Workin' It Wednesdays - Cozy homes

 Today's link up is all about coziness and the home and I am someone who loves everything cozy! There are five things that I believe every home should have to appear and feel cozy.

 

1. Blankets

 

I love a good blanket - my linen closet full of blankets is proof of this. I have been given many knitted and crocheted blankets over the years and have made my own as well. I also love those soft blankets with the fluffy inside, and electric blankets? I can't even. They're just the best. There is nothing better than laying on the couch with a good blanket.

 

The blanket in this picture took me way longer than I'd like to admit to make. I had to take out and redo many parts and connecting the pieces was a pain in the ass, but the results were awesome! We call this the napping blanket, because if you pull it over you, you're sure to have a delicious nap ahead.

Blankets just make a room seem cozier. I also equate coziness with warmth, so it's a good blend :)

 

2. Fireplaces

 

Since we bought a condo, and most condos do not come with fireplaces, we purchased a standing faux fireplace as part of our tv stand. I love that I can turn it on with or without the heat because sometimes I want the warmth and other times I just like to have the effect of flickering flames on a cold day. One of the things our new home must have is a fireplace, preferably one in the bedroom. I wish wish wish we could have a real fireplace, but they don't build homes with those anymore and the houses that we are looking at are in relatively newer areas (probably no older than 20 years), so they don't have those amazing real fireplaces that need chimneys and firewood.
I don't have a picture of our fireplace turned on, so I'll leave you with this photo of it that I found online

Not bad for a fake fireplace amiright?!

 

3. Candles and Diffusers

 

Not a particularly good picture (at all, really), but I recall this evening as super cozy and the photo evokes those same feelings. Plus the smells are amazing. The middle one is custard!

Oh how I love a good candle. We always have an abundance of candles and I burn them all day - usually in the fall and winter (summer doesn't really feel like candle-time) and always the fall scents with pumpkin and the winter scents of either apple cinnamon, or vanilla (vanilla Noel from bath and body works is forever my favourite). At night I diffuse lavender in the bedroom. There are conflicting views about the safety of essential oils for cats, so since our bedroom is largely off-limits to the felines, that's where I diffuse. If I'm resting in the bedroom, which is pretty rare, I'll diffuse frankincense. I love that scent and it just screams cozy to me, but it is so expensive that I don't want to use it, haha. I also love the sound that the diffuser makes. It's got this soft bubbling that reminds me of using a humidifier when I would have a cough/cold as a child. That sound always comforted me because it felt like healing. Doesn't really make sense but there we are. It's hard to control smells when you live in a condo, but we do our best to make sure our home always smells inviting and candles and diffusers help immensely!

I love how you can actually see it diffusing

 

4. Warm drinks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's nothing cozier than curling up on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea. Tea is always my preferred warm drink at home, but every now and then the husband and I will indulge in a hot chocolate (only in the winter) with marshmallows. There's something incredibly cozy about sitting on your coach with a warm drink while snow and wind blow around outside. I also love sitting in starbucks with a good friend and enjoying a chestnut praline latte in the winter. Warm drinks = cozy!

5. Seasonal decorations

 

This is something I've just recently gotten into (aside from Christmas and Hanukkah) and am loving it! Husband is not loving the money spending aspect of it, but that's nothing new. I think there's really something warm and inviting about a home that is decorated for the season - tastefully. This is more specific to fall/winter, because spring and summer aren't really known for coziness. But I love having little accents of fall around the home. It brings a room together and makes it seem more welcoming, but also more comfortable. I think the idea of the colder seasons alone has something inherently cozy about it to most people, so those little extra bits just take it the extra mile. I definitely feel a little more love for our home when it's decorated for the holidays, so now I've extended it to the whole fall/winter season. Cozy cozy cozy!!

 

When it comes to cozy, I can't get enough. It's my favourite feeling and something I strive to achieve. I love sweaters, blankets, hot tea, Christmas movies, fluffy socks, and delicious scents. Check out the other blogs in this link up to see more posts about coziness!

Short weeks are the best weeks!

