A Few of my Favorite Things

With Christmas comes many gifts, and gift certificates! Here are some of my favorite gifts and things bought with said gift certificates.

Best present ever? Ray Bans!

Thank you mommy!

I got two gift certificates for MAC, one from my brother's girlfriend Chantelle (obviously a good gift for me haha!) and another from my parents.

From left to right

Mineralize Blush in 'Dainty' - 25$

Eyeshadow in 'Veluxe Pearl, Plum Dressing' -17.50$

Eyeshadow in 'Veluxe Pearl, All That Glitters' - 17.50$

A gift certificate to Sephora meant a much needed Smashbox Halo hydrating perfecting powder! This stuff is amazing!

I use it to set my foundation or alone if I'm just going to the gym. It makes my skin look amazing! Just one of these lasted me 6 months! Well worth the hefty price of 72$

I could probably spend thousands of dollars at American Apparel, but I have to hold myself back every time I walk into the store.

My parents gave me a gift card to the Rideau Center, which went to AA nail polish and clothing.

I've already said in a previous post how amazing AA nail polish is, so when I saw it in the color 'Rouge' I knew I had to get it! While I was there I picked up a long sleeve crochet jumper http://store.americanapparel.ca/rsa0333.html?cid=139 in black. I love it!

My parents also bought me a pair of high waist leggings and two shirts from AA that I absolutely adore!

I live in high waist pants. At work, the gym and pretty much every day, I'm wearing something high waisted. So it's no surprise that I have been drooling over CHEAP MONDAY's long line of high waist denim.

I went to NORML Clothing on Rideau Street, and ended up paying 75$ for a pair of mid rinse high rise skinny denim in a size 26. I loved their customer service, and the jeans are worth every penny!

There's more stuff to show, but I'm off to bed for now.

Carpe Diem and Happy Holidays

Day 28 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 28 - A picture that can always make you smile

Amazing.

Day 27 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 27 - A picture of something you're afraid of

I'm really scared of running over an animal while driving! I almost had a heart attack once when a cat ran past my car.

Day 26 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 26 - A picture of you and a family member

This is my real life sister. We have matching tattoos.

Day 25 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 25 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.

I've always wished I could be more organized. With my time, school, my room, and pretty much everything.

Day 24 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 24 - A picture of your day.

Well, the first part of my day was spent in a clinic, but the rest is being spent in front of a fire, watching TV, and mindlessly surfing the internet.

Day 23 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 23 - A Picture of something you wish you could change.

I wish I could change all the people with such a negative attitude towards life. Life is beautiful, and happiness is a choice.

Day 22 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 22 - A picture of your favorite book.

Well to be honest, I've never been fond of books. Sitting down and concentrating for that long is to tough for me.

I do enjoy my Cosmo though!

Day 21 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Oh my gosh! I might be done this by Christmas haha!

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

My whole grade 9 'look'.

The emo bangs, crazy eye liner, white bra showing through my shirt, and lack of real smile.

Wow! That was almost 6 years ago!

Day 20 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 30 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.

England!

The accents, the fashion, the sights, and the nightlife! I would absolutely love to visit one day! Hopefully in the near future!

Day 19 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 19 - A picture of something you love to do
I love working out and playing sports. It's that natural high you get and the feeling of the 'zone' that make me love what I'm doing.
Whether it's at the gym, or on the field, I just absolutely love it.

Now this is a pretty bad scrum, but this is the only picture where i'm not in the front row!

Day 18 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity

I'm only human, so obviously there are some insecurities I have. I've embraced my old insecurity of having a gap in my teeth, so I think the only big insecurity I have left is my skin. It's dry when theres no breakouts, and breakouts when it's not dry. Now I know my skin is probably a lot better than some other people, but I envy girls who don't have to wear foundation!

Here are some songs about acne, and insecurities by my favorite English boy.

Day 17 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 17 - A picture of something that has had a huge impact on your life recently.

Finally getting my drivers licence! No more awkwardly asking people for rides, and I don't have to walk in the cold as much!

Day 16 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you

Mister Howard Schultz, not because he's technically my boss, but because he built an entire company through a vision.

