Long Time No See.....

After a brief year and a half long hiatus, I've decided that I need my blogging outlet again. If I don't start writing I am afraid that I am going to enroll in another university class and quite frankly that is a very expensive creative outlet. So....you're welcome! Or...my apologies, depending on how you've managed to stumble across my meagre little virtual world.

I debated for a while on topics for my first blog post. How do you top the ooey-gooey deliciousness of the Slutty Valentine post (I really must make those again soon). The answer is you don't. I haven't taken any pictures of foods I've made, delicious or not; I haven't partaken in any interesting exercise classes; and I definitely haven't gone for a run or really done much that requires getting off the couch.

SO...I have decided that a summer favourites recap to feel properly transitioned into fall will suffice. Yes, I realize we are well into fall and that this post may be completely insignificant. But this is my meagre little virtual world, and I'll blog about insignificance if I want to :)

Summer Favourites Recap

Best Summer Read

I managed to read a lot this summer, but I really enjoyed the book The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

The Blue Bistro is a perfect summer beach read. Hilderbrand sticks to her usual Nantucket setting for a love story that will make you running for your nearest local seafood joint (if you're lucky enough to have one). Loved it.


Best Summer TV Guilty Pleasure

While others were busy watching Under the Dome, America's Got Talent, and Amazing Race Canada, the hubs and I were obsessively watching Big Brother three nights a week.

Big Brother did not disappoint this year, and made headlines regularly over racist, homophobic, and child pornographic comments. Combine that with blatant harassment and bullying in the house by these self-proclaimed adults and you have the recipe for some classy summer entertainment.


Best Summer Movie

I can count on one hand the amount of movies I saw in the theatres this summer. One that stuck with me was Now You See Me.

This movie is not set to win any awards or gain any critical acclaims, but it provides two hours of entertainment and frankly that's all I ask for in a movie.

Best Summer Trend

I am no expert in this area, but I have decided this is a tie between chevron and ombre.

This summer, Chevron could be found in your closet, on your wall, or as an accessory in your living room. It was everywhere and I loved it.

The Ombre trend was primarily found on nails and in hair. I am still getting up the courage to get me an ombre 'do. I'm not sure I am cool enough to pull of this look. 

Best Summer Celebrity News

HMMMMMMM this one is tricky.

George Clooney became single again, Kim and Kanye procreated, Amanda Bynes replaced Lindsay Lohan as ''celeb most in need of a psychiatrist'', Miley Cyrus twerked and licked and generally made a fool of herself, and Robin Thicke blurred lines with his summer hit.

MY favourite celebrity news comes in the form of a royal package. 

I can't help it..I love all three of them.

Best Summer Event

Ok Ok...I'm a bit biased here. My favourite summer event was my wedding:)

It was the PERFECT day.  

So that's it....my summer recap in a nutshell.

I hope you enjoyed...thanks for stopping by!

ADELLE

Slutty Valentines

I know I know.....Weird title for a Valentine's Day Post.

But the other day I discovered the perfect Valentine's dessert via the newsfeed on my Facebook.....who knew Facebook was full of such wonderful culinery delights.

The dessert I found is called Slutty Brownies and trust me when I tell you that they are life changing.

My friend Deb posted the recipe from a blog called The Londoner, and I am officially indebted to her now.

Here's how to make these tiny pieces of heaven.

Line a pan with wax paper.

Grab some ready-made cookie dough (or home made if you feel like you have the time), and press it into the pan.

Add a layer of Oreo Cookies. Yup...you heard me.

The final step is to make brownie batter (I made mine from a box....or homemade) and pour it over the cookie dough and the oreos.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The result?

The BEST brownies you have EVER had.



The cookie base combined with the ooey-gooey middle is perfection. Perfect in every way.

I plan on making this recipe again and again.

And again.

So do youself a favor and make these soon...and please remember to invite me over. I'm sure somebody needs to do quality control taste testing.



Enjoy these. You can thank me later. And go check out The Londoner.

Happy Love Day Everybody!

ADELLE

xxoo

SuperBowl Sunday Calorie Fest

It's that time of year again....SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!