 

 

Hoping all of my Canadian friends had a great Thanksgiving and long weekend. I know I definitely needed this long weekend and a break from the craziness that life has been! Saturday started out relaxing, but around 1pm we found out that we had a viewing of the condo at 5 and from that point it was madness. We were cleaning like mad (a lot of cat hair accumulates in a week) and on top of that, I had an on-call volunteer shift that started at 4. Of course I was called at 4:45, just as we were trying to get the cats out of the unit, so I was juggling my phone and a terrified cat who was yowling while making my way to the basement. We ended up just waiting in the car - didn't make sense to go anywhere for an hour. The cats were not happy at all. We don't remove them from the condo often. Twice when we travelled we brought them to my parents house, but now my sister just comes and stays at our place when we're away. So they were both meowing loudly and angrily all the way down to the car and then snicker stared at me with hatred while ginger hid under the seats. Poor kitties will have to get used to it till we sell though!
You can see their fear and anger below.




Sunday was another busy day because we went to my parents house for thanksgiving. Dinner was delicious - we wait all year for Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner! We had a great time and somehow, despite having a very sedentary morning, I was able to get my steps in.
Yesterday was looking to be a sleepy lazy day, but husband wanted kale pasta for dinner and I typically only buy kale the day I know we will eat it - I find it spoils quickly. So instead of driving, I walked to the mall (grocery stores were closed) and got the kale. Was able to hit my steps no problem! This is the last week of my step bet and I'm still trying to decide if I want to do another. You don't make much money - I think I've calculated about $6 US -- but it's more the motivation of the $40 you have to pay to be a part of it. I really don't want to lose that! So I've still got my rest day for this week and don't plan on using it until Friday. We have a work event for husband that evening, so I can't be sprinting around his boss's home in my heels trying to get my steps in. Plus, my heels are super painful (though beautiful!) so there won't be much walking at all.
One thing I am super happy we did, is we slept in every morning this long weekend. So all that sleep we were missing was recovered. I was super tired heading into Friday, so even with an earlier than usual wake up today, I still feel pretty awake.

My new fall jacket is coming today and I am so excited. It took me forever to pick one, so I'm really hoping it fits nicely. It's a pea coat, but it has this gorgeous hood and I am in love. It also came in the most lovely shade of blush pink, but I had some concerns about matching so I went with black. I had my last pea coat for ten years so it's looking pretty tatty and sad this year. I'm happy to be able to move on :) The new one can be found here





I tend to keep coats for a long time, so they're a pretty good investment for me. I typically buy fairly expensive coats but that way they last for the whole time I have them. I think my other pea coat was probably ready to go 2 years ago, but I was in a crap job where I didn't care how I looked/dressed so I carried on with it. Three cheers for job happiness now!
My doTERRA is also coming this week -- I only ordered one oil for myself - Marjoram. I am trying to collect all of the oils I need for a blood pressure oil. I want to make one for myself and for my mom. I don't have high blood pressure on a steady basis, but it does tend to creep up now and again (genetically I'm screwed). Fingers crossed that it works. I currently have 2/5 oils so still a ways to go. I also ordered for two other people who wanted to try out some doTERRA before joining, which is a great idea for anyone on the fence.
They've come out with some special Christmas oils and other goodies that I'm super excited about!
I don't know if posting this will work, but I hope it will. Feel free to visit my page or send me a message if you want to learn more. Using oils has made a huge difference in my sleeping habits, how long illnesses last, getting rid of rashes/skin irritations and even in my digestion. I use peppermint for headaches instead of advil and 90% of the time, that's sufficient. It also has oils that promote weight loss, help reduce/eliminate acne and dry skin and open your chest for physical exertion. The benefits and possibilities with the different oils and blends are innumerable. I'm all about seeing what other options there are to modern medicine because I react quite badly to a lot of medications, so this has been a real eye-opener for me!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5F8zgz360PNcjFLaTBZRXdjRmc/view

I can't manage to get an image up, so that link will have to do. It's worth a click, I promise you!

Anyways, went off on a bit of a tangent there!

I am volunteering tonight with my teen group and looking forward to seeing the other ladies. We have been off for the summer and I missed the first outing because of work, so tonight will be like the first day all over!

Enjoy your short week! I can't believe it's already Tuesday!

Oasis Zoo Run 10k Race Recap

 Happy Monday! I have so many late nights this week for work that I am just counting the days till the weekend! I feel like I'm already sleep deprived (last night there was a spider web in my room and I of course knew there was a spider lurking somewhere and thus couldn't sleep).

