Trailers, Astroturf, Private Bands & Book Festivals

I had such a great weekend filled with both relaxation and excitement.

The weekend kicked off early on Friday afternoon when we had a work event over in the Distillery District. I can't share too many photos as it will give a bit too much personal info away since it was a heavily branded event. :) However, it was FUN.

It was held at Airship 37 which is basically just an old warehouse that is now used for events.  It's actually a really neat as it's a blank slate so any client can transform the space however they please.

The best part was the outdoor space complete with astroturf, lounge chairs and random trailers that you can hang out in. It was such a unique space.

Here are a few photos from the event.

 

We had our own private performance by an AWESOME local band. I really really wish I could remember the name of them. They were SO good. I'll have to ask some coworkers this week.

Such a great way to kick off the weekend!

Saturday was pouring rain day long so I spent it cleaning and running errands. Nothing exciting there.

 

Sunday was the Word on the Street Festival.  The first day of fall did not disappoint and it was CHILLY. Nonetheless, it was actually really enjoyable to walk around. Tons of people, lots of great bargains on thousands upon thousands of books and yummy food. There had to be well over 100 different tents filled with various publishing companies, authors or programs related to reading and writing.

The highlight was seeing James Cunningham, host of Eat St. speak about his tv show and latest book. Have you ever seen that show? He basically goes around the world tasting food off food trucks! He's also a comedian so it made for a really funny talk.

I ended up getting two random books for free signed by their authors as the publishing company was having a promotional hour. They aren't really my type of book so I'm not sure I'll ever read them!

All in all, a great weekend to kick start fall!

Five on Friday

One

Remember my "The time it took me 6+ months to do a wall gallery" post? Breaking news. I have a sneak peak at my semi finished wall. I'm basically obsessed and it only took about a year to do (ha). I now need to fill some of the frames and that will probably take another year!

Post to come! 

Two

I've been an avid Coke drinker all my life. I don't have one everyday but I'd say I have one 3-4 times a week which really isn't that bad (to me). I go in spurts where some weeks I don't have any. Lately though, oh my goodness, I've been craving them like crazy. Nothing beats an ice cold coke.

Three

This may be TMI and I am a bit embarrassed to even say it, but whatever! I've been breaking out on my back lately which is very unusual for me. I can't ever recall a time I've had acne on my back and now it's like wowza. Does anyone have any tips or products that have worked well for them? I've tried the Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash (just on my back) and it was a complete waste of money. Help a friend out! :)

Four

I am excited to finally be able to go to The Word on the Street Festival this weekend. For all you book worms out there, it's a big book and magazine festival. No idea what to expect but I love books and being outside so I think it will be great to wander and enjoy the fall weather.

Five

I have another company event tonight after work in the Distillery District which I am excited to go to. The only issue is that we are encouraged to wear red and I just discovered that I actually don't own anything work appropriate that is red. I love red so I'm not sure how this is possible!!! Too late to go shopping now so I'll have to figure something out.

Mongolian Chicken {Recipe}

This recipe is outstanding. I saw it on Texas Tales and she wasn't lying when she said it was quick and delicious!

Sorry for the crappy photos. Just know it tastes yum!

Ingredients

2-4 chicken breasts cut up
Any kind of rice you like (I went for the 5 Minute Rice. Not the most healthy option.)
A veggie (broccoli or green beans work well. I did green beans.)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
2-3 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves minced garlic
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup of water
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp corn starch

Directions

Cook chicken however you please. I just cooked it on the stove top with a bit of olive oil.

While chicken is cooking, mix ginger, garlic and 1 tsp of olive oil for a minute over medium heat in a smaller pan. Add brown sugar, water (the 1/2 cup of water - not the 1 tsp of water, like I did ha!), soy sauce and bring to boil. Remove from heat.

 In separate bowl, mix together corn starch and 1tbsp of water and add to sauce mixture. Toss in your green beans (or other veggie) and chicken and serve over rice. So simple!!

This made a ton for me so I ended up freezing half of it.

Enjoy!!

Free Medium Pizza? Don't mind if I do! + Other Randoms

We made it! Midway through the week. Yippee!

• On Saturday I was walking down the street when I noticed someone from Panago Pizza asking people if they wanted a free medium pizza. I basically made a b-line in that direction like a mad woman and got a coupon. They were giving out hundreds of coupons for free, freshly cooked, medium pizzas. It basically made my day.

• I was royally ticked on Monday. Two months ago I had some xrays done per my doctors request. She did the usual "I will only call you if there is something wrong" talk. The week afterwards I was so nervous that she was going to call me. I never heard from her that week or the months following so I considered myself golden. I get a call on Monday from my specialists secretary asking if I've had my xrays done yet. Excuse me? I had them done TWO MONTHS ago. The xray place forgot to send them to my doctor. I called the xray place and give them serious heck and told them it was absolutely unacceptable. They had no reason why it was forgotten. SO, my doctor ended up calling yesterday saying she wants to review them with me. It's so unfortunate that it was missed as I've been sitting here for 2 months thinking everything is a-ok. I'm a nervous wreck so please keep me in your thoughts!!!

