The goals for 2010 ..

Every year people make resolutions and every year people beat themselves up over not succeeding - many break them on January 1st. So for me this year - what are my resolutions.. none. I have goals I am going to work toward (see how making it a goal versus a resolution makes it seem like less pressure!)

It was last year that I made a goal to quit smoking in 2009 - it did not happen on Januay 01 - but a few weeks later I was smoke free - so my big goal last year -- ACHIEVED! My lungs and hubby are much happier for it, and so am I - I hopefully have added a year or two of life to myself that will allow me to see a bit more of the life of my daughter!

some of the smaller goals were achieved too - making more of a contribution to the world around me - while baby steps "our" shared goals at Purse Junkie no more made a dent in the needs of others.

re-start the weight loss journey - I will admit to stalling on this - but have made a tiny step - I have joined weight watchers - now the comitment to DO something about the weight gain from not smoking must be done!

My Five "Big" goals for me this year..

1. Get Healthy - Body, mind and spirit - how ? By letting go of the shit that dosen't work in my life, and finding a new way to approach food, exercise and feed my mind not just my stomach!
2. Find my an outlet for creativity .. I was once pretty artistic --
3. Try to be happy with the now , while working towards the goals
4. Expect happiness not perfection ( I believe positive attitudes can change the world!)
5. READ and LEARN and LISTEN

How am I going to do all of this????? I have no clue, but I hope you all will continue with me on my journey in creating me, I am hoping to get to the good juciy stuff about what makes me tick in 2010 - wouldn't that be great to do before I was 40???? I have two and a half years .... I have been told that that is when life really starts to get good  for woman and damn I want to be ready!

LIVE LOVE LAUGH AND CELEBRATE THE YOU, YOU WANT TO BE!

The Red Sweater

The Red Sweater - our sister connection:

Every Christmas for about the last 8 years my sister and I have given each other the same gift back and forth.
Let me explain - about 9 years ago I was wearing this cute little red sweater that was part of one of those sweater sets that was popular at the time, my sister like it - and took it (somethings never change!) - Joking that she will give it back to me next christmas - sure enough she did..the following year I returned the favour (now out of style and not having worn it - I chuckled to myself as I wrapped it up) My sister thought it was a hoot - but instead of just wrapping it up again - she added a small bell to the sleeve cuff and gave it back to me the next year. Finding the bell was a surprise - but the challenge was on! I must return it with somehting significant attached -- so since I had given birth the year it was my turn to send it - I attached little booties to signify my little lady. Not to be out done my sister sent it back the next year with a small bird on the shoulder and officially labelled it by attaching the word christmas down the sleeve. The significance of the blue jay is profound and meaningful to my sister - she had upped the ante! so I thought long and hard - and serched for the perfect attachment to the sweater! The year of  our Paris trip and our five year wedding anniverairy - also a significant shopping year ( see bag list on sidebar - that is about one year worth of bags!) after pricking my fingers non stop while I sewed on the word Paris and a bag and shoe patch - off it headed to my sister for this years addition.  She returned with this years patch : a tribute to our grandmother - and angel to both of us now -  she is represented over the heart just where she will always be.
Next years patch is to be determined - but who knows what the years will bring - in tme it will belong to our daughters -- but not to be out done - my neice started a tradition the first year the little lady was born - they give each other the same birthday card each year - so far 4 years worth of messages and scribbles - it is beyond cute!

Some traditions are worth throwing out the window -- others are well worth keeping - to me I could receive nothing for Christmas but a ratty old sweater that is 40 years old - and that will be the best present in the world - simply because in years to come that shabby old red sweater will be the a snap shot of the life I have lead and the connection to a sister I have loved my whole life.

Live Love Laugh.. Share

Merry Christmas my friends

Hello everyone, I hope you are all getting ready for a family and friend filled holiday.. for the next few days we all get to be kids again. As I say every year -- I wish you all a brilliant, love and peace filled new year.

My thoughts are always reflecting back to those who are not with me this year, and I know many of you will have the same thoughts - so smile and laugh for them, for tears will only make your eyes red! I will love the memories I have of my grandparents,  enjoy a christmas time filled with child innocience now in the eyes of my little girl and neice. Start new traditions, and enjoy the old ones with a new twist.

I hear the bells.. do you? 

Live Love Laugh and deck the halls with love

Melanie

Peace on Earth

With my love of snow a green Christmas would not be on my wish list.. but the weather looks very much like the snow will blow only around the GTA not directly into it!


So today I was day dreaming of winters and christmas days gone by ( my goodness is this what happens as you get older - get all mushy and dreams of days of old?--LOL )

I wanted to share some my christmas moments with you, and please write me and share yours with me.. because if we don't tell our stories who will???


- Opening my stocking with my sister and trading for Snoopy Crayons! ( 20 plus years later I got snoopy crayons again )

-Playing Jaws and opening all the presents when mom was still sleeping

- Standing out in the freezing cold somewhere in Markham I think when I was twelve or so looking at the most incredible light display someone had put on their house.

- Skating with friends at Scarborough Town over the holidays
- Eating to much food on Christmas Eve
- watching the TV fire channel and dancing with my one month old
- Every christmas the last 4 years when I see her eyes light up
- Eating too much food and making periogies homemade at Melonies house with all the ladies there
- Getting of the bus ride to sudbury and hearing where is Tara and Sydney!


My christmas joys --

The Red Sweater ( will tell you this story after christmas)
Getting the right gift for my sister -- just enough laughter and tears combination
Watching the hubby open "the gift" and seeing yup I got it right!
Spending time with family and friends
White bread (one of the only times I actually eat it) slathered in mayo covered in stuffing and turkey-- mere hours after having eaten to many veggies

SHORTBREAD BINGE



I may not write much over the next few weeks - So for all those who read - no matter what you celebrate


I wish for all of you to LIVE LOVE LAUGH and may you all find PEACE ON EARTH

Melanie

my mommy tip ... 4 years wise!

My life has developed balance again.. sort of. We have a few new routines, a few new and now mastered rules.. and tonight she ate squash! hidden in the cheese sauce that covered the noodles - but a full serving of squash none the less..

Parenting has been my lifes biggest lesson, and one that continues each day. So my mommy tips...

plan but don't obsess
provide boundries and structure ( really does help in my house), but try even if type "A" to losen up once in awhile
try not to sweat the small stuff - I am working on this everyday
love the little moments because if the last four years have gone by in a blink so will the next 15!
snuggle when asked
Dance and sing like a fool - it is the best time every single moment we do it - even if the whole world seems to be watching.
Find something that is yours to enjoy and do it! Try not to get lost in the "mommy only" version of you
Provide memories not just things

Parenting isn't easy and I am thankful to everyone who is helping me along the way! I always read it takes a villiage to raise a child.. and I really do believe this is true..

Live Love Laugh.. Parent

The purse junkie no more

Neighbours .. in the city

I love cities.. any city with a little bit of character and spunk is going to be one I want to visit. When hubby and I first had our little lady, we were not even close to thinking about a move outside the city.. more space, more this and that. - Nope in fact if we do ever sell the house - I want to go deeper into the core of the city.

I have heard others say in the city you don't get to know your neighbours.. I don't think that is true. I believe you have the option not to know them, but you can easily be involved in your city community as you can in a suburb or country town.

We live in East York ( actually an orginal planned Toronto neighbourhood, swallowed as the city expaned around it) and I do know my neighbours, in fact last night we were 3 doors down having a great pizza in dinner after having to pass on skating in the rain as the rink was closed. I also know and like the couple that live attached to us, and a few of the houses across the street have owners who we talk to on a regular basis. We have all had dinners together, shovel each others drive ways and know the name of the kids who also have playdates together or go to school together. I know the dogs and cats that live on our street - this is due to the little ladies love of four legged pets.