I am excited to give a race recap of my Oasis Zoo Run 10 k this weekend though!

 

#realtalk

I haven't done a 10k in so long, that I actually can't remember when. If I had to guess, I would say it was probably within the half marathon I did in May 2016 so y'know ... it's been awhile. So I did my 8k last Monday, felt good and knew I could have run 2 more kilometres.

Saturday was an early start. We left our home around 6:15 because the race was pretty far away and I needed to do day-of race kit pickup. Because we got there around 7, the parking situation wasn't bad. We were in a traffic line up to get in for about 5 minutes and were able to park with no problem. The downside was that we were SO FAR from the actual race start. I guess the later people got the closer spots, which seemed unfair ;)

 

The line up for kit pick up was insane. We waited for about 30 minutes and it really felt like it could have and should have been more efficient. They had to delay the start of the race by 10 minutes and I'm thinking that crazy line up was why. The t-shirt in the race kit is so lovely, but that's really all that was in there aside from the chip, an Oasis juice box and some hand cream.

 



Photo link here

 

Then we went onto the porta potties. I can't stand them (who can?), but it was a long drive and frankly, I had no choice. We had to wait another 20 minutes to get in to use the porta potties so despite getting there an hour before the start, I ended up getting to the corral about five minutes before the start of the race (that was before the delayed it). They started the groups in waves that were about 3 minutes apart. which was a nice way to start without giant crowds. The first 4.5k of the run was animal-free which was kind of disappointing. We were basically running through backroads of the zoo. But at about 4.5 I saw the baby panda bears and nearly died because holy bananas they were cute!

 

So hard to get pics with this glass wall
 

I wish this was a better photo. They were adorable!

 

 

I had to stop to adore them for a minute and snap some pics through the glass. They were just sitting there all fluffy and eating bamboo. Oh I could have stayed there forever! I eventually dragged myself away and went back on my route.

 

I also stopped briefly to see the two humpback camels, flamingos, a leopard (jaguar?), red tree pandas (oh so adorable) and llamas. It was actually really fun to run and see all these different animals but the hills... Oh gosh those hills. They warn you before you begin that the route is hilly, but wow it was harsh. I didn't exactly hill train so let's just say there was some walking up hills involved.

 

 

Red tree panda!

 

As for the actual run (minus my brief animal stops), I stopped quite infrequently. As I result, I probably didn't drink enough of my electrolytes. I stopped at about 3, 7, and I think 9 for fuel but probably only for about 30 seconds. I also walked up some hills and tried to drink at those times as well but didn't always. I had a really bad headache later on in the day which was probably from dehydration. The water on the course also tasted terrible. I'm not sure what was wrong with it but it was nasty. I was glad that husband found a water bottle after because instead of passing them out to finishers, we got more cups of the weird water.

My official time was 1:06:48, which I was actually pretty impressed with, given that I stopped several times for animal pictures, and walked up some hills. And of course because I didn't exactly train for it. Doing races again has definitely amped up my motivation to run, so I'm going to register for a half marathon in the winter (chilly half) and try to keep it going. It's not about timing for me right now, but more about learning to love running again. So I know my speed will come back eventually, but right now I want to enjoy my runs rather than suffer through them. I think this will help me to move forward in a more positive way.

 

 

 

I was so exhausted after the race that I actually took an afternoon nap, which I rarely do. It was awesome and super cozy with my dim bedroom and frankincense in the diffuser. A delicious Saturday for sure.

We met with a realtor on Friday who we really liked, so we are now in the process of looking for a house to buy. While he wants us to buy first, we are going to try to list and buy somewhat simultaneously. He has a good track record and comes recommended from husbands work. Our goal is to be in our new home by Christmas. So keep your fingers crossed! We are going to look at houses next weekend, which makes me excited and nervous. Even with a decent budget cap, we are still looking at insane prices. The market is slowly dropping, and more and more houses are up for sale. The unfortunate thing is that a lot of people are stuck with insane mortgages on houses that have probably lost a significant amount of value now that the market is cooling slightly. So they are still trying to sell for close to what they paid. I'm not sure how the offers will work on those. I guess these are all things we'll find out!

Well, that's all for today! Have a great Monday!

