Tech. Tuesday

Amazingly enough I spend a lot of time on the internet - A LOT. I surf, I read, I giggle. And as I'm doing this I find tons of stuff that I put into my favourites section. Some of it makes it on my blog as 'beautiful blogs' or 'a few of my favourite sites on-line' and some of it doesn't; some of it I work into my everyday blogs and hopefully you venture out and check some of it out. They really can be interesting. And yes, some of it isn't going to work in your everyday lives (really, who would spend $1000 on a lamp for crying out loud) but take a look anyway. Well, today I decided to list a few of the sites I've enjoyed. Click, perhaps it'll give you a little more insight into my dream world! Hope you enjoy too.

Are you into running? Then here you'll be able to map a run.

Some of you commented that you liked the idea of being able to make your own journal. This company allows you to make your own book! Isn't that simply wonderful?

Okay, this is just fun - get your kids involved - or your husband!

For Robin, and anyone else looking for some simple and interesting dinner ideas, check out The Dinner Files (hopefully a little different than the X-Files...).

Want to jazz up those photos you're going to use in your book? How about aging them or adding some effects?

And lastly, I like this little online store. It's lovely - check out the bunny slippers and the little purses! Nice.

This isn't everything I've got. Check back next Tuesday to see if I add any others. And until then, I'm going to sit still for a few minutes, check facebook (addict?), drink my Tazo Tea, and watch some Noggin (love it).

Work or Pleasure?

The white dresser I'm refinishing. It's was a bit chipped and ugly. I'm stripping the paint of the front and just leaving the edging in the white.

Good find or junk? All the drawers are there and the hardware. And yes, my garage is a mess too - cleaning it up is on the list!

Alright, it's time. I've put it off all winter - it's been too cold to work in the garage. But now, spring is almost here, temperatures are picking up, and I'm in desperate need of a desk. I'm writing with my computer set up on an ottoman and I'm sitting on the floor...

So, I found the above desk on the side of the road this fall and I thought it would be perfect painted black and set in my guest room. Imagine new hardware as well - not sure about which type yet - what do you think? Wouldn't it be great in the fireplace room near the window - easier to keep an eye on the kids! I also have a dresser I have to finish. Hmm... sounds like a fun week doesn't it? Anyone want to come help?

Spring?

The Tulips in my yard.
Don't you just love Tevas?

I think Spring might be here. Friday and Saturday were marvelous days - both warm, partly sunny and filled with energy and happiness. I cleaned, cleaned and cleaned some more and I would almost, at this time, almost, be able to have strangers into my house without shuddering to think what they might find in the far reaches of the room. The dust bunnies have been battled and conquered (until next week). The spiderwebs have been removed from the light fixtures. The baseboards are still covered in dust but seriously, I'm not getting down on to the floor to scrub them so too bad.

One of the other bonus' to spring, you know, aside from me getting off my butt and cleaning, is Friday Night Driveway Wine Night. A Holiday you ask, why yes, sort of. FNDWN is the night when people in my neighbourhood - my husband, K, R and I - get together and sit in the driveway and drink wine and chat about our week. It's wonderful. We talk and vent. I yell at my husband. My neighbours laugh. We drink wine (sometimes bad wine -ick) and eat stuff that we try not to eat for the rest of the week (Oh, except on Thursday Night Wine Night with the girls - hmm... I see a trend here...). It's nice to live in an area where your neighbours are good friends and it's a relaxed atmosphere.

It does however, make me miss some of the good friends I've made in my many stops along the way. I reminisced about a few places I've been with them - The Pub, The Intowner, Lulus, the Split Crow, Pappys Corner Pub (to name a few- yes, there's more). And of course, it's not about the buildings but more about the times I had with my friends. Like FNDWN and Thursday nights with the girls, it's always about more than the food and drink, it's about the memories and the laughs. I never had sisters when I was growing up (I do now, they are just little) and my brothers were both too old to hang out with their little sister and so, my friends became more than friends, they became my family. A lot of pressure for my new friends, I wonder if they know what they're in for (as I'm never moving again!).

So, here's to Spring - may you not be too fleeting, here's to friends and here's to flip-flops! May summer be right around the corner!

Friday is here!

Go out! Get out of the house NOW! Oh, wait. In Columbus right now it's +17C (62F)! It's practically summer here. The kids have played outside all day and I was able to go for a run without a jacket, toque, mitts, sweater.... well, you get the idea. Just a t-shirt and running capris. *sigh* It was wonderful (the fact that my neighbour was with me was an added bonus)! And so, for today I am saying "Adieu". Have a good evening ladies (I'd say gentlemen as well but I'm not sure I have any male readers - aside from my husband). Enjoy your wine, as I will. Hopefully tomorrow I can pull myself from this lovely weather and write just a little bit more.