The community store on the street is owned by George a wonderful man- who has everything you need all the time - I have yet to need something and he didn't have it. ( seriously.. mint sauce, duck tape, incense you name it) There is a great pizza / burger / local bar just up the street that makes great food at a good price and to top it all off they actively particpate in community leagues etc. Golden Pizza is the name,and if you are ever near by --- I suggest the burgers.

Living in the city.. a 15 minute walk from Danforth is great. I know the people in my neighbourhood, I am a participant in my childs school life ( BTW -- want to buy chocolates, a magazine, or oranges or any other fundraising thing give me a call I can hook you up..LOL something different each week!) I go to festivals, see  and  walk the lakeshore, play in Ontario Place, walk the cobblestones of the Distillary and enjoy the Eaton Centre as my "mall" when I need to buy books or have a shopping spree kind of day. - all I have to do to get downtown is cross the bridge and the possiblities of what to do are everywhere, not to mention Yorkville!!! ah the window shopping is priceless.

Would I love to wake up and look out a window and see cows and chickens or whatever it is they have in the country -- sure I will visit if you invite me.. but I can be found in the city with my family any weekend of the year surrounded by what many try to escape - the chaos that is the life of a city dweller.

Some of you live in cities, one or two live in far away countries that I don't know anything about ( but would love to hear what it is like where you live) and some of you have yearned for life in the country.. so when you pack up to go and head to the bigger spaces.. invite me along and show me what you see, because right now in this moment.. it is a city life I love..

(whistle the Andy Griffen song with an upbeat guitar solo in the back..)

Live Love Laugh .. Love where you are

The purse junkie no more

What a morning Toronto..

Winter Storm Watch.... it gets crazy this time a year.. so if you drive be careful, also walking be careful as well.

When the slush and snow gets too much.. stop .. breath and dance in the snowflakes, because it is not worth getting upset about it or getting frustrated about. Hubby took the the beautiful little lady to daycare this morning and he plowed through the snow and slush as she was excitedly sittling in the wagon -- glee filled saying .. this means christmas is coming!!!

So as you make it through the typical crazy morning rush to work.. look at the snow squals out side and think.. Yeah Winter Holidays are coming!!!

So snuggle up tonight or today with someone you love watch a holiday classic and have a great winter day in the city!

Live Love Laugh.. Snuggle

beautiful picture from the Web

The purse junkie no more

Have you ever really wanted to do something but you just couldn't jump start?

If you read on a regular basis you know that I have attempted to start the weight watchers program again, a plan the works for me.. always loose something. Well, for some reason I am having trouble kick starting myself into motion. I have lost the same three pounds twice now! I could blame it on the cookies, candies and the very delish chocolates that arrived yesturday from Ireland.. but seriously, I am stopping myself from being accountable and I know it! This is the worse kind of weight loss challenge for me..my brain! I have been tracking, just not staying in point range.. no serious issues at stake here, I am not overly stressed ( having accepted and dealt with the beautiful little ladies school issues for now), I am not blocking feelings or eating out of comfort needs.. simply enjoying too much Yummy stuff of the fattening variety.

This is when I know the meeting type version versus the on-line version of weight watchers might be helpful.. instead I think I will reflect on my behaviour - and make the choice to change it.. it just might be December 26th that I do it!

You will notice some minor changes on the blog, trying to keep it visually pleasing for you all!

Live Love Laugh .. Jump Start!

The purse junkie no more

Let it snow..

So it seems the white stuff is about to head our way. To me the city always looks so beautiful just after it snows.. the lights reflecting on the snow, are at times breathtaking.. many people say that Toronto is an ugly city, I myself have at times found it lacking.. but then I will stop and take a look around me and this is what I find...(not my pictures but favourite parts of this city).. I have friends and family that live through out the city. My favourite spot, aside of course from my home, is St. Lawerance Market - a walk through the street during a festival in the summer or having hot chocolate with my family in the little park in the winter -- to me the life of the city can always be found in  the old market on Saturday mornings, or Sundays during the flea market.. peameal bacon sandwiches and the smell of the fresh bread downstairs.. is simply YUM..... not to mention that the Winners on Front has some great finds.. if I could live anywhere in Toronto.. Hubby knows it would never be to far from this beautiful little spot.. everything you need is right there. That is where I hope to spend some of my christmas break.. having hot chocolate from Tims and enjoying a movie at the best Rainbow theater is the city..

Where do you find beauty where you live? People, Places, Faces? Let me know

Live Love Laugh ... Twirl in the Snow

The purse junkie no more

Dear Santa ( I believe)

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies
Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream
So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list
As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree
Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

This is from one of many favourite christmas songs ,one I always feel says exactly what I would write to Santa if I were to still write. Christmas is a favourite time of year for me, while the magic has faded it is still a wonderful time filled with positive thoughts and hope.
I have always asked for world peace, be it a wish  at a water fountain or a toast, I stll do. The year the Berlin wall came down I was so happy I cried as I stayed up all night at my dads house and watched the news.

A few months ago you all joined me in making a change in my closet, as a result many others benefited from your gift of giving. It doesn't have to be a big change, a small thing can make a significant difference in the lives of others.. so as we wait for the big guy in red to come, or you celebrate the festival of lights, or any other winter celebration--- remember this feeling of wishing for peace and finding hope.. lets make it our joint effort to support those in need, find the good in others and once in awhile play with the imagination of youth... because all we need is to still believe in each other for the world to change..

I Believe
Live Love Laugh .. BELIEVE

The Little Lady and me at work today ...

Well we have been in my office for 2 hours now, and it is going pretty good, heading out to play in the school yard for 10 minutes then back to work again. I LOVE IPODS.. I have it filled with Super W ( learning to read program) a Barbie movie and music and stories. External speakers too. She has coloured, played with her dolls and read and spent some time with my environmental friend. ( One time out for throwing - but you know what -- no tears!!!!) Consistency is my friend....

saved the post and went out to the playground for a bit.. all is goods she is trying really hard to stay occupied!

have a great day all :)

Live Laugh Love

The purse junkie no more

Breaking Rules

Today I broke one of my "rules" - no track/yoga pants at work! I am sooooooo comfy right now! Having a quick coffee break to start my day is strange, but I will be busy all day!

So it is in creating the new me, that I allowed myself to do the whole Yoga pants thing - this is not unsual at my work -woman often wear black yoga pants - granted most are working with little children or supervising little children, but today I am working on finishing up all my 2009 paper work and since I didn't organize a work from home day - well Yoga pants it is. Slightly uncomfortable with the whole super casual thing!

I grew up in a house, where my mom looked great going to work everyday, she did her hair and put on a suit of some kind, make up and I seem to remember hot rollers at various times,  1980's possibly for the big hair. Back then my mom looked (to me) like Farah Fawcett with the big blonde hair, likely was late 1970's into the 1980's. Shoulder pads, double breasted suits Chanel checked style suits, the first Gucci must have "it" bag that I remember ( which quietly sits in my closet for me to gaze upon!) oh and Heels - nice shoes always ( I again apologize mom, I know how much you hate my taste in shoes, while slightly improved from Doc martin days.) There was no track pants ever to work that I remember.. but times have changed for work environments, people are much more casual  at work. For example at my workplace - well it is a one off to see someone dressed up - always nice but not many power suit days here. Lots of blouse and jean sharp dressed woman, men usually sweater and jeans or kaki's.

So did I break a huge fashion rule -- yup for some, am I comfortable - yup! Losening up - one check for me! as for the diet, still tracking and chugging along .. who in their right mind chooses the month of shortbread cookies to start a weight loss plan!!!


Enjoy a comfy day all.. tomorrow back to normal!