 

 

 

Friday Favourites

 

 

 

 As always, I am linking up with Friday Favourites to share my very favourite things this week!
I am getting so tired of this hot sunny weather (who says that?!). But really, it's too hot and it's not even summer anymore so it feels wrong. It is supposed to cool down by the end of next week, so fingers crossed. I'm not looking forward to my 31 degree clear skies race tomorrow. Thank goodness it's in the early morning. Should be done around 9 before the sun really hits later in the morning. I know tomorrow's race won't be fast. Since it'll be at the zoo, I have no doubt I'll be distracted by the animals and stopping to snap photos. It's more about getting out there! Yesterday I did a 5k, which was tough with my huge lack of sleep this week. I was tired, but I managed to push through. As usual, my speed increased km by km, so I'm starting to get some of my old mojo back. Even running three times this week will be a huge change from my "maybe once every two weeks" past. I am happy to feel changes and can slowly feel my mindset changing. I also have to admit - this step bet has got me going. Sure I wanted to sleep instead of run yesterday, but then I would have been eliminated from the step bet (I took my "rest" day Wednesday because of Rosh Hashanah). I'm not losing my $40, lol. Anyways, here we go!

1. All the Fall Things -- Again!

I love this little pumpkin!

Some much better lighting to see this beauty

I just can't. It's too adorable!

I went back three times and kept fawning over this. At 60% off it was a steal

I am 100% Fall obsessed. and pumpkins have taken over my home. So here are some of my beautiful fall pieces, plus a much better picture of our guest room table. I took it at night so there was no glare! I really love seasonal decorating, and decorating in general. It creates such warmth!


2. Meeting Renu Mandhane

Yesterday I met Renu Mandhane, the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission. I was too busy fan-girling to ask for a photo but she really is like a real-life superhero. She is getting stuff done here in Ontario! So here is a photo of her talking with me in close proximity. I'm not sure why my back looks like the hulk here. Perhaps because I was slouching.

3. Healing Blend:

 

This blend of frankincense, tea tree and lavender oils has done wonders for my wrist. I mix them with fractionated oil and apply it topically. My apple watch tends to give me a rash, especially after working out. I now clean my watch strap with rubbing alcohol after each work out and the healing blend takes care of the irritation. At one point it got so bad that it started spreading to my entire wrist and was just so itchy. The healing blend was pure relief. I am so glad that it's not as bad anymore.




4. Burberry scents:

 

 

Husband and I picked these up in the Utah duty free on the way home. We had all these gift certificates and hadn't needed to spend anything on the trip so we used them for some fun. We somehow both ended up selecting burberry scents, but what I love is that they are totally complementary to each other. His smells amazing, as does mine but together they just mix seamlessly. Not that it matters - but it still makes me smile. We rarely like the same brands for perfume/cologne so this is just cute.

 

 

5. Vasanti lip colour:

 

 

 

I got this in an Ipsy bag in June and was surprised when I tried it on that I really liked it. In fact, I brought it to Utah and it was the only colour I used for all of our evenings out. It wasn't sticky or thick, has the most beautiful complementary colour and lasts until you eat (it doesn't have much staying power when it comes to food -- it's fine for drinks). I have a lot of trouble finding lip colours I can deal with. I don't like lipstick at all (I'm trying though). So this is a perfect find for all those people like me who don't like how lipstick feels. This colour is called "Super mom" which is a little weird since I don't have kids ... but whatever. I think I'll definitely buy this again when I run out.

6. Pumpkin Candles
I know, I know, candles are supposed to be bad, but I need my home to smell like pumpkin spice chai. We all do.

Terrible photo quality (another fall sign peeking through the back)

 

 Well, that's all for today. I'll be back Monday with a race recap and hopefully some cute panda bear pictures!

Happy Friday!

 

 

 

Friday Favourites!

Friday favourites is just the best post! So I'm linking up with some other lovely bloggers to share my favourite things this week!


1. Fresh Sugar Rose lip balm

This stuff. I can't get enough. I think I mentioned before how I just love everything Fresh puts out and that is the truth! I'm not a huge fan of wearing lipstick, but this balm has the perfect amount of colour and moisture. I got this a few months ago and it's almost finished. I carry it in my purse (you can see the wear and tear) and use it every single day! They have a wide spectrum of colours, including one without any shade. It's just the best!