A few Observations.

You can find this journal at L2 Design Collective and they have so much more worth looking at!

A few of the snacks from our Thursday night get-togethers.

Happy Thursday!

Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog and thank you as well for the great comments! In regard to the post on Beauty - I should have mentioned what I find nice about myself but thought I'd give you all time to ponder the question first. There's always things that irk me when I look in the mirror - like when did those lines get so deep around my eyes, mouth, neck, etc. But, generally, I'm still liking my hair (except when I was pregnant and it started to fall out - ick) and since I started running I have to say I adore, yes adore, my calves! It was great to know everyone could think of just one thing so that when you have those days (and I know we all have them) that you just think "ACK!" you can try to focus on that one thing and hopefully it will make your day that much better.

And now, I thought I'd share with you a few thoughts I had while I was waiting for Ellie to finish his swimming lesson on Tuesday. I almost always have to write something down whenever I'm out so I've started carrying a little notebook with me (If you think this is a good idea then you might want to consider carrying one too. Here's an example - or here- or here and of course, here).

Do you ever have those days when you wake up and the smile is already there? The rose coloured glasses are in place - You could throw your arms up and spin and jump up and down in a room full of strangers and not care?!

- A dad plays with his child in the pool and you can see the love in his eyes.

- Squeals of delight as the baby flies in the air.

- Splash, splash, splash, blowing bubbles and marvelling at the wonders of water.

- On days like these you wonder how it is that the world is at war, poverty exists and global destruction is so rampant.

- A mother-to-be glowing, smiling, waving at a friends baby.

- A little girl, maybe 4?, supposed to be learning to swim but she can't listen. The pull to swish the water is too great. The teacher "barks" at her but she smiles and splashes some more.

- Outside the sun shines. Gold light, blue skies, reflections in the glass. Shadows on the ground.

- A little boy stands besides the slide, almost hidden behind a beam. He's eating animal crackers and watching the other boys swim. Does he want to be swimming too? He doesn't look sad, just pensive.

- The simple beauty that should make you happy - that should open your eyes and make you thankful for being able to exist. Do you see it? Do you see the children trying so hard to learn, to please you? Do you see the little boy who just jumped into the pool with all his might and determination? Do you see his smile? Do you see his light shining?

- Always stand up straight, shoulders back. Only round your shoulders if you're guilty or you've wronged someone intentionally. Confidence and self-respect and a smile are not only catchy but attractive. You don't have to be skinny or tall or smart; a simple smile and straight back will change the way you view the world. Try it.

- Don't just smile with your mouth. Smile with your eyes.

Beauty

I have a bit of a question for you today. You don't have to answer right away; if you'd like to think about it that's fine as well.
Alright, ready?

Name one thing about you that you think is beautiful - and it has to be external. Something that everyone can see. Something that no matter who is looking at you they will think it's amazing. Not an easy assignment? Not something that you think about all the time? I don't believe that.
I bring this up for a few reasons: 1. Because my friends and I were talking about body image this weekend (Ser wrote about it on her blog). 2. Because this is a big topic for girls and boys - who are we kidding? My son already talks about how his eyes are beautiful (It runs in my husbands side of the family. His eyes and his brothers and their aunts are gorgeous!). 3. Because in Twilight (yes, see how big this book is in my life right now? Sad.) Edward loves Bella no matter what she looks like; even though in her eyes she's so very flawed. And he too believes he's flawed because he's a "monster" (*sigh*) and can't possibly be good enough for her.
Now the reason I'm asking you to look on the outside is because internally we are all beautiful are we not? I'd like to believe that anyway. For those of you that are my friends, trust me, you're gorgeous, internally and externally - I'm very picky about my friends... You are kind-hearted, trust-worthy, and funny. And on the outside you shine and make my day brighter every time I'm with you. Thank you.

The "Twilight" Zone

I'm officially in it. I have a secret - or not so secret depending on who you are - I love the Twilight Saga. LOVE!!! I've read all the books and finally seen the first movie. And now, I'm living in la-la-Twilight zone. Luckily, there's nothing more until Stephanie Meyer changes her mind and writes either a fifth book (we'd read it) or continues her work on Midnight Sun (thank you to whomever leaked it - really, we're not hooked and wouldn't have enjoyed reading a whole book vs. just 265 pages). This way, I can go on not ignoring my friends and family. And now, I should probably start working on all the house work I've been letting go astray. I should probably start painting, fixing and wallpapering. I should...

Wait, I own the books... Umm, gotta go, I think Book 4 is calling me...

P.S. In the time I had, not reading, I made the cookies I mentioned in the previous post. Not as 'fluffy' as I had hoped but yummy just the same.