here comes the sun

This is basically how I feel right now.

What a gorgeous weekend we had here in Halifax. Seeing the sun after a long, cold, extended winter is so reassuring. I even had my first patio meal of the year - complete with a margarita.

I hope there is more of this on the way. How was your weekend?

 

xx Janelle

currently | a positive start to 2014

I have so much to tell you and show you - including a trip to Mexico - but I don't want to force the words out. Here's a look at what's been up lately around here.

watching & listening | to lots of youtube videos.

That includes listening to every Jhene Aiko song I can find - this one in particular. Her voice is so unique and soothing. Her style is hard to peg, but it's half R&B and half chill.

reading | On Looking.

A friend of mine (hi, SE!) recommended this to me about a year ago I'd say and only now am I getting around to it. I've only read a few pages so far, so I can't give you a real review. Based on what I've read so far though, I think it will help me be more present, especially on my walks with Abby.

Sometimes I drag her along in the mornings because I woke up late. I hope to be able to get out of bed earlier and take our walks on a slower pace. I'm sure she would appreciate the extra time to sniff our neighbours' compost bins and find errant turkey bones.

annoyed by | our front door's lock.

With the rain and cold we've had lately, our lock has frozen. It takes me a good minute or so of wiggling and tapping in order to get the key in. Let me just say right here that tapping is putting it lightly. More like slamming? This cannot be done bare-handed - mittens are a must. Otherwise, I would cut myself. So, yesterday I was a bit too ambitious (aggressive?) with my "tapping" and broke D's key in the lock.

neglecting | cleaning my bathroom.

It's really not that bad. Ever since the new year, D & I have been on an organizing/cleaning kick. Straight up, I am a messy person. That said, in the past few weeks I've made a few changes in my habits that have made a huge impact. Now... dishes only sit on the counter for a day or two and I keep a few surfaces free of clutter. The keyword here is few - my dining/craft table always seems to house those things that don't have a "home". Tell me you have a space that seems to collect the most random things...?

We've also reorganized our spare room closet, our tupperware cupboard and two bookshelves. I wish I had pics to show you because this is a major improvement.

So with all of that, my bathroom has taken a back seat.

excited about | buying a house.

I think 2014 is going to be the year. Want to follow along?



Thanks so much for reading,
xx Janelle

little lessons : build in rest & buy yourself a sweater

Happy Monday to you all! We survived.

Last week was a little bit of a blur for me. Every night I had somewhere to be or something to do - mind you, it was all fun stuff. When the dust settled this weekend, I had a bit of time to reflect.

Here are a few mini-lessons I've learned:

- If you see a sweater you love at Target and there's only one left in your size, buy it. It won't be there next week.

- No matter how long you've been saving, you will feel a pang of anxiety when you make a big purchase. Wait it out, you will get excited...

-  If you plan to go somewhere on Friday, built in rest time during the week. Otherwise, you will crash. You are not superwoman. It's okay to be tired and call a time out. This is a lesson I will learn and re-learn.

- Peppermint tea will make your belly feel better 75% of the time. Drink lots of it!

- A short workout is better than no workout. Even if you can't remember the last time you did any physical activity other than walking your dog.

post-workout & smiling.

How was your weekend? Any lessons learned?

xx Janelle

Halloween Tag | lambchops & chocolate

I normally never do these, but I was tagged by my real-life friend Val from Making It Sparkle, so I had to say yes.

If you're not into these types of things, come back next week for a Fall favorites post inspired by my friend Jamie's YouTube channel. I'm hoping to share some of my well-loved items for Fall. Some food, some clothes, some home comforts. Oh, and don't worry there will be no mention of pumpkin spiced lattes! Promise.

THE HALLOWEEN TAG 

 

1. What is your favorite Halloween movie?

Hmm, well considering I can't handle scary movies at all... probably something more suspensful. Maybe Black Magic, although I haven't seen that one in years. I'm more into Christmas movies. I think it's still too early to watch Elf though. I have strict rules about these things.

 

2.  What was your favorite costume?

Ah, so many to choose from! I'm one of those annoying people who gets overly excited about dressing up in costume. I was a dance and theatre kid back in grade school. That should explain some of it.

Here's my favorite costume I've thrown together:

I got to become my beloved childhood best friend, my stuffed animal Lambchops. Every little girl's dream.

Please ignore how scary I look in the top right photo. I know it's Halloween and I was cold, but still.

3.  Do you like haunted houses?

No. Not even a little bit.

One year I succumbed to peer pressure and went to to a haunted walk at a zoo with friends. This was a terrible idea. The thought of going through these enclosed spaces while people jumped out at me with blood all over themselves and holding weapons was too much for me. I got about one or two steps into one of the exhibits and darted back out. So, I waited outside after each one. All night. While seven year olds went through without batting an eye.

4.  What's your favorite candy?

Chocolate or sour candy.

5.  Do you decorate for Halloween?

I don't now, but if we had a house we would put a few pumpkins out. No skeletons and bones though.... not really our style.

 

6.  Do you still dress up for Halloween? If yes, what will you be this year?

I always do, if there's a party to go to. This year, I planned to be a mermaid, but I couldn't make it to the fabric store, so I'm going as a swamp lady instead. There will be drapey fishnet fabric, painted on fish scales and fake seaweed. I'll make it work!

7.  What is the one Halloween candy you can't stand?

Those taffy's wrapped in the orange and black wrappers. Ick.

8.  What's your best Halloween memory?

Trick or treating around my subdivision as a kid. There were quaite a few houses which meant a decent candy haul. We always collected our candy in pillowcases. Did you guys do that?

9.  What song comes to mind when you think of Halloween?

The monster mash.

10.  What's your favorite part of Halloween?

Cute kids in costumes. Little superman's & fairies melt my heart!

11.  Would you rather trick or treat?

Treats!

12.  Candy Corn- Take It or Leave It?

Ew.

 

13.  If a black cat crosses your path, what do you do?

Call it towards me so I can pat it. Here kitty, kitty, kitty....

14.  Do you carve/decorate pumpkins?

Yes! I haven't the past couple of years though. I painted one a few years ago and it was really enjoyable so I think I'll do that again soon.

15.  How old were you when you stopped Trick-or-Treating?

16? I still remember feeling too old for it at that point, but some teens in the neighborhood still did it. I guess I'm a sucker for free candy.

I was a banana that year. A hellow hoodie and a sign on my chest that said "Yes, I'm a banana". I hope you don't feel jealous of how cool I was... Haha.

16.  Festive Nail Art- Yes or No?

Subtle nail art is good. Black with silver, a deep burnt orange or peach, but no long red claws for me.

I hope your Halloween is extra sweet. Happy trick or treating!

xx
Janelle

give thanks

 

 lettering by me.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends & readers! I hope you find time this weekend to spend with your loved ones - both human & furry.

Things I'm thankful for today...

D's family and all they do for us. I can't even count all the drives they've given us.

My parents willingness to come down to Halifax to visit, so we don't have to drive up. 3 kids here does outnumber 2 parents up in New Brunswick though and they have a car... but still. 

Having the afternoon off work. My manager is super-accommodating and I'm so grateful for that.

Creativity and the joy it brings.

Friends and connections I've made through volunteering with Happily Ever Active. Building community.

Stuffing. Who can argue with that one?

Wishing you a great weekend!

xx Janelle