2. Our Last CSA

Not pictured; the incredibly muddy potatoes

Well, at least they went out with a boom! This was our last order until next spring/summer-ish. It was jam-packed. I guess since more of the autumn fruits are in season they are cheaper leading to us getting more. We had the green beans last week and this week they gave us more (and a larger amount!) They were SO good! We also got corn, eggs, spinach, spring mix, patty pan squash, potatoes (so many - I ordered extra), apples, pears, bananas, grapes, garlic, cauliflower, watermelon, green beans ... I think that's it! It will certainly be enjoyed!


3. ALL THE FALL things.

 

 

 

I don't know why they are all sideways. Sorry :(

Friends, Michael's has all of their fall stuff on sale and it is not good for me!! I swear I've spent so much time meandering through their aisles. I want my entire home to be bursting with Fall. Unfortunately, we have to maintain some neutrality for the showings. I'll be damned if they make me put away my "hello fall" pillow though!
I also made a nice flower bouquet for our table. Fake flowers make so much more sense! I couldn't find anything I wanted, so I made my own!

4. My new doTERRA cheer rollerball.

Such a happy scent. I love this one. I also got serenity this month, for sleep which I mix with my lavender. It's such a lovely scent to fill the room and makes for a very tranquil space. The cheer scent is great for a general feeling of overall "cheer" and also reduces anxiety. It is my definitely my favourite!



5. Dinner last night

 

Must work on lighting

This was so good! I love bruschetta (so much so that I actually make it for myself as a snack when I'm feeling ambitious). Now admittedly I love anything with tomatoes (except actual tomato juice), but mixing together two of my favourite things (pasta and bruschetta) ... well it's a match made in heaven. My only edit to the recipe would be to drain the juice a bit from the tomatoes because it was a bit liquidy. I would probably only do about 1/4 of the liquid. The only changes I made to make it gluten free were that I didn't add the pasta until the very end. Gluten free pasta is fairly sensitive so I cooked it al dente and then once I had cooked everything I took it off the heat and added the cooked pasta. It still ended up breaking a bit, but since the recipe actually called for the noodles to be broken before cooking, it worked out.
Overall, super delicious. I enjoyed it last night and for lunch today!


That's all for today! Happy Friday & Happy Weekend!

 

 

Back at it

 Finally back from the land of the sick. I pretty much slept for the entire weekend, and by Sunday afternoon felt well enough to go for a walk, do the laundry and do some little things around the condo.
Last week, by the time I left work on Friday I had a fever, my body felt bruised everywhere, I had the chills, pounding headache, congestion, even my teeth hurt from the sinus blockage ... I'm not actually sure how I managed to function. I took a nap in my car on my lunch break, and I'm the kind of person who cannot sleep anywhere but my own home. It was ridiculous. So once I got home I took a bath to try and regulate my body temp and get rid of the body aches. It worked temporarily, and then I slept oh how I slept. Hours upon hours and hours. They aren't kidding when they say sleeping cures all ailments. I dosed myself up with Nyquil, used my essential oils blend on my spine and feet both morning and night and must say that this is the fastest I have ever gotten over the flu. I've been unfortunate enough to get the flu three times in my adult life. The real flu -- not just a bad cold. Most times it takes over a week to get back to life and this time it was just a weekend. So I'm guessing it was a combination of sleeping and essential oils that did the trick. My new favourite blend - FLOOM - give it a shot! I used this alongside some infused Breathe.


Frankincense - 6 drops
Lemon - 12 drops
Oregano - 6 drops
On guard - 6 drops
Melaluca (or tea tree) - 6 drops


-Add this into a 10 ml rollerball bottle, top up with fractionated coconut oil and roll onto your spine and the bottoms of your feet twice a day. I smell like oregano right now, but aside from a cough and some lingering congestion, I feel pretty good! Thanks Beka for introducing me to doTERRA and for this blend! If you want to get in on this awesome-ness, feel free to connect  with me or visit this link