Such an occasion calls for all New Years health-related resolutions to be thrown out the window in lieu of calorie-laden dips, breaded meats, and bread. Oh the bread.

Like last year, we had a few people over to watch the game, and wanted to have some good football eats to munch on while we watched Madonna's Half Time Show the game.

Here's a link to the Half Time Show if you missed it. Madonna rocked my world.

To start off, we munched on honey roasted peanuts and sipped on Strongbow.

First course: Boneless dry ribs with freshly squeezed lemon. Let the calorie intake begin.

Main course: Two kinds of Beaded Shrimp, Lemon Pepper and Dill Fish, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread, and homemade Italien Pizza Bread.

And let's not forget....Heart Attack in a Pot

This is the BF's idea of a bowl for dipping in. Oh boy.

Dessert was cupcakes.

Filled with cookie dough.
Heaven help me.

Oh yeah....we made them festive for the occasion.

But it was absolutely delicious.

And well worth the calories.

Now excuse me while I go renew my gym membership.

GO GIANTS!

ADELLE

Resolutions and a Yoga Re-Cap

This morning, on this fabulous January 8th in Saskatchewan, I got up and went for a run. This weather is insane! I remember this time last year I had to run at an indoor track, or wear so many layers that I faintly resembled a much shorter Michelin man. I hope to take advantage of this mild winter while it lasts, and get outside more before Mother Nature changes her mind.

A few months ago, I set a goal to do 40 days of yoga. It was a pain in the butt at times, but I ended up completing this goal and I felt SO good at the end of the 40 days.

One highlight of this challenge was meeting up with one of my girlfriends in Regina and trying out a yoga studio called Yoga Haven.

At this studio I tried my first hot yoga class. I think I entered class feeling slightly over-confident since I have been practicing yoga for about 5 years. The class was an hour and a half long and I haven't sweat so much since I ran the half marathon in September. The style of class was different than I was used to so it was very challenging. It seemed that most of the other participants were regulars in class and could bend/twist/contort like pros. Meanwhile, I was looking around at the others trying to figure out how the heck they got themselves into those positions in the first place.

It was a great class, a great workout, and I most definately want to try another hot yoga class in the near future. Here is a peek at the studio.

So now that the 40 day challenge is over, I need some new goals for 2012.

Here's how I did on 2011's goals:

1. Run another half marathon. Completed!
2. Take a cooking class. Look here, here and here.

3. Floss (I am terrible with this!). Fail.
4. Go on at least 1 trip. This didn't happen. Refer to #5.
5. Complete between 4-6 classes towards Masters degree. I completed 6 classes in 2011.
6. Expand interest in photography! Fail. Hopefully someday.
7. Keep in touch with friends who live outside of Moose Jaw....and here in MJ for that matter! I still want to work on this!!
8. Continue reading for enjoyment. I read 27 books this year!
9. Try meditation to quiet my mind which never shuts off. Definately failed.
10. Go skydiving. Not yet but I want to oh so badly!
11. Continue blogging a few times per week. Nope....but I do my best!

2012 Goals

1. Complete 4-6 classes towards my Masters degree.

2. Continue reading for fun.

3. Run at least one road race.

4. Workout 3-5 times a week.

5. Drink more water (oh my gosh I HATE water).

6. Go on one trip.

7. Make more BF-friendly recipes (aka: more meat & potatoes kind of dishes; less vegan experiments)

Do any of you make resolutions? I hope I'm not the only Type A personality obsessed with list-making....

ADELLE

A Year in Review

Where has the time gone?

The past month has gone by in a virtual blur, and I have been very busy catching up with friends and family, stuffing my face with every festive sugary treat I laid my eyes on, and laying around like a sloth. Productivity over the past month for me meant getting Christmas presents to their rightful recipients, and getting my PVR recordings down to the single digits. It has been glorious to say the least.

Tomorrow morning marks my first day back to work and back to a routine. It's time to get back to the gym, get the treats out of the house, and become a productive member of society in this brand new year.

But first, a look back at some of my favourite things in 2011.