Live Love Laugh and be comfy
the purse junkie no more

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many - unknown

In the last week more of my family and friends have said something about getting old, more then usual. So to celebrate the wisdom of others here are some quotes for you:

Life is a grindstone. Whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us. -- Thomas L. Holdcroft


We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. -- Winston Churchill

Live as if your were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. -- Gandhiji

Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies. -- Ann Landers


It is not length of life, but depth of life. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson


The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball. ~Doug Larson


Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. ~Samuel Ullman



There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. ~Author Unknown

Live Love Laugh .. Age
The purse junkie no more..

I am dreaming of a white christmas

What a great weekend -- extra day on Friday to see the little miss at school, we then went for our appointment at the doctors - she had her needles and is all up to date. We then went out for a nice walk and enjoyed a little family hot chocolate time.

What a fantastic weekend we had, darling friend from Sudbury was here and we had a great successful visit with Santa on Saturday and a trip to the disney store to help write our letter! Dinner at the Johnny Rockets, where the wait staff performed a dance and song which our daughter loved, dinner and a show. Best onion rings I have had in years

A mini vacation is how the Thursday afternoon until Sunday time off felt. A bit of christmas shopping on Thursday and Sunday. A really great chat with my mom, and some deep breaths.. somtimes you just need the people you love to remind you that you are doing a good job, being a parent isn't easy all the time.. but sometimes it is about me just letting go and not trying to create perfection in a four year old ( how crazy is that?)  .. so this weekend was fun and I played too.

I took the advice of a great woman, bought some light reads, and tried to stop sweating the small stuff.. the result I began day dreaming about a white christmas :)

Live Laugh Love and BE

HOPE

And the count down begins.... Christmas Chaos is around the corner. Candy canes and popcorn, and all things stickey and yummy are waiting to be baked. I have never been one to bake, now my sister can makes a mean shortbread. Shortbread is a weakness of mine, some people like the bars, others like the little rounds.. me I like them all. Shortbread imported for Marks and Spencers... yummmy.. butter goodness.

I am a savory kind of girl, stuffing and turkey and anything with sage and cheese.. Bliss. I love christmas time, I love the busy stores, I love the lights and I love the hope that a New Year can bring. I have spent the last few months evaluating lots of personality traits about myself, some that I like some that I don't. I am working on them.

Learning to lighten up,  will be a new hope for me starting today.. it has been a rough couple of years for me.. I have been working towards this idea of creating a new me.. well its time to relax and enjoy life.. I have to stop rushing around and just enjoy the moments.

So as I egarly await dear friend from sudbury's arrival.. I will spend the day at my daughters school, have a coffee and a read, then after the doctors appointment I will play downtown with my little girl.

Live love laught .. RELAX

The purse junkie no more

Fit in to favourite Jeans!!!

Since before the summer I  had grown out of a pair of jeans that I bought a few years ago - my favourite Seven jeans in dark denium - today I thought what the heck??? so I did them up today , yeah.. now not wear worthy yet as they are bad muffin top jeans ( when the tummy sticks out and sides fall over the top of your too tight in the waist jeans) - but they are infact much closer to being back in my wardrobe!! I will know on Friday if I have lost any more weight ( have been good and not obsessed this week with the scale).. Feeling like I am getting back into the swing of things..Weight Watchers may not be for everyone, but it is definately something that works for me.

Prior to the quit smoking date of last year, January 04, 2009 -I had lost 20 pounds.. have since put 15 of  it back on, remained a non smoker (which is HUGE) so as I have re-started the weight loss journey again, I think it is rewarding to fit back into those pants. Can't imagine it is more then another 2lbs this week. Which would be about 5 in two weeks = great like losing a bag of potates worth of weight! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

So house is decluttered, purses are down to a manageable amount, have quit smoking and now on the weight loss train - Damn I am getting good at this whole create yourself  thing..

So all in all, kind of proud of myself ..

LIVE LOVE LAUGH

The purse junkie no more

Quiet mind

Usually my head has thousands of thoughts swirling around in it. Today my mind is quiet.. it is a good thing :)

Have a nice quiet day everyone!

Live love laugh ..enjoy

the purse junkie no more

All the world is a stage

Yesturday evening after a good nap, we went to the Danforth for a walk and a hot chocolate. Accross from Tim Hortons is a little city park, in the summer it has a fountain, in the winter beautiful lights. This year the lights are even nicer then usual, Twinkle lights in the thousands. If you get a chance you should see them.

In this little park is a stage, Emma likes to play on the stage. So we did a "show" dancing, and yoga and twirling in circles. We took turns - great fun. We ended up with a few on lookers and a couple of participants. Fun.

So, we had a good Sunday, dancing like snowflakes.. all the world is a stage, people watch no matter what the show.. so we gave them a good one. a mom, a dad and a little girl.. dancing in the park among thousands of twinkle lights.

Live Love LAUGH AND DANCE

The purse junkie no more


PS - Just got off the phone with a friend at work who told me her little Angel once held her breath in a store until she passed out -- she wanted to try on more shoes. Thank for the chat... it is all about perspective isn't it :)

Mall melt downs... and we survived!

Wow, change the rules and boy do you get an interesting response! So, I have in the past allowed my daughter to get a "treat" from the shops after spending a day shopping with me. I know not a good thing, but I did it. I know I am not the only one, because I see it everytime I go out. Well, yesturday was the day..no, treat. HUGE melt down. Screaming yelling, banging her feet. Yup, my beautiful little girl...became an "I want a Barbie" monster right in front of my eyes, and to my embarassment ( I hate public humiliation - do not single me out because of bad stuff ever, I loose it) ,... Oh and on a side note here, to all those people who think making comments like " Major meltdown there" are at all helpful .. SHUT UP either offer some words of support or go away. (Such as the lady in the elevator in who said - is she four? it gets better my grandaughter did the same thing) We handled it the best we could, we didn't back down. We left the store ( Dad went and  paid for everything - please note - no Barbie and the two videos that had been in the cart she didn't know about , also went back on the shelf.)

So on Saturday, we experienced what my  all friends would call the behaviour increase, the light at the end of the tunnel is on it's way.. it usually gets worse before it gets better is the saying written by behaviour therapists I am convinced. Well that was the worse I have ever seen my little four year old Angel behave, by far. Made me hate the mall, get mad at Jay and me and her all at once.

Homeward bound, an exhausted little miss, dad and mom pretty much did not say a single thing on the subway ride. Off to nap once home , then mom and dad talked it out.. We are not perfect parents.. but we are trying. She is a good kid, fighting to figure out what control she has, and why the rules to everything seemed to have changed.

Strange how one conversation with a teacher can lead to a chain of events that result in not only her learning lessons but us too.

So I take a big breath, and say thank you for my lessons. Saturday was tough, but it is now an experience we survived .. Chalk one up for the parents

Live love laugh

The purse junkie no more

Finding Happiness... it is REALLY all up to you

I was thinking about "Happiness" today and in doing so was wondering what does it truely mean to be happy. I think because so many people chase after hapiness in their lives they sometimes forget to experience it while they are smack dab in the middle of it!

Take for example the panic and fear of judgement I experienced this week with my daughter, i know that she is a great girl. I know that she can behave when she needs to.. I also know that I cannot control every moment I am not with her.. so having said all that I find happiness in my parenting moments.. like the weekend snuggles, playing princess domino's or even playing snap and go fish ( all new games she is enjoying) .. just checked in with her teacher - she is doing better.. but she still needs to work on the "NO" to her teacher. This is good - we have noticed a change at home as well, baby steps :)  I can at times focus on the bad stuff and get caught up in upset.. but I am trying REALLY Hard not to. - Lets be clear I do have to try to be in a good mood sometimes, I have to try to like my days ..

I think when you place "being" happy on a pedestal like so many people do - and it is often paired with having money, owning a house, haveing a family or stuff. You can forget that hapiness is infact a state of mind you can choose to have. ( Please note -- not talking about people who suffer from depression or anxiety related disorders here. )  Without sadness there is no happiness in  life so a balance of both is good.