• Somewhat related to the above, with the recent news in Ontario about the 3000 misread mammograms and CT scans, I am going to be extra extra cautious now. I really try to not be the annoying patient but at the same time, I also feel as though I really do a good job at being my own advocate but sometimes there is just so much that's out of your hands. Read more about this sad story here:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/09/13/ontario-hospitals-waited-five-months-to-publicize-fears-about-possible-errors-in-reading-of-3500-mammograms-and-ct-scans/

• Jays game was last week with work. So much fun despite the team sucks (per usual). We were in a luxury box complete with couches, open bar, and food galore. I didn't take many photos as it was more of a business type event so it didn't seem too appropriate to be snapping photos left, right and centre when I was supposed to be "networking!"

 

• I confess that I bought a dress online on the weekend and then completely regretted my decision. It's not that I didn't like the dress - I loved it - but I felt really guilty and don't need to spend anymore money. I then proceeded to call customer service to ask them to cancel the order about an hour after HA, and they said it was already in shipping phase. What the heck? They move fast! It wasn't a big deal as I can return it in the store with no problem, no questions asked but I know as soon as it arrives in my mailbox, I won't be returning it. Must resist!!!!

• How cute are these mugs from West Elm?

• I wish I had a front porch for this reason. How precious are these pumpkins?

Terry Fox Run 2013 - Recap!

As I mentioned in this post, I participated in the Terry Fox Run this year for cancer research held this past weekend. It's my 5th year doing it in Toronto and as always, was a ton of fun.

In 1980, at the age of 22, an ordinary young man named Terry had a goal to run across Canada on one leg as he battled cancer. After 143 days, he had to stop when his cancer spread to his lungs. To date, Terry's Marathon of Hope has raised more than $600 million for cancer research!

The run site I attend is at Wilket Creek Park which is a bit out of the downtown core and is such a lovely run site. Each year about 5000 participants take part at this location alone. There are sites all across Canada! Wilket Creek Park is particularly nice as it's full of green space and trails - so much better than running/walking in the downtown core (as there is another run site there as well).

This year my friend Casey's mom and step dad decided to join us which made it extra fun.




Runners starting to gather - 8am was a bit chilly!

Due to some health issues, I decided to just walk the 5km this year. However, it was SUCH a pleasant walk and the sun was shining the entire time. I love seeing everyone from babies to 80 year olds out supporting such a great cause, getting fresh air and some exercise. The volunteers all have smiles on their faces and it's just a wonderful day. It makes my heart so full!

In previous years, there was always such a great assortment of games for kids and food for everyone after the run/walk - all of which is donated by lovely people throughout the city. This year, they stepped it up huge and not only were their the normal hotdogs, burgers, fruit and corn on the cob, they had food trucks at the event, fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, poutine (this is a Canadian thing - fries with gravy and cheese. Consider it the most amazing food ever.), pulled pork sliders, various salads and cupcakes. It was all so delicious.

 

 

We listened to a few bands play, walked around and were ready to head out by noon. They even gave us gift bags this year filled with treats and sunscreen!

At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter how far you ran or walked, how much you donated or raised or how much food is available afterwards. It's about continuing on with Terry's Marathon of Hope and raising any amount we can towards cancer research. We have come so far from when I first started participating in elementary school when I was 5. I can only hope that we will continue to make even bigger strides in the next 22 years.

Another successful Terry Fox Run. I can't wait for next year!!!

Do you have a charity you support or are passionate about?

I Fell in Love with a Cobalt Blue Coat

I haven't purchased a new fall coat in probably about 8 years. Our fall season is so short lived that I find I never really need one long enough to justify buying a new one. That said, if I find one I semi like while out shopping around, I normally try it on or check it out. Most of the time, I don't love it enough to buy it and continue on.

This past weekend I tried on two coats that I fell in love with. I walked away from both and I am hoping one of them goes on sale.

Let's start with one that I tried on and was really cute but didn't fit me right. It was the J Crew Downtown Field Jacket . I tried it on in the green and wished so bad that it fit better. It was way too boxy for me and had no shape.

 

 

 

 

I then headed to Jacob where I tried on this coat and really loved the fit of it. The problem was that I have a winter jacket that's basically identical to this that I still love. It didn't make sense buying something that was so similar to what I already own. It was cute though!

 

 



 

 

 

Lastly, Banana Republic. I fell in love with the most gorgeous Cobalt Wool Coat. The fit is perfect, it's well made, warm AND I don't own anything in this colour. Sadly, it's a bit too expensive for me so I passed it up. It's also wool so I'm guessing it's more of a winter coat anyways. I will say that it is very rare for me to instantly love something as much as I loved this..le sigh!!

 



 

 

 

See, I feel like by the time I decide what I even want, fall will be over and I'll be busting out my winter jackets.