Day 15 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

Well if you look to the left side of your screen, you'll see my bucket list; However if I had to choose just one, It would be to passionately kiss in the rain, just like those old cheesy romance movies.

Day 14 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 14 - A picture of someone you couldn't imagine your life without
We tell each other everything, we are always there for each other, and we are pretty much attached at the hip.
I honestly don't know what I would do without this girl!

Day 13 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I had a really hard time choosing this one, since my taste in music changes all the time. I ended up picking The Ramones, because they have been a top pick of mine since I was about 12, now that's some dedication!

I'm also a big fan of Weezer, The Clash, Kanye West, The Beatles, Tegan and Sarah, Taylor Swift, ACDC, ZZ Top, and many many more.

Don't let yourself be strapped to one type of music!!

Day 12 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 12 - A picture of something you love.

While I do love my iPhone, I love the music on it way more!

Music has gotten me through some rough times, some good times, and everything in between.

I love dancing to music, and listening to music makes the long bus to school bearable.

Day 11 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.

I hate growing apart from really good friends. It makes me really sad.

What a week!

It's been a crazy week! Not only have I been working my butt off with school and work, but I turned 19 on Tuesday Nov. 16! I can now legally drink in Ontario!!

The next day I went to get a tattoo with my sister. We both got green ribbons in support of organ donation. As I've mention in a previous post, I have PKD, which means I may need a kidney in the future. My sister is kind enough to offer one of hers to me, but not everyone is fortunate enough to have that.

On Saturday I went to Mavericks to see Bahamas (Afie Jurvanen), an indie musician from Toronto. He was absolutely AMAZING! His music was incredible, upbeat, and relaxing. His album 'Pink Strat' is on repeat on my iPod right now.

Now, with even more exciting news, I just passed my G2 driving test! I drive now!!! I'm so happy to finally get that test out of the way! Now I just have to fix my car before I can actually drive anywhere...

So since Bahamas was so great live, heres a video from a show he did in St. Johns, performing my favorite song 'Hockey Teeth'

And some more Bahamas

Day 10 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Wow this is taking me a while..

Day 10 - A picture of you and the person you do the most messed up things with.

Erica Lackey, you are insane.

Don't be frightened, this was us in grade nine.

Day 9 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 9 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

This girl stood by me through everything in high school, and somehow is still sticking by me.

I feel like this is a friendship that will last forever.

On a side note - I know I've been slacking on this 30 day challenge, but I often can't find time to update with school and everything. SORRY! ♥

Carpe Diem.

Day 8 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 8 - A picture that makes you laugh

Best Friends + Garbage Bags = Hilarity

Day 7 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 7 - A picture of your most treasured item.

My first rugby ball! I learned so many new things with this ball, and my high school rugby team won our first game ever with this ball.

It's been signed by our whole team.

Day 6 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 6 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

Now I can't say she's my idol or anything, but I have fallen in love with her new album.

I would love to trade places just to be able to write songs about people who have done you wrong or been good to you, and do it well.

Day 5 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 5 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Rugby 2008

The first girls rugby team our school had ever seen, and we had no idea what we were doing.

Showering after games only to go to dances with concussions and injuries.

Getting in trouble for blasting music and dancing in the locker room.

Falling in love with a sport that I had never heard of before, and making memories with these girls that I will never forget.

Day 4 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 4 - A picture of your night

Now I completely forgot to get a picture, but I spent my night with Jill, and Erica.

It's become tradition to go on Ottawa's haunted jail walk before Halloween.

I know every story, but it's always a good time!

Day 3 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

MTV LIVE

Weeknights at 6&11.... and sometimes at 8.

This show is 3rd tier live television madness.

And I love it.

Day 2 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 2 - A photo of you and someone you've been closest with for the longest

Sisters. Does anything else need to be said?

Day 1 - 30 Day Photo Challenge

So recently on facebook, I've seen a few friends start the '30 Day Challenge' where you post a certain picture or fact about yourself each day. I've decided to do this on my blog so I don't spam people every day for 30 days.

Day 1 - A photo of yourself with fifteen facts about yourself.