Me -- when happy , sad or indifferent - like to eat -- so I am an all around emotional eater - but i do eat less when stressed, and more when content and good with the world. Backwards to most people I know!  Which brings me to my accountablity check in.. 3lbs officially lost this week ( was four but was not on the offcial weigh in day so doesn't count) staying with point range most days as adjusting to healthy eating comes into play more regularily.

So in my ramble today.. happiness is what we all seek, maybe we just have to all stop looking and realize happiness is a gift we can choose to give ourselves? 

LIVE LOVE LAUGH ... BE HAPPY

The purse junkie no more

Tired.. so 430am tired

Hey all,

I was up at 430 this morning, coughing and congested. With some meds was able to make it into work ( no fever here) but I am so bone tired.. if I close my eyes I will be out for the count. So what is a mom to do.. made plans with hubby that he and the little lady will go get her mug shot for her passport done, and I will have a few minutes rest after work..

Just waiting for th end of day meeting, and then once done I am out of here.... I can feel my pillow already

Live Love laugh ... SLEEP

The purse junkie no more

We did it... 2 nights down and going strong!

Wow, we have a little girl who followed the rules today, did not get upset when we said no - and when we said good job - she showed she was proud! YEAH ... now we must maintain it ourselves! She even helped cook dinner tonight ( no TV means other things have to happen with mommy and daddy) which means she ate her dinner too!

Baby steps but happy - she had a good day at school, I talked to the teacher, and called the daycare - everyone is GREEN, YELLOW and RED = her saying I want to stay green mommy! One thing about our daughter -she is a fast learner - she questions the rules to find out the reason as well, when she does not understand.

So yup, feeling good. On the food front, feeling good, staying in point range eating a little better and keeping on top of my own stuff.. today has been a good day.

LIVE LOVE and Laugh

The pirse junkie no more

It's going to be a GREEN day

It is funny how someone who works around, with and for children and adults with behaviour issues, missed some behaviour issues in her own child! And boy did I take it hard.. now in no way am I comparing my childs behaviour to that of a child who has ASD or am I saying they are at all similar in coping methods.. I am saying -- wow I reinforced some defiant behaviour. Now it is my job as mom and Jay's job as Dad - to turn it around!

So just turned four and full of spunk, knows her mind and is not afraid to tell you so are qualities I LIKE about my little girl. What I don't like is not listening, and hitting when she doesn't get her way., and apparently she screams NO once in awhile.  So expectations need to be made clear. We are following the schools GREEN = Good YELLOW= Warning and RED = Time out ( the whole supernanny thing) we of course will focus on praising the Green behaviours, providing choice during yellow behaviours and following through if we reach RED behaviours.

Mommy and Daddy had a good talk, we are on the same page and my mommy listened while I felt like a failure, so thank you mom! .. but in true me fashion, new page today and change of behavior plan now underway.. she stayed in the green this morning, rehersed about hands to ourselves and off she went. Fingers crossed today is a good day! I will be calling the teacher today to double check.

So tell me parent out there... how was four years old for you?? Did you get an attack of the "NO!" at your house?

Live LOVE Laugh .. PARENT

The purse junkie no more

PS - weigh in 3 days -- but checked on myself 4 pounds gone since re: commitment to myself!

4 Princesses and one spider man

What a great day for my beautiful little lady, she had all her dearest friends ( new and ones since birth) , she had so much fun , today was the "dress up" brithday party. We dressed up, we played and we ate ( Fruit Kabobs were a hit! banana,strawberry,grapes and marshmellows and a skewer.) Pizza was not a hit, the pink roll ups were a huge success - so much so - that half of the sandwiches has at least one bite out of each.

I am tired. I am happy.. my little girl is fast asleep... what a great day of pink and white , princess and SPIDERMAN bliss..

Fashionable friend from Irelands two boys called dressed up like stormtroopers, they had a skype party, and during the party.. darling friend from Sudbury called in for her birthday wishes.

Nothing feels better then knowing, your child is happy, loved and has good friends.

live, love, laugh PLAY

The purse junkie no more

First step back on track

So as I mentioned I have been moving toward the healthier version of me.. so today I rejoined weight watchers on line. I need the accountability of checking in, doing the graphs reading the results...hmmm sounds oddly familiar to an old job I had.. ah yes that would be because weight watchers is based on the principles of ABA ( the study of behaviour.. really is way more then that but in a nut shell) .. must be why it works!
So .. to look at what I do know about my eating habits.. I like food, I like salty crunchy food.. makes me feel comforted, I am an emotional eater - I am also a subsitute behaviour eater -- so no smoking = weight back on that I had loss. However instead of the usual fall back to lose the weight ( going back to smoking) I am taking a new challenge, and giving myself the one to two pounds a week weight loss goal.

So promises to me.. I will not hate myself when I eat something not so good for me.. I will track what goes in my mouth ( inluding the coffee's I have routinely not counted previously).

I will not turn to food when bored.. but in the event I do .. popcorn or crunchy vegetables.

If you have never struggled with your weight .. and I don't actually know many people who would say they haven't (to thin, to fat, to anything) you know that the real reasons for weight gain involve many factors, genetics, food choices, lack of exercise etc. In the end.. it is something we either choose to control or not. Once out of control, it is much harder to pull yourself out of the vicious yo-yo cycle.. but it can be done, I have done it before, and I am now ready to do it again!

Food de-cluttering, not a new concept really. I think like with anything else their is a balance that each person needs to find. For example - I have no desire to be a mini version of myself - I just want to be a healthier version of me.. mind body and spirt..so for today I stayed within my point range.

Live Love Laugh -- EAT

The purse junkie no more

The leaves are gone and the trees are bare, waiting for snowflakes

Today on my streetcar ride in I noticed the leaves of many of the tree's are now gone. While some people do not like the way the trees look at this point - I really do.  A bare tree covered in snow is even better .. I love snow .. I am a true Canadian girl that way.. but my favourite view of snow is when it gathers on tree branches and a "snow shadow" developes around the tree.

Four years ago on November 14th my daughter was born, the weather was much like it is right now.. not to cold, sunshine bursting through the skyscrapers.. but a few weeks later.. snow covered trees.
So as we prepare for the winter ahead.. dream of your vacations in the sun if you want. I can't wait to hear the crunch of snow under my little ones feet , snow angels with grandma and my beautiful neice.  Bring it on Canada!

I am a proud Canadian, and while I have a a passion for the sights of the world.. when all is said and done, I will always be RED and WHITE. So, please remeber those that have fallen to protect what we so often take for granted.

Live Love Laugh  REMEMBER WHY

The purse junkie no more

Dancing and Fairy Wings

Today I had a breakfast date with my environmental friend, we had a yummy breakfast and a nice coffee with a chat.. great way to start the day! Just before meeting her I stopped at the dollar store for some Fairy Wings for the dress up birthday party my little lady is having on Saturday. I think I am excited more then she is.


I hope the girls have so much fun! I like this dress up thing ... such fun .. she will often put on fashion shows and twirl and dance. She is in many ways very much a fashionable girl.. 4 years old on Saturday... I know that because I like bags, and scarves and necklaces she too is doing this to mimic me, but really isn't that one of the joys of childhood. Pretending to be whatever you want to be. She has been a Knight, who saves the prince - thank you Enchanted! ( yes she has the shield the mask and the sword too) a Vet ( this is what she currently wants to be when she grows up) She often pretends to be a mommy ( who goes to work -- Love it!) she has also been a monkey, a dog and a cat, a spider princess ( yup - black and orange princess spider costume with spider crown)

I think because I really didn't find a passion for clothes and fashionable stuff unitl my late twenties - I still get joy from the whole thing -- but if I could dress up and be anything in the world .. I would put on khaki's , an indian jones hat , and pretend to be an Anthropolgist, and search the world to discover paintings, a drawings of times long ago.. what would you dress up to be???