Movies

Due to spending most of my free time studying, I did not get to watch nearly as many movies as I wanted to.  That being said, I saw a few good ones this year.

My Fav RomCom was Friends with Benefits

Another fav 2011 Comedy was female-driven, smart, and hilarious. Bridesmaids.

Best 2011 Blockbuster: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt.2 brought in a whopping $381 million.

We will miss you Harry Potter, what a great end to an epic story.

Best Book to Movie Adaptation: The Help

There were a few 2011 book-to-movie adaptations I didn't get to see that I am hoping to watch soon: One Day, Moneyball, and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

Television

My t.v. viewing was relatively similar to my 2010 tv lineup, with a few exceptions which came along with the fall 2011 lineup. New Girl and Whitney are hysterical, and are perfect to help you wind down after a busy and stressful day. I often find myself laughing obnoxiously late at night while watching these and the BF wonders what in the world I am doing.

Music

I am always a bit embarassed of my musical tastes; however, I like what I like. So take it or leave it, but don't judge:)

Adele ruled the 2011 music world in my opinion. Her singing and songwriting are almost second-to-none, and her talent is truly undeniable.

Lady Gaga released her Born this Way video in May, and with it came such hits as Born this Way, Edge of Glory, Marry the Night and my personal favourite song of 2011 You and I.

Gaga's chameleon-like appearance is so intriguing and entertaining, and her singing and songwriting talents are obvious. Naysayers should check out the duet she did with Tony Bennett. So good and so unexpected.

Other favourite albums of 2011 were Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto and Foo Fighters Wasting Light, along with various Glee soundtrack CDs. But we won't get into that. I also loved Rihanna's We Found Love single, but continue to disagree with the image that she often portrays in her videos. And don't even get me started on Chris Brown's comeback.

Books



Despite taking class, I still found time to read some great books this year.

Recently, I read the much-acclaimed Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.



I haven't seen the movie yet, but the book was a page-turner that was much more graphic than I anticipated. It's a long read (for slow readers like me) but it's worth the time.

Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher is a book I mentioned here in the fall, and I continue to feel haunted by it. It's a heavy read, but it is one that truly stays with you even after you turn the last page.

I just finished a great book called The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein.

This book is a tear-jerker. It's the story of a family told from their dog's perspective. There are rumours that there will be a movie adaptation in the near future with Patrick Dempsey as the lead character.

I read a few good Nicholas Sparks books this year: Safe Haven and The Best of Me. Great summer reads.

Other fav books of the year included:

Still Alice - Lisa Genova

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - Marc Harmon

Sisterhood Everlasting - Anne Brashares

SilverGirl - Elin Hilderbrand

The Winter Garden - Kristin Hannah

I have many movies/tv shows/music/books that I hope to check out in 2012! Hunger Games anyone??

I hope that everyone had a safe and Happy New Year!

ADELLE

All Decked Out - Guest Post

Hi Everybody!

My friend Cheryl has wanted to do a Christmas guest post since last year when I started this blog.

Since today she was looking for a way to procrasinate, it seemed the perfect day for her to channel her inner blogger and write a Christmas  guest post. Also, now that Remembrance Day and American Thanksgiving are over, it is time to start embracing the Christmas spirit.

Cheryl is very trendy, very cheap frugal, (she can spot a deal a mile away)

 and can write me under the table (is that a saying?).

So here she is! Let the Christmas season begin!!

___________________________________________________________________________

I recently attended an awesome event in Moose Jaw called “All Decked Out”.  It was the first time they have put it on and I totally recommend going next year if you get the chance.  I got so many great ideas and was inspired to try a few new things this holiday. 

Before I start, I’ll confess this:  I’m cheap and proud of it!  I absolutely love the finer things of life, but I’m so cheap that I wait for all the beautiful things to go on a big end-of -season sale.  I am a teacher and my husband works for a non-profit organization.  We do not have the kind of money to keep up with the show homes I saw on the “All Decked Out” tour, so we do our best and are content with it!