1. I watch terrible television shows. I can't help it.

2. I watch YouTube religiously before bed every night.

3. I'm agnostic.

4. I'm jealous of people who are religious.

5. When I turn off the lights in the basement, I sprint up the stairs.

6. I love going to the gym.

7. I love smiling.

8. I love making other people smile.

9. I hate losing friends.

10. I have Polycystic Kidney Disease.

11. I have never fallen in love.

12. I like beards. A lot.

13. I work for Starbucks.

14. I love music.

15. I love my friends.

Materialistic?

What girl isn't materialistic from time to time?
I would say that more than half of my wardrobe is from either American Apparel or Forever 21. Yeah real exciting right? An Urban Outfitters is opening in my city within the next few months, and that will more than likely take up a large part of my wardrobe!
The new fall lines are out which promted this blog, of things that I want, and things that I have recently purchased.


Pins and Needles Watercolor Chiffon Blouse
Urban Outfitters

















Lords of Liverpool Tee
Urban Outfitters


















Motel Carly Slub Tee
Urban Outfitters


















Urban Renewal JOHANN Butterscotch Dress
Urban Outfitters

















Women’s Cable Knit Sweater T 'Wheat'
American Apparel














Piqué Tee 'Firefly'
American Apparel















The new American Apparel nail polish is absolutely amazing!
It goes on opaque after one coat and dries very quickly.
This is for sure my new favourite nail polish line! I'm going back for more...

The colours I bought are (from left to right) Peacock, L Esprit, and Office.





Carpe Diem ♥

Everyone Smiles in the Same Language

I have challenged myself to do something that people don't seem to do as much anymore.
Smile.
Now I'm not saying that I don't already smile, I just want to smile more.
Here are a few reasons why;
1. Smiles are contagious
2. Smiles are free
3. Smiling is easier than explaining why you're sad
4. Smiling makes you more approachable
5. Smiling puts you in a better mood

Remember, you're never fully dressed without a smile.

Carpe Diem ♥

Songs to Bus to.

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So in my last post I mentioned that I spent my weekend in driving school. Since I can't drive I spend a lot of time on the bus. I don't mean a 20 minute bus drive. I would say that I spend an average of 2 hours a day on a bus, and when school starts I would say that number will go up to about 3.
Now since that is a scary amount of time to just sit there and think about things, I try to spend that time listening to some good tunes.
Most people expect all of the songs on my iPhone to be dance music, rap, hip hop, etc.
I can't say that I really want to be dancing on the bus, so I like to listen to some solid, happy, cute, or mellow songs.


Warning : You are now entering the contents of my 'AM Bus' playlist.

Change of Seasons - Sweet Thing
Peaches - The Presidents of the United States of America
Cold War - Janelle Monae
Hey Soul Sister - Train
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Nothing on You - B.O.B
Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland
Secrets - One Republic
Don't Be Shy - Shwayze
1, 2, 3, 4 - Plain White T's
Rhythm of Love - Plain White T's
Mine - Taylor Swift
Put Me Back Together - Weezer
I'm Your Daddy - Weezer
Memories - Weezer
If You're Wondering If I Want You To - Weezer

Keeping this playlist on shuffle makes my mornings great, especially since there is nobody to text between 5am and 11am in the summer!

Ever since seeing Weezer live in July, I have been pretty much obsessed with them. This is the song that has been on repeat for the past 2 weeks.




Carpe Diem ♥

Productivity

I have gotten a lot accomplished in the past week. Signing up for driving school, bus pass taken care of, new work shoes, school schedule, and the list goes on.
It feels good knowing the majority of things on my to do list have been crossed off.

Now since I have to wake up early for driving school this weekend, there wont be any fun Friday night events for me. So I will be spending my day being ultra productive! Cleaning out my room, all of my closets and drawers, ordering school books, and working out.

Just a side note, I've been wondering if I will be the only college student attending driving school... Should I make some 15/16 year old friends? Haha...

Well maybe within being productive I'll write a new blog post this weekend. Who knows?