Live, Love , Laugh and IMAGINE
The purse junkie no more

Today I want you to read one of the blogs on my page

http://itsgonnabealovelyday.blogspot.com/

Please read what she wrote about asking for help..  also check out a very touching read from last thursday

Live LOVE laugh and SEEK

The purse junkie no more

Quick hello

Hi all,

just a quick not, life has been a little crazy with H1N1 vacinations, and making sure the party next weekend has all the bits and pieces we need for success.

so I have not stopped writting, just a little busy is all :)

hope all of you in TO are loving th 18 degrees, make sure to get out and pretend it is a cool summer day!

the purse junkie

coming out of th Fog

Alright, so starting to feel better. headache is finally gone - 3 days of aches and pains, slight cough and chills. feelining more human. On Wednesday my little lady was not feeling well either, it is rare when she says " I need to rest mommy" , so when she does I take her at her word. So we were couch potatoes on wednesday - she had a super long nap, and so did I ! the exhaustion I have felt over the last few days has been extreme. At around 8pm Wednesday night she has seemed to get her pep back. Me , well I was slightly better but still very tired. Yesturday I stayed home, at the advice of work - seems it was a good idea. I got the hot cold chills again, and literally just sat, like a bumb on a log (in this case the couch) and really did nothing all day. I called a couple people for work.

Today, not as tired, stomach does not hurt as much,and no longer feel completely drained.


Not my peppy self - can't imagine how bad I would have felt if I still smoked! I imagine the slight cough I have would have been a hacking one by now.

So here is to all those sicky's out there.. as Fiaza said "sending you chicken noodle thoughts" (love that by the way),

Hoping to be 100% soon.

Live, Love, Laugh .. REST

The purse junkie no more

Sick

No entries the last couple of days as I am not well.. check back  later n the week.

Be well, all take care of yourselves -- take your Vitamin C!

Run Through the leaves

Before everyone sweeps up all  the leaves, find some and run through them -- this is how I ran to the bus today.. it was great fun, and a little burst of exercise too!

I don't know if you will remember but in September I told you about the group of people who meet to do what looks like Tai Chi by Bridgepoint health Centre on Broadview.. well their group was large today, and the best part, they were all bundled up in their fall jackets and mitts. I love that this group meets, with no obvious leader and exercises together.. Community, that is what that moment says to me!

Slowly easing into the new healthier ways ( again) but I know me, and I know what will work .. and getting my head in the right space for life changes takes about a month! Seriously, I am not kidding - I have to have the time to commit - then boom done! Committed with will power ..

So what did I do today to CREATE a new part of me? I had a half hour massage ( perk at work) and then completly emptied the brain -- Bliss - time for me, time to relax without thoughts about anything else.. working towards the balance!

Live, Love, Laugh and CREATE

The purse junkie no more

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself (George Bernard Shaw)

I have reached a plateau with my purse de-clutter. This weekend with the help of  Darling Friend From Sudbury, I did it, I sorted, I choose and I concured that last hurdle -- 15 bags went to Addiction and Mental Health Bin. I even loaded them up myself in my bundle buggy and walked the fiften minutes to the bin - and dumped the lot of them! I felt carrying the "load" that I used to subsitute dealing with life issues, was a very satifisying way to purge it all at once! Let me tell you it was.. I made it down to 15 bags ( this inclueds all my remaining coach bags, and my overnight bag).  I may in the future post one here and there, but for now, this is where I am at. Needless to say my hubby is happy!

In addition to my bag dump, my husband and I attacked the basement again - bye bye chairs no one sat in ( off to a place I can sit in when I visit), bedding we don't like and baby clothes I never knew why I kept! Bye bye also to a table, a christmas tree, and crib ( I could not donate this as it's safety date is expired)  and to a very large piece of glass from the last owners. We also said so long, to extra DVD's and Baby movies, books are all gone as well. I have a collection of the little ladies things and a some beautiful handknitted outfits to put away.. but that is it.. because I have learned life and memories are not in the things.. they are in my everyday , every moment with her.

Hello to new bedframe ( LOVE IT) , good nights sleep with proper support and feeling like the "stuff" that smothers me is fading away.. now on to the next inspiration.. Creating Me... loving the space we are in, making a life full of "clutter free living" - can I tell you how much it amazes me we had so much stuff and never used any of it?!? - crazy really - and do not think for one minute I don't have a house full of stuff that I use - I am not sitting on a floor with nothing - I have all I need - and some that can still go out! ( I know really how much can 1200 square feet hold!)

The rules I have learned to help me declutter and the ones I now follow ..( well at least the best I can)

1. Do I love it? ( if yes keep it, if no - donate, or toss depending on what it is)
2. Does someone else like it better? ( for example - a bag I liked, but didn't love went to a friend who did love it!)
3. Does it collect dust? ( if yes, toss it )
4. For Bits and Decorative pieces - Does it remind me of happiness? if yes keep it, if not toss it.
5. School Daycare ART - Keep the one I love the best , put it in a place of honour and praise the little lady ( I have her first two paintings framed)

Raise your coffee to us..
 here is to -- all the good deeds the bags have done, and will do.. Here is to all of you :)

Now the  question I have for you, are you ready to explore what comes next with me?? Are you ready to see what fun and laughter awaits.. because here it is.. I am going to start the next phase... off with the extra pounds!!  This is gonna be fun..

Live, Laugh, Love and CREATE

The Purse Junie NO MORE!

Facebook | Inbox

Facebook Inbox

Taking Time , really participating in the moment .. Even in the Big City.

I often find that we, as busy people with busy lives, sometimes forget to take a minute. To just really be present in the life of someone else, or even in our own movements throughout the day. I know that I am guilty of this. I know my dearest friends, are guilty of this.

Take for example, what I said yesturday about stopping and watching and finding something beautiful.I am happy to hear a couple of you have done this ..  a young man dancing to his own beat crossing danforth., a man connecting with his dog on their walk..  these moments made you smile.   It is in these times when we let  all those things zooming around in our heads, worries and fears just disapear. Be present in the exact moment, at that exact time. For me this has always been a moment I later treasure, because it has allowed me to connect - even remotely with the world around me, instead of just zooming through it.

Walking the streets in Paris, New York , London, Dublin or Toronto - have given me such beautiful moments like these -- so I will share some of my "moments" in time with you :

1. Paris - sitting on my julliet balcony,(eating a delicious bagette - ripping it with your teeth is such fun! and drinking a heavenly coffee -delivered to our room)  watching the woman accross Haussman Ave water her beautiful flowers - every morning our stay there.
2. Overwhelmed with the size and  beauty of New York - and looking up to see a building that has trees growing at around the 15th floor outside. Better yet, being on the Empire State building observation deck and seeing the roof top gardens that cover New York - a hidden treasure for the eyes of birds.
3. Dublin - beauty everywhere , but walking along the side streets just off of Grafton Street and seeing of all things a Guinness delivery being made to a pub - it could not have been more "Irish" of a moment. ( this made me laugh out loud aim my camera and shoot - it is in my to be" framed " pile right now)
4. London - going into Harrods Food Hall - and seeing all the beautiful treats of chocolate made into so many different art pieces. - Even if you do not eat them - please please - go and look the art created by these pastry chef's and chocolatiers are stunning!
5. Walking the streets in Mexico and seeing the most beautiful and huge white cat with one blue and one green eye, chase a little child across the street.

I could go on and on about these snap shots in my mind - and often in my photo albums now. I am blessed with a photographic memory - I take my own snapshots and file them away.

Can you tell I am a city girl? I love Citys - no matter how cold you may believe ours to be - there is always warmth to be found if you just stop and take a look.

Live, Love, Laugh .. EXPLORE

The Purse Junkie no more

In this big, bold beautiful City - this crazy busy station is stunning to look at - even when it is filled to the rafters with people! - Liverpool Station ( they also make the best meat pies in a little shop just underneath the Marks and Spencer "to go" shop)

Tell me ... where have you found beauty in other places in the world..

feeling the snow in the air ???? I am !