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Sunshine All Around

 

I know I've said this before, but I love the blogging community and I have only really fully been a part of it for a few months. I am excited that I've been nominated for the Sunshine Award! Thank you to Caitlin over at Your Favorite Girlfriend for nominating me. She is so sweet and her posts always bring a smile to my face. And heck, she is training for a half marathon! Go check her out!!! She's the bomb-diggidity!!

 

 

 

 

The idea of the award is to nominate 10 bloggers whose posts brighten your day.

The Rules

1. Include the award logo in your post.

2. Link to the person who nominated you - Your Favorite Girlfriend

3. Answer 10 questions about yourself.

4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. Link the nominees to your post and notify them!

The questions Caitlin asked me were:

 

1.What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Turn off my alarm clock and go to the washroom? Ha! Just keepin' it real here...

2. What is the 3rd picture on your phone? Share it!

So my phone currently is on it's last legs and it keeps shutting down on me today so that's no fun. It won't be let upload it to my computer BUT, it is a picture of a gorgeous bracelet I saw at Chapters (bookstore in Canada). Who the heck knew that they sold jewellery there? Here is a picture from the website.

 

Via

 

 3. What TV show are you most excited about returning this fall?

Dancing with the Stars. Can I just say that I am so excited to see Bill Nye the Science Guy dance? Hilarious.

 

 

4. What is something really popular that you secretly (or not so secretly) loathe?

Coffee. Friends, I hate coffee. The smell and the taste.  I also semi hate the high low shirt trend. I don't mind it for dresses but I'm just not loving the high low shirts.

 

5. Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Bonus points for pictures.

No pets but my dad has a cat named Morris who is amazing. I've mentioned him before. I'm not much of an animal person but this cat has won me it's heart. He weighs about 15 lbs.

 

 

6. If you could put together one outfit that represents you perfectly, what would it be?

Long sleeve top, skinny jeans, brown riding boots and a scarf. I like it keep things simple.

 

7. What is your favorite adult beverage?

To be honest, I don't drink that much alcohol but if I'm out with friends for dinner or whatever, I love a good old daiquiri or a light beer (Sleeman Clear!).

 

 

8. What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

Coke. Is that a guilty pleasure? I'm gonna make it be. I also like trashy gossip magazines like US Weekly.

9. What are 3 positive words to describe you?

Independent, witty, organized.

 

10. How excited are you to be nominated?

 Very! Thank you again Caitlin!

Questions for my nominees: 

1. What's one city you visited that you DIDN'T like and why?

2. What's your favourite clothing store?

3. If I gave you $500.00 right now, what would you go buy?

4. What's the population of the city you currently live in?

5. What's your favourite scent?

6. Would you prefer to live in the city or suburbs?

7. Are you a morning person or night owl?

8. What was your favourite childhood show that you can remember?

9.  Do you prefer swimming or skiing?

10. How long have you been blogging for?

My nominees:

Note, I tried to nominate those who have not yet received this award, but I apologize if you have and I missed it! I really wish I could nominate everyone so if you're reading this and don't see your blog listed  below, thank you for stopping by and please feel free to participate!!!
 

1. Jeni @ Flying on a Rainbow

2. LaDawn @ The Daybreak Bird

3. Kristen @ Happiness is a Mood Not a Destination

4. Jamie @ You Gotta have Hart

5. Tiffany @ D'Atsy at Tiffany's

6. Katy @ From KATYpillar to Butterfly

7. Mal @ Mal Smiles

8. Becca @ A Dinner,a Dog and a Blog

9. Lauren @ A Touch of Southern Grace

10. Heidi @ It's a Westbrook Life

Five on Friday

 

 

 

One

 

I've been on the hunt for a new runner (rug) in my kitchen for about a year now. My kitchen isn't very big so the ones I find are always too long. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

If only my kitchen looked like that!

 

 

Two

 

I made a Mongolian Chicken recipe this week and it was delicious. It ended up making a TON so I ate it for about 3 days and then froze the rest. I'm so envious of all you that plan out your meals every week. I really need to start to do that better.

 

 

 

Three

 

Brittany at then there was we posted this link earlier this week and found it so fascinating. It details 7 families from around the world and what they eat in a week. It really makes me stop and think.

 

http://www.upworthy.com/meet-7-families-that-will-make-your-groceries-blush?g=2&c=tkp1

 

Four

 

J. Crew No 2 Pencil Skirt. If you work in a setting that you need to dress up or you just need some more sophisticated skirts, do yourself a favour and check these out. They are pricey but I never buy them full price as they usually have them at the Outlets for at least 60% off.

 

They come in all different colours and patterns and look so good on everyone. Better yet, you can wear them year round!

 

 

 

 

Five

 

A coworker and I had a discussion about skiing today at work and it made me so giddy to hit the slopes again. Unfortunately, we don't have many huge mountains in Ontario but there are still some great resorts. Who knows, maybe Mr. C and I will go to Vermont! Bring on the winter (I'll be laughing at myself for saying that in 2 months).

 

Blue Mountain, ON

 

 

Top of Lake Louise, Alberta

 

 

Top of Whistler, BC