Carpe Diem ♥

Take Me Far, Far Away

This weekend was spent with my cousin and her boyfriend who are from Italy. It's amazing how great they are at speaking English. It makes talking to them pretty easy.
After spending time with them, it reminded me of my trip to Italy when my family visited them. There is a huge difference between going to Rome and seeing all the touristy stuff and going into a small village and experiencing the true family life and culture.
They invited me to stay with them for a month in their village, and I am dying to go!
So it's time to start saving my money and learning some Italian!
I'm hoping to go the summer after I'm finished college, or in the fall when there is a 'Meana festival'!!
Yeah... I was named after a town called Meana...

Well here's a picture with my siblings and the Italians;














Carpe Diem ♥

No Mo Drama

I can count the people I completely, 100% trust, on two hands. I like living a drama free life!
When high school ended, I made a point to stay away from people who caused me drama, and stress throughout my 6 years at St. Matts.

The thing that I hadn't thought through, was what about the people you meet from college, or work? Do you keep your guard up? Do you let people into your life that could potentially cause drama or hurt you?

Could you imagine your life if you hadn't met one specific person? A person who maybe introduced you to your best friend, significant other, or worst enemy? Would you be the same person? I know for a fact, that if I hadn't met at least one of my best friends, my life would not be the same at all. There seemed to be a snowball effect within my best friends. I met one girl within the first few days of high school, and we slowly developed a 'group'. We do our best to understand each other, and help each other. I can honestly say I love my best friends.
If you met your very best friend for the first time today, in a completely different environment, or a completely different mood, would you have the same relationship with them?
Imagine you had the worst day, 8 hours of work, plus homework, plus -40 weather, plus you just broke up with your significant other. A total stranger (your best friend) walks onto the bus and sits next to you. Do you think you would have the same life?
It's difficult to keep your guard up knowing that the next person you meet could very well be your next best friend or close friend.

At the same time, if this new person you have let into your life hurts you, was it worth it?

I don't know if this blog made any sense, it was just a rant. Somebody who was close to becoming my best friend lied to me, and it is very difficult for me to trust people in the first place.

Well, if this DID make sense, let me know if this has ever happened to you, or your thoughts about your best friend situation.

As always carpe diem (seize the day)
Maybe talk to somebody sitting next to you in class, or a shy coworker.
You never know what will happen when you seize the day!

Summer ♥ Summer ♥ Summer

Ouch, It's been almost 2 months since my last post!
To be fair a lot has happened. I moved back home to Orleans with my parents, which means a long bus ride to work, but I get to be close to all of my best friends again!
So here is a summary of the past 2 months;
Canada Day was great, hung out with 300 000+ people on the hill, saw the barenaked ladies!
Bluesfest!!
Down With Webster!! Spent it swooning over Pat and Cam! Fun tunes! I wish I had gotten closer though.
WEEZER! Amazing!Amazing! A great show spent with some great friends! They did a cover of a Lady Gaga song, rocked out, and kicked ass!
Despicable Me, and Inception!!! I highly recommend that everyone should go see these movies in theaters! Soo good!

As much as being downtown was convenient for work and school, I am so happy to be able to see my friends without having to travel far! It may get difficult once school starts again, but I'm sure I'll deal!

As always, Carpe Diem ♥

Computer genius, yes. Wedding bells, not so much.

Good news!
I managed to get off my butt and fix my laptop all by myself! It took a bit of research and a bit of cursing, but I managed to pull through and do it!

I have never thought of myself as the type of person to have a wedding. I'm not against the idea of marriage or anything, I just don't like the whole wedding ceremony thing.
So when I came across this video about a year ago, my mind changed just a little bit.
If I ever do have a wedding something like this would have to happen.



Carpe Diem

Technical difficulties

So my computer has recently been infected with a virus (and I don't have any anti-virus software) so until things have been resolved, I will have to, once again, neglect this blog. I'll let you guys know when everything is running as smooth as astroglide.

iSwear it's not my fault...

That my iTunes looks like this...




And I'm not talking about the amazing choice of music.
I'm talking about my issue with downloading songs, and not fixing the fact that they often don't provide the artist, album, etc.
I found out today that I have over 200 songs with no artist, and even more with the artist in the name box.
So this is my project for the next little while, I might only do 10 or 20 a day, but it's a start right?