Have you ever smelled snow in the air? Felt the cold fall mist - not the wet mist of spring, but the tingly cold mist when the winter air arrives? Today I had a moment like that when I walked back from my lunch break - where I bought candy for apparently every child who ever comes in contact with my child! ( Daycare - yup, School - yup, Work kids -yup!)

You will have noticed by now that I really like to observe and share the things around me - so todays message to all of you - take 5 minutes - now even, and go have a tea, latte or coffee - stand on the corner by your work and watch , the busses, the trees the people, the children whatever.. I PROMISE you, you will see something beautiful. It could be a moment, it could be a person, it could be a colour.. but I promise you it will be there. Home sick - go look in the mirror .

LIVE love laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

PS had a moment of weakness today -- almost bought a bag. Clearer heads prevailed!

Good Morning --- the Little lady wants to go to the beach

Hello friends,
I hope you are all having a very good start to your week. I am crazy busy this week with training and traveling to the East end everyday.. which means less time to Blog. The hubby and the little lady went swimming last night, and this resulted is a request for the summer to come back so we could go to the beach. I love the way she thinks.

Since Paris looks like a dream again at this point, maybe a florida adventure would be fun, my goodness it has been like 15 years since I was in Florida. Breakfast with Belle and Ariel, I can enjoy the thought of being a princess myself for a week or two.. anyone know a great place to get deals during prime season?

 I have consideedr specific requests for bags.. such as the lady in Sudbury who is looking for a black bag or tote - I will give to darling friend in Sudbury this weekend - and you donate the hearing aids and glasses ( a big thank you)

After much thought, I may by the end of the week have the time to take pictures of the remaining bags I am willing to part with and have a first come first serve give away - of course you will need to do something for someone else to get the bag.. but then it will be official I am a purse junkie no more!

The purse junkie no more

 I must have hit a spot in my bag collection that you guys do not find interesting! Ah well, they can head off to dress for success. I think that if the next bag I post does not generate interest, I may in fact bundle them up and give them all away at once to charity. My focus is begining to shift away from bags too, I have been clearing out my closet on a regular basis, even created enough space for a closet organizer to actually fit in it! I actually now only have clothes that I love, or like alot.. or are super comfy. I don't have piles in my closet, I don't have things I am never going to fit into again ( I have one pair of jeans as goal jeans - and they are very realistic as they are the pre-quit smoking size) and since I am making a commitment to myself to get my health back, I know I will be back in them in no time.

Shopping, still has it's draw - bags not so much.. so I guess my experiment is working. I guess I am realizing finally that I don't NEED so much stuff. Don't make the mistake that I am "cured" of the shopping, but I think I am moving towards a place where finding stuff, surrounding myself by stuff, and having or wanting what others have just because - just isn't reason enough in itself to buy so much, or as a method of dealing with other issues,. I still have miles to go, but heck mass consumption cannot be stopped in 2 months. I am trying a method of "Do I LOVE it? Will I use it, do I need it? this does strangely enough makes a difference, but sometimes wanting it is enough too.

This week a house on my street went for sale and sold above asking, this house is almost the mirror image of mine.(what sucks about this is I really like the people who live there, but they are moving not to far away so hopefully we will keep in touch)  I instantly knew that if we sold our house we would do well and then we too could have a bigger house... calmer heads prevailed and we talked it out, and right now at this moment in time.. we are good where we are, we don't need the big house.. we have a good life, one filled with downtown life, family and friends.. a bigger house is not what we need right now.. Especially since we are doing really well at clearing stuff out, we are gaining more space.

Life is not about what you have.. Life is about who is in it

The purse junkie no more

Date Nights and a new fridge

Hi there, Sorry to a co-worker who asked where todays entry was.. officially on lunch break so thought I would catch up now! Seems there are a few of you who add me to your daily routine.. so thank you and I am honoured :)

Now on to date night.. yup tonight is date night, we are dropping the little lady off at Grandmas - grabbing a bit of Pizza then we have the night to ourselves - I am thinking movie and popcorn! Maybe a good long walk if the rain lets up and a good chat. My favourite thing to do with the hubby - walk and talk.. we can both walk for hours and hours so it is nice to get a chance to do it once in while, espeically when the city sky goes dark and lights turn on.. this city can be beautiful then. As little lady  gets a bit tired now without the stroller, we don't get to do it as often, though for a 4 year old she can go the distance, she can walk for over an hour without complaint.

Tomorrow the wait for the fridge, very excited.. I know little thing, but you don't know the kind of fridge I had. Here comes a nice bright white fridge.. made in this decade!! not 40 plus years old. We got a new stove a couple of years ago.. now that was good - our previous one, when a burner went you had to get it replaced by an antique part shop.. I am not kidding. Back then I just could not get rid of a perfectly working fridge ( even in my mind I knew it was better for the enviroment) As of Saturday my kitchen will have  completly updated Appliances. The things that can make me happy .. even make me laugh. Seriously what is so great about stoves and fridges???? At least I can control my urge for purchasing the fridge with the built in internet service that orders food for you.. I know a little much isn't it.

What silly things make you happy?

Live love laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood

18 degrees... shorts, sandles??? Maybe twenty years ago.. today light jacket, sunglassses :) looking forward to such a lovely day. So, wondering where the bag is this week? I haven't picked one, been busy with other stuff but thinking a wallet and Le Sportsac combo might be a good idea. So here they are a beautiful patterened Le Sportsac with black handles - this is a current design available in stores now. and a Tignanello dark green leather wallet. Great against a black coat to bring a little bit of colour into your life! Used only for a short time - before the purple tote :) Looking for a bag full of groceries for the Food Bank for this one ( at least $50.00 dollars worth) and would like a picture before delivery of bag.. Want to add to it?? start the bid with the groceries and we start from there. Value of bag and wallet together over $175.00. You want the wallet but know someone who would like the bag.. combine your efforts.

Comment section is open for your comments / bids.  Can't donnate to the food bank? Show me a picture of you in a soup kitchen working and you can have them.

Foodbank = healthy bodies = healthy minds= feeding the minds of the future..

Remember the children starving right now could be the minds that make for a better life for all... be a part of their devlopment.

Live, Love, Laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Wired 24/7

I just got to watch a twenty minute segment on TVO's the agenda. It was a show that was looking at a variety of ways that technology is affecting our lives, how much we depend on it and how it adds and takes away from our interactions with each other.

It really is an interesting thought. I have, like some of the shows participants looked at technology as something that is a "neutral" element in life. One that can be as good or as bad as you let it be.
For example, for me the "now" of twitter was like information addiction, knowing what others are thinking and doing, is like having the voice in your have questions answered before you could even ask. It is a strange sensation, and a in my opinion creates a very false sense of connection with others. Social networking is likely way above my understanding, the way in how it can be used effectively and productively. I feel like the net can bring us together , but I also feel like it drives us all further apart, as we rely more and more on "disconnected" connections. It is something to monitor in ourselves, we best make sure that we connect with each other face to face once in awhile too!

Facebook is another thing all together, I have recently begin to look how "connected" I am, between cell phones, blogging ( which I love) and facebook ( which I am so so on) I wonder if I could give up the "social net-working" sites and just give this blog and my real live friends all the efforts. For years now, people have been stuck behind a screen, connecting by text, instant messaging and other "pings" "pokes" and "bumps", wonder if we should start up more "coffee shop" chats.

Decluttering the world connections , not something I could completely do, could I chill out on the facebook checking, and email obsessive checking - very likely. I need to find more time in my day for connecting with live people, sitting down and really listening and connecting with others.