Picture from here

Now onto this week. Tonight I am making the "Autumn Harvest Skillet" from Speedy Spatula. It's easy, customizable and looks delicious! (The link is her summer version, but you can easily edit the veggies for fall).
I have to go grocery shopping after work, so figured I would do some meal planning this weekend before I went. We have decided that this will be our last week of the CSA produce. Now that the temps are getting cooler, a lot of what we get is going to be greenhouse grown anyways. We are still going to make an effort to eat organic and as local as possible (given our cold winter climate approaching), but we are ready to go back to choosing our veggies rather than being surprised each week. I didn't take a picture of last weeks (I was already feeling pretty sick by that point and didn't even have the energy to put it in the fridge. However, we got purple grapes, cucumber, tomato, watermelon, onion, garlic, green peppers, carrots, beets, green beans, blueberries, apples and pears. I think we have already eaten most of it. Except for the carrots. We have gotten 2lbs of carrots for the last four weeks. It is ridiculous! Thankfully carrots, even organic ones, have a long-ish shelf life, because we are still working our way through the second bag. Needless to say, there will be carrots in our skillet tonight.
Since this week will be our last CSA, we have added eggs and 2 lbs of potatoes to make it count. The potatoes have been our absolute favourite thing this summer - the flavour is unreal! Baking them with a bit of olive oil. salt and pepper has just been divine! I will miss those for sure! It will  be much easier to meal plan once I actually visit the grocery store (because I haven't really gone real grocery shopping in around 3 months - which I haven't missed AT ALL) so I'm hoping Fall can feel a little more organized!

Well, this has been a long rambly post. I am so sad that I missed out on Friday favourites, but there will be lots this week to make up for it!

Happy Monday!

Sickie sick sick

 Well, my feeling slightly off has developed into a full blown cold. It's safe to say, I feel like complete garbage. Sore throat, sneezing, coughing, nose running, head foggy ...ughhhhh. Last night I diffused some On Guard, and applied my floom mixture (a blend of frankincense, lemon, oregano, on guard and melaluca (tea tree)). It helped -- usually the first day my sore throats are completely unbearable, but this one is just painful, haha. I'm hoping it passes quickly. I don't like feeling this way (well, who ever does?!)

 

 

Some positives - today I went and bought those red Kate Spade shoes that I shared a few days ago. Sigh, I know I need to cut down my spending, but a good pair of shoes just completely does me in. Pathetic, I know! Now I just need that dress. I'm crossing my fingers that it goes on sale, but it hasn't so far and I need it in about a month. I'm debating just buying it and then returning it and re-buying it if goes on sale. That might be a bit excessive.

I was impressed that even with my feeling gross yesterday and with a very off stomach to boot, that I was able to convince myself to make dinner. My run became a walk because who wants to bounce around when their stomach isn't cooperating. What a mess, amiright?!
I've entered into a stepbet and while this is the first week, which doesn't count, I'm still feeling the pressure to get my steps in. Losing $40 USD isn't something I'm too keen on. I don't have insanely high goals. Not like some of the ones I've seen, but I also have an office job where I'm sitting for the majority of my day, so while I park as far away as possible and walk often on my lunchtimes, I still have to try to get 8000+ steps on non-running days. I have to say - this is a really great incentive. I know that you don't make much $$ overall, but even the idea of losing your own money is pretty motivating to keep you moving. I'd highly advise people with office jobs who are finding it tricky to get steps in to join a step bet! The one I'm doing only has about 700 participants, so the pot isn't huge, but some have tens of thousands!

Anyways, I'm out. Need to get in some steps and then try and sleep some of this nonsense away!

What's up Wednesday!

 Wednesday - we have arrived! Linking into What's up Wednesday

 

What we're eating this week:

 

Well, I've been going a little pasta crazy. So far we've had shrimp pad thai and an old fave - hamburger casserole. Tonight I'm thinking something light like fish or chicken. Choices choices choices

 

What I'm reminiscing about:

 

Honestly, I'm still thinking about my Irongirl.

It. Was. Awesome!

 

Sometimes a good race experience will just carry you along for ages. This one will have to carry me right into next season, but while I'm still doing at least one last OWS, tri season is finito for me. Next year I'll probably register for more than one :)

What I'm Loving:

I am digging these cooler temperatures. I love that I can still run in shorts and be warm, but not be pouring sweat and wishing I could lay down in the grass somewhere. I sweat enough on a regular day. I really don't like the heat or summer making it worse! I'm also loving the faint scent of Fall in the air. I'm just waiting eagerly for September 1st so that people stop giving me cut-eye when I say it smells like Fall.