Sometimes I try to be productive

Sometimes I try to be productive with this blog, like right now.
So tax return season might be one of my favorite times of the year. In reality I'm just getting the money that was taken away from me in the first place, but when you look at a check that has over 600$, and it's actually for you and not your landlord, you can't help but be excited!
After putting 400$ towards paying off some overdue bills, buying new work shoes, and a few other necessary items, I decided that since I was already in the market, I may as well buy some very unnecessary items. Is there any way to justify having 8 pairs of sunglasses, and yet buy even more as soon as i have money? I figure since I'm making some money off of this blog I would let myself believe it is an investment in the blog..
That works right?

Well here are some pictures of the sunglasses..















Carpe Diem ♥

Taking things for granted.

Have you ever spent a day just exploring your city? Just taking a day to look at everything you walk past all the time makes you realize what you take for granted.
I spent today with one of my very best friends. We went to the market, and the Rideau Centre for some serious window shopping. My wallet was crying for me to open it up and buy a few things, but I'll be going back to get some things when I have some more money.
The scenic end of the day was spent at Confederation Park, the Rideau Canal, and the Locks overlooking Gatineau.


Carpe Diem
xoxo

Filler' up

They say anything is possible
and lifes just another obstacle well show me the manual,
and the man is responsible
I went lookin for answers in the hospital
and came back wit a pocket full
when i stole the manual,
and killed the man.

I swear I want to write on this blog everyday, maybe even twice a day..
But I`m going for quality over quantity.

Well here is a quality song. A Beautiful Day - Gym Class heroes
I promise I will post something when my writers block goes away.

COME come summertime LOVE love take a ride with ME ♥

While technically it is not actually summer, my summer vacation starts today!!!!
I just finished my last exam of the year, and while completely unsure if I actually passed, I couldn't care less right now. I'd rather wait a while before even thinking about school!
Now the only thing I need to worry about this summer is work, moving back home, and of course, above all else, my one love.
Rugby.
Practices start in early May and the season will go on until early September. that's 4 beautiful months of scruming, rucking, and mauling my butt around the rugby pitch.
We'll see how things work out doing both P90X and playing rugby. I could either end up half dead, or look like a fitness model. I'm hoping for the latter.

This has been my favorite summer song for a few years now. Perfect to relax to while tanning or just sitting on a patio.

Carpe Diem

Four Days

Until summer vacation!!!
It's amazing how much earlier college students finish school than high school students.
At this point last year I had just gotten back from my vacation and dreading the last 2 months of school.

Effective Marketing

Is the name of the book that has taken over my whole freshmen year of college.
After this weekend, the textbook is going on my bookshelf and will not be opened for a very, very long time.

22's Son!

Yeah I just made a reference to Big Black. Mostly because my arms feel like jello from P90X, and today is the 22'nd. Wow. Go Meana!
So reading that you may believe that I would be the type of person who celebrated a certain holiday two days ago on the Parliament Hill. Good news folks, I never have!
Not that I am against it, I sat 50 feet away and saw the huge smoke cloud sitting on top of the hill. Followed shortly by a nice herbal smell. Yum. Thanks 420!

Now here's something super duper diddily awesome!
Bluesfest.
Do I need to say more?

Well, I will.
Here are my pics for the Bluesfest season. I can't promise that I will go to each of them, but I will try. I really will.
Alexisonfire, B-52, Drake, Down with Webster, Great Big Sea, Joan Jett, Metric,and Weezer.
There may be some other shows I wouldn't be opposed to see if somebody invited me to go, but we'll see what happens with that.
Carpe Diem

So is this becoming a monthly thing?

Yeah, Its been 1 month and 1 day since my last post.... Ouch.

So since the last time I posted, I have basically been pretty busy with school and work. Exams are a week away... Why am I writing on my blog? I am procrastination at it's finest.

With procrastination comes online window shopping, pointless hangouts, and P90X. (Let's see if I really do get ripped in 90 days.)

Here are my current favorite fashion pics and my new favorite song.

See y'all after exams!

Carpe Diem