This for me is something techonology did take away alittle for all of us, we connect.. but do we really??? What do you think..  Tell me

The purse junkie no more

We will see where this new train of thought takes me.. wh

Pure Bliss , and Mommy Time

Everyone loves a minute to themselves. As a mom I sometimes  feel quilty when I have a minute to myself  let alone  when I enjoy it! I know other moms sometimes feel this way.. But this is about ME! My hubby was not home at usual time, so I went to get my cell and realized that I had left it at work ( this is very silly as I do not have a LAN line) so I ran to the pay phone ten steps from my house and gave him a call. That is when he told me the news.. he and the beautiful little lady where over at her best friends house for dinner and a playdate. Within minutes I was off the phone, ran and got my purse and went down the street to the local restaurant, ordered a sinful dinner ( steak on a bun, fries and salad...YUM) and ran home to sit with a tv tray ( yes the kind you pull up in front of the coach ) and I watched TV .. an old episode of friends and currently have on ET Canada - brain candy .. yummy food ...Mommy bliss 

Little lady will come home happy , fed and exhausted. Hubby will be fed and as tonight is my TV night, he will also put her to bed. I watch House and Lie to me on Monday nights. So Tonight is my night... all about me.. No idea what to do. I think I will finish telling you about my indulgence and read my new Alex Cross book.

Just a side note before signing off - the food bank is really LOW on donations this year, something like 80 thousand people depend on it every month .. so can I challenge all of us to donate this week at least one can? Challenge you and you challenge everyone you know on facebook and twitter.. pass the message.. We need to feed Toronto families, children, men and woman.. can we do it??? One can each - a buck for beans or vegetables.. pass it on we can make a difference it only takes a small group of people to start a trend.

Live Love Laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more.

have not picked the bag for this week

Hi all,

It has been busy around our house the last few days, getting stuff for Birthday parties, figuring out halloween costumes and just clearing up the backyard (putting all the kiddie toys in the shed). I thought we should as a family go out as Scooby (the little lady) Shaggy (Daddy) and me as Velma - they didn't buy it though! Now for the friends out there with Kids younger then my little lady - before you buy anything for outside - slides, picnic tables, sandboxes, bikes and mini cars --- PLEASE ask me if I am ready to pass along some great stuff cheap!

We managed to get some great deals in the EVIL store Walmart, this weekend. Can't help it darling friend from Sudbury once in awhile I must shop where I get the cheapest stuff - and cheap garden stuff ( 5 solar lights - nice = $10)  is what I need. I can't beat that price!

Looking forward to seeing the colours change some more, the little lady was on the bus this weekend going over the bloor bridge and she was so cute - she said "Wow that is beautiful mommy". You have got to love an observant child!

Well - no a big or profound entry.. just a little bit of time over coffee break.

Keep giving all!

Live Love Laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Change

What a year of change this has been for me and many others in my life. My job includes dealing with the transitions between two changes for others, you would think I would be good with change! I am actually fine with it ( well not all the time )  once I get a handle on how it will impact my life, I will accept it. Let me just give you a little peak into some of the changes that have affected me this year...

1. Went to Paris ( this was an awesome change of scenary and expectations of our lives for my husband and I - we left the little lady with my sister, and we broadened are life experiences together)
2. Fashionable Friend moved to Ireland ( this was a huge impact on my daily life, as we worked together, our families played together and we did lots of stuff just the two of us - road trips, shopping and mom stuff etc.)
3. My mom who was staying  for awhile, moved - this was a great change for her, but we miss her all the time - not to mention all the great dinners, coffee chats and duct tape lunches!
4. We changed the layout and colours of our entire house - good change here.
5. I quit smoking - this was tough for me, but it was fantastic and now as I approach the one year mark, I am proud of myself. If you have never smoked, imagine giving up something you do everyday all the time, and then poof - you don't do it anymore. (changes your whole routine in life)
6. lost twenty pounds before stopping smoking, put 15 back on after giving up the cancer sticks ( new years goal - get it gone for good) This did affect my self esteem - but have learned I must try to give myself (brain) a break on this one for a bit.
7. Entire job seems to be shifting in what it is I do, this is still in transition - coping but again, once I figure out the vision for the role I will be fine.
8. De-cluttering my home - this has meant a calmer home is emerging - giving up some of the material trappings - and accepting my cute house in toronto, and not wanting for the bigger and  the better home, just to have a bigger house with more space to put junk I don't need.
9. The purse junkie no more --- slowly letting go of an image of myself and figuring out the newer me and all the entails - warts and all.
10. Saying good bye to my grandmother
11. Travelled to Ireland by myself - as a kid I would fly across Canada every year - but how liberating it was to go on a trip across the atlantic to see my friend and do it all just for me! My own vacation - I liked it.
12. Watching my baby grow and leave her baby years behind... sharp intake of breath ... this is going to be the biggest adventure of my life. So far - I hate that I don't know what every moment of her day includes, I love that she is so talkative, because in those moments I see a glimpse of her life outside of mine.

Well these may not be big changes to you, and but paired with some of the smaller ones that went on as well I am tired, and looking forward to what is coming next... just need a little resting period first.

What changes have you had this year?


Live love laugh and give

the purse junkie no more

Two bags this week - what will buy for the FOOD BANK for a bag?

This bag is up for grabs this week - feels like it was never used, this one is from Fashionable friend in Ireland - Canvas and man made leather. Great weekend shopper as well as a great purse with a jolt of colour - if you like it send me a message in the comments section about what you will give to the FOOD BANK in your area and it will be yours! Think Christmas or birthday present!

The other bag that was "bought" this week was for my uncles wife. She loved a bag in my collection so  she has donated $100 to the ongoing relief of people in her native country of the Philippines who have been hit twice in less than 10 days with massive flooding and landslide. Many dead and thousands homeless. She was also part of an additional fund-raising at her work and has arranged through another Filipina friend to transfer the money back to the charity account at MetroBank in Manila, Philippines. She is also gathering clothes to send.  - so for this effort, she "wins" the leather black coach in my collection". --- please check your local Philippines business and friends and find out what you can do if interested.

If you have bags to share and want to see them "raise" some donations to others then please feel free to let me know, put a message in the comments section. I have a few more myself of course. I also have a few other items I will be de-cluttering too!

I have moved only to posting here on the blog,and will not be posting more then a link to facebook. The bags that are not bidded on will go to a reader who will drop them off at Dress for success.

I orginally thought I would beable to get down to one bag, and one tote, not to sure about that! But I really am trying to brave my way to at most 10! LE Sport Sacs on the way.

So to recap the declutter to date

9 green bags to charity ( toys,clothes, half my linen closet) = Easy
10 Purses = Easy ( but starting to get harder!)
1 wallet = Easy
1 pair of Shades = Easy
bag of groceries for food bank ( need to do more before christmas - hence why today it is FOOD BANK bids)
Furniture pieces = EASY


De-cluttering, my mind, my closet and hopefully starting soon - my diet ~ it has been a journey so far, I would love to hear from you that are reading - drop me a line sometime - lets chat!

LIVE, love, laugh and GIVE

Life is to short to worry about keeping up with the "Jones" instead how about we DO for those who need what we have so careless thrown aside and left abandoned in our closets, cupboards, storage units etc.. This week I challenge all of you to fill one big bag for charity.. I bet if you tried really hard, you could get two full!

The purse junkie no more

Traditions out the door - hands down best Thanksgiving in years

We did it, we change recipes, changed the time and the day. We played cards and dressed in Yoga pants. We changed Thanksgiving. We relaxed. This was the first Thanksgiving in years where the stress of the day was not causing tensions of one type or another. We had friends that really are family, kids jumping on trampolines, laughter and a awesome chic painting the livingroom  (which looks incredible).

It was different, it was fun!

Letting go of traditionss and expectations around family events, or any event for the matter is really a form of de-cluttering in and of itself. We all carry with us our expectations of others, of food or of time spent. It is amazing what letting go of all that can do. It is Liberating. We place so much pressure on each other(and on ourselves) in life to make sure everyone else is happy and content. We want to make sure that they have what it is that makes something "memorable" for them that we forget to make the memories themselves.