 

What we've been up to:

Well, it's no secret that we've been getting our place ready to go up for sale. It's been tough accepting that our weekends and evenings are basically dedicated to working on the condo. We still have things to do, but the list is shrinking and I think *fingers crossed* it should be ready to go up in about a week and a half.

 

What I'm dreading:

Figuring out what to do with our cats while the place is up for sale. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

What I'm working on:

See -- What we've been up to. Let's face it. Getting the condo ready has taken over our lives. Now I just need to figure out how to paint behind a toilet without actually having to remove it.

 

What I'm excited about:

All things fall! Pumpkins, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, pea coats, tall boots, scarves, the first light snow fall.

Picture found here

I'm also excited for all of the great friends we will be seeing this weekend!

 

What I'm watching/reading:

We are just finishing up season 10 of the original 90210. Last time we watched the series, I got so irritated by Gina in season 9 that I just ditched it. Didn't even buy season 10. A few months ago the nostalgia hit and this time I was able to keep my gina-anger under wraps so I can see how this series unfolded. My parents wouldn't let me watch this when I was younger, so I am seeing this all through fresh eyes!

 

 

 

I am currently re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Yes. I have a problem with re-watching and re-reading things.

 

A great book that I recently finished was "The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan" by Whitney Dineen. The main character annoyed me for a few pages and then I couldn't put it down. It's a quick fun beach read and definitely has some laugh out loud moments. There is a second book, but it's not quite as funny. I have so many books waiting to be read and there are a ton of books that I've had recommended to me for September that I'm looking forward to!

 

What I'm listening to:

Friends, I'm old. I listen to talk radio while I drive.

I have been really loving the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis google play station while I run though. I went for a short 3k yesterday (yep -- that's me easing into things) and it basically just went back and forth between Eminem and Macklemore. It was awesome!

 

 

Picture found here

 

What I'm wearing:

I'm already in Fall colours and warm sweaters. I bought this sweater back in August and I love it. I bought it a bit big because I like to be cozy but I'd say it's relatively true to size. It's called the Cocoon sweater from RW&CO

I've got my eye on some tall boots now that just need to happen for this fall!

 

What I'm doing this weekend:

With the wonderful long weekend ahead (almost there!!) we have lots of things going on. Let's just say there's going to be friends, family, bbqs, fire pits, and continuing to fill my parents basement with our stuff!

 

What I'm looking forward to next month:

 

 

It being socially acceptable to be excited about fall and finally getting my cheer essential oil!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

Tell me about it, Tuesday

Busy busy day yesterday. I had so many stops to make after work (boring stuff like gas and cat food) but I still got my run in. I did a 5.1k and it was just the most lovely evening for a run. Still shorts and t-shirt weather thankfully, the weather was warm but not too hot, the sun was fading so it wasn't too bright and a few leaves were even falling from the trees. I love a good evening run! I kept my pace pretty slow - I'm mostly testing my knee right now and seeing how it holds up. Unfortunately while it holds up well during speed work, it's usually after that I have the most problems. But with my slow and steady pace (around 6:30) I was able to cruise the neighbourhood pain-free.

 Tomorrow if the weather cooperates I will do a 6-7km run with some friends after the gym. The weather app has changed from sunny to storms and back to sunny, so who really knows what's happening. I'm just happy that for the first time in a really long time, I feel motivated to run. I don't know if it's the cooler weather, the happy essential oils, or the feng shui of our newly decluttered condo-life ... but something is working out! I have definitely been in a fitness slump lately- hard to accomplish in the throes of triathlon training, but there it is. With a slump comes the ickiness of not feeling your best physically or mentally.

Three cheers for getting back into the swing of things.

I also happen to love running through the Fall -- especially when it gets a little chilly. So refreshing!

 

Today will likely be a day devoted to more packing (sigh). I don't want to throw myself back in to running at 110% and crash and burn. I've never been good at taking things slow either so we'll see how that goes.

 

Dinner last night was shrimp pad thai. I'm in love. Former shrimp-hater turned addict right here. We went for less rice noodles which resulted in a excellent shrimp-noodle ratio. It also turned the meal from around 5 servings into 3 which is much better because the fifth one was usually shrimp-less and basically just noodles with green onions, egg and maybe half a peanut. Honestly - issues.

 

Happy Tuesday -- the long weekend draws another day closer. I can almost feel the good times and taste the gluten free s'mores already!