Christmas décor expenses should be kept at a minimum.  Considering how expensive travel, gifts, and food is during the holidays, the budget shouldn’t be blown before the big day.

Here are a few ideas to help you get into the Christmas Spirit:

Step One:  Michael Bublé’s new Christmas album is perfect for inspiring a classy Christmas look.  Check out his rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You”.  Fabulous!

Step Two:  Don’t buy too many new things right now. Wait until it’s on clearance; I have nice things because I bought them at 60-80% off.  Most of the ornaments on my tree cost less than $1.00 because I have no problem packing them away for a year right after purchasing them.

Step Three:  Look for things around your house that can be converted into decorations.  I use our martini glasses as décor rather than purchasing new vases to fill with Christmas bulbs.  Instead of buying expensive ‘fillers’, I use ribbon that is left over from gifts from previous years. 



Step Four:  Don’t underestimate the big box stores like Superstore, Walmart, and Canadian Tire.  You can find some beautiful things there for dirt cheap!  To ‘class them up’ a bit, buy a few small items like these diamonds from “Jillian’s” or other local decor shops.

Step Five:  If you have a husband like mine (which is doubtful), he will care about the decorations in your house too.  I had no idea a husband and wife could fight over a color scheme of a Christmas tree.  Last year, we purchased a $30.00 tree so that he could have a Toronto Maple Leaf Christmas Tree in the basement. 

Step Six:  Treat your presents like art.  Consider them to be decorations as this will help jazz up your house very cheaply.  I didn’t have to spend much time at all making a few re-usable boxes and the best part is I bought all the materials besides the paper at various dollar stores. 

Step Seven:  Use candy to decorate.  Christmas candy is beautifully wrapped, so use it to your advantage.  Fill glass vases with it and put it on your kitchen counter or end table.  I’m sure you’ve seen Candy Bars at weddings – it’s the same idea.

Step Eight:  Use the colors in your house to bring out your Christmas color choices.  I do the basement in whites, silvers, and blacks and the upstairs in golds and reds because it matches the walls and furniture.  It really makes things pop and appear as if you have decorated more than you really have. 

Step Nine:  I’m sure you have a few Christmas parties to attend this year, meaning you’ve bought new outfits and accessories.  Use scarves, facsinators, or jewelry as decorations rather than having them sit in a jewelry box in your closet.  I bought a beautiful fascinator from “Cranberry Rose”.  I love it, but it cost more than my dress did (it was only $30, but my dress was $20… Boxing Day… refer to Step Two J).  So, I pinned it to my lamp to make it a bit more festive. 

Step Ten:  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty you have created knowing there is nothing to feel guilty about because you didn’t break the bank this year! 

Thanks to  Adelle for letting me write this week!!

Cheryl



Challenge Remorse

Today is Day 15 of my yoga challenge and I just have one question:

What was I THINKING?!

Trying to do a 40 day yoga challenge at the end of my school semester and the start of the Christmas season was not the brightest decision I have ever made.

At any rate, it's Day 15 and I haven't missed a day of yoga yet. This has meant a few late nights when the BF comes into the room after midnight and wonders what I'm doing with the yoga mat out. He may think I'm starting to go a little bit crazy. Did I say starting? I meant continuing in a regular fashion.

I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to attend a class at one of the local yoga studios, Body in Mind Yoga Studio. The studio is beautiful and lends perfectly to a relaxing, zen-filled yoga experience. From the attention to detail in the decor, to the yoga lounge, to the wonderful classes, and of course the fabulous instructors, Body in Mind Yoga Studio is a great place to practice yoga.

Body in Mind offers a plethora of classes at various times of the day to best suit your schedule. They also have yoga props, prayer malas, and more for sale right in the studio. If you don't know what a prayer mala is, click here.

I always leave a session at Body in Mind feeling like my most fabulous self. I bought a pass so hopefully I can get there again soon!!

As hard as it has been to incorporate yoga into my every day life, I feel great after I finish my yoga practice, and I am crediting this challenge to the very small amount of sanity that I am keeping as the last two weeks of my semester commence.

25 days of yoga challenge left!

ADELLE