I once filled a box full of messages for my mom - filled it with all the memories she had given me as a child. It took time and thought, but I feel it was one of the best gifts I could give back to her, because they were our moments in life. I want to give my daughter memories and moments, yesturday she likely had the best thanksgiving she has had in 4 years.. she will have many more to come. But for that a big thank you to my sister as she eats her turkey sandwich reading this today. Dinner was great, the company better and the food was incredible.


To all my friends and family .. enjoy the left overs and see you  all in a couple months when we throw even more traditions out the window ( the  red sweater is a keeper! - will tell you all in December) 

Loving the decluttering,  getting rid of the junk and keeping the jewels :)

Live LOVE laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Time to be grateful for all you have

As Thanksgiving weekend comes closer and everyone sits across from family members that are driving them crazy, had to much to drink, or your just are not kindered spirts. Please remember all those who will not have food on their tables, whose chairs beside them are empty and who would look at your crazy family and for one minute would just want to be you... today or even this minute, please reflect on the life we have been so lucky to live. If you can share that moment with someone, then do so.

Today the Fashionable Friend from Ireland will return to Ireland, and I will miss her almost immediately as those who know her know she is a fun and boisterous person who can bring colour into anyones world and does into mine. I will start saving my pennies in hopes to make it to that side of the world soon -- skating in Paris is the goal this winter but we may have to put the idea on the shelf for a while and aim for a longer trip sometime next year.

So for today, I am finishing my morning coffee break and going to get back to work, later I will walk downtown in this glorious weather to the Metro at College park and I will make my Thanksgiving Foodbank Donation.. What will you be doing?

Tell me your craziest family thanksgiving moments - remember family is how you define it! Mine would include my sister , 7 teenage girls, our daugheters and partners, and a whole wack of others -- the whole house had people in it!! I can't wait for Monday and Turkey leftovers - Hey Sis -- I am bringing new tupperware this year!

Live LOVE laugh and GIVE

The Purse Junkie no more

Kate Spade Bid open for a week - pass it on

Kate Spade Limited Edition - Start Bidding - Best Donation Wins the bag


Here it is , be generous! The Biggest and Boldest Act of Charity will aquire the bag! The Fashionable Friend from Ireland will make the choice.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE AND GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Life is full of peaks and valleys

It has been an emotional week, one that for me was filled with hellos to dear friends and family, and final goodbyes. As I have written to all of you,  I have had this week to see to of two  my dearest friends. including the one who has brought the Kate Spade for you. I also recieved sad news of the passing of a very nice lady who I had shared a few moments in this life with and whose family is in my thoughts. Life is full of peaks and valleys, I feel like mine as of late has been a very bumpy road.

This year has been one that has been filled with those life lessons, that poems and quotes are written about. At least for me. I think in December when the dust of this year is finally settled I will look at all the changes around me and be very grateful for all that has come and gone from my life, but right now I am tired.

I am someone who often carries the saddness and worries of others (Even when they say not to worry), and the joy and excitment of others, with me. I absorb the world around me the best way I can. I don't like to miss the small details as those are the ones that I love the most. As my closets, and basement empty ( Yup, lots more has made its way to charity from my house, furniture has now gone too. ) I realizeat the de-cluttering is slowly moving me towards "de-fogging" of my brain.

I had a fantastic conversation with hubby last night, in between Scooby Doo moments and "really you must have a bath" statements. He is one of the best treasures in my life, and at times the one I forget to appreciate. He is someone who does not try to fix me, or even believes at any moment that I could possibly be broken. He just listens and waits for me to find the solutions I need to find and then walks along side of me as I do what I need to do. He makes me laugh like no other person in this world can. He also will tell me why he thinks sometimes I struggle in life. Everyone has peaks and valleys, everyone has bumps in the road.

So as I take on the last few months of this year.. not only am I decluttering my closet I am decluttering my mind! I am going to try and get rid of self depreciating comments, illusions of other peoples lives, and try with all my might to be understanding of others needs, but not take on their journeys as part of my own. Instead I will try and walk along side them the way Jay walks with me through troubled times, and let them discover what it is they are looking for. Being there waiting for the moment they need someone to listen.

Today my thoughts are with my sister, and  niece, her best friend and her daughter. May your faith help you find the peace you will seek, and the blessing of friendship you have shared for 25 years help you be there when she will need it most. Sisters are not just blood related, they are formed through mutual love, support, fun and hurtful times and experience just as you  two have shared.

Live LOVE laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Kate Spade Limited Edition - Start Bidding - Best Donation Wins the bag

  Here it is , be generous! The Biggest and Boldest Act of Charity will aquire the bag!  The Fashionable Friend from Ireland will make the choice.

LIVE LAUGH LOVE AND GIVE

The purse junkie no more

Shopping Fun

I thought I would check in with everyone as I am up very early ( waiting for the free breakfast at the hotel) have not slept well but rarely do when away. What a blast this has been, so far I have done loads of christmas shopping for my beautiful little lady. She is going to love the scottie dog tights and shirt.

Great disapointment in TGIF for dinner last night, as is tradition after years of shopping together Fashionable friend from Ireland and I headed there for dinner. We were all excited to have deep fried mac and cheese - only to discover it is no longer on the menu ! I am going to have to write to TGIF coroporate about this!

Well off for another coffee - Heads up all the Limited Edition Kate Spade is going up on Tuesday - Fashionable Friend from Ireland will pick the winner - Bid big, bid with your heart.

Live Love Laugh and GIVE

The purse junkie no more.

Saying Goodbye

Today I will attend the memorial for my grandmother, everyone will have their memories and their toughts we will talk and celebrate the life she lived, at the same time saddness that we are moving on without her beside us will be ever present. Each one of the members of my family carries faith in their own way.

So today while I say goodbye to an amazing woman, I will also celebrate that I had the privledge of having my grandmother in my life for 37 years. I was blessed with many moments and many lessons, some that I will share with my own daughter as she grows up.

So today here are a few memories and moments I will be thinking about as we release her doves today:

• Woman can live independantly
• Woman can be smart and bold and funny , but they should also be kind and thoughtful
• You do what it takes to get what you need done, and you take care of the ones who need you
• Toast is a great evening snack, especially with tea
• You should wash your face everyday and put on lotion ( does not have to be expensive - she always looked years younger then everyone else - I have been doing this since I was 12 and I too am often today I look younger then I am)
• Travel when and if you can - she loved that I had gone to Europe
• If you choose friends well they can last a lifetime
• Simply love the best way that you can
• Forgive , and move on
• The only fashion advice I never took was that calves look great in heels! Today I will wear RED high heels just for her! she always thought my shoes were ugly.

There will be moments the rest of my life that I will think of her. Every Spring and Fall she would call and let me know it was time to change the clock. This continued up until I was about 35 years old. She then figured I was ready to finally remember myself. I forgot the first spring and the first fall. Many of the clocks I have now are automatically done by some magically controlled device inside the cable box or cell phone. But the ones on the wall, well they always needed the prompt from my grandmother to be changed.

Her love of CNN was a constant news source for me, this is how I learned of many emerging news stories, listeria outbreaks because of meat, tylenol cold recalls, children cough medicine debats and many more. She remembered every wellness check my daughter was going to , she knew every shot she was going to be getting or at least knew when the appointment was. I couldn't remember to buy milk and she more then 50 years my senior knew to remind me of the little details or to check in and see how an appointment went.

My grandmother lived through the depression, through war, saw some of the most amazing world accomplishements, watched the start and the end of the cold war (1945-1991), she celebrated the birth of her children, grandchildren and great grand children.

I don't know if I will live that long, but I know that I will take so much more into my life, and pass on so much of who she was to future genrations, because I was lucky to have been part of what she brought to the world.

Melanie