have a fire on, my hub and pooch are coming back from the cottage hopefully with my birch logs for tomorrow’s outdoor project, and my iPod is toggling between Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Harry Conick Jr. and Charlie Brown Christmas music.



So what do you do on Friday nights?    Drop me a comment, would love to hear what other people get up to on Friday night.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!