Make The Girls Dance.

Hiya!!! I'm still away on my organization week! I just wanted to stop in and share this music video. I came across it while looking for something else and kind of fell in love with it! Ah, the French. You do strange things!

I really like watching the other people's reactions to this. What do you think?

Primadonna Girl.

Life has a funny way of revamping itself, doesn't it? I have found, since my move to Ex-Pat territory (meaning since I moved to Canada) that my life has almost completely shifted. 

I used to use my blog as a way of sharing my life, yes, but also as a way to escape my current situation. I was unhappy in New Haven, lets be real. I didn't want to bartend anymore I wanted to start a career. I wanted to feel as though I was doing something that I personally considered productive.

Then moving to Toronto, I've found a new step on my ladder! One door closed and another has opened! While I consider myself really lucky to score the internship that I did, I received an invitation to become the new intern at Post City magazine last week. I really wanted this position when I interviewed for it and am really excited that I got it!

What's the downfall of all of these big steps and changes since becoming an Ex-Pat? I haven't done much blogging! And it's breaking my heart!! I have so many great stories to share and cool new things, well new to me! So I've decided to take a week to get reorganized. I'm going to update my blog calender, get some pictures and posts ready. Stock up, if you will. Then we're on a roll!!

I want this blog to be a successful representation of my life and to get there, I need to put some work in!!

For now, here is a song/video that I can't seem to take off repeat.

Tina the Tuna!

Happy Friday! Lets talk about lunch, shall we?

I have an addiction to tuna. Who else loves tuna?! I could probably eat it every single day. I was watching Chopped this afternoon and they had to work with canned tuna. So I popped up and decided to make a delicious tuna sandwich!

Everyone makes their differently. Here's what I love in mine: some mayo, lots of yellow mustard (I love that vinegar taste!), chopped up gherkins (for that extra vinegar taste!), salt, pepper, garlic powder and a squeeze of Southwestern Ranch mayo (new from Hellman's! So good). Then I like to put it on toasted sourdough bread. YUM!

I added a few slices of tomato, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and a dollop of caramelized onion hummus. Yes, it's just as delicious as it sounds! 

How do you prepare your tuna???

I also LOVE tuna pasta (make some pasta, I prefer penne, then drizzle some olive oil, add tuna, salt, pepper, parsley and shredded cheese) Lucky for me, Jake HATES warm tuna so it's ALL for me!

It's also really good with some black bean and cheese. But don't take my word for it! Try it out!

7 Questions: Number 10!

It's Wednesday and you know what that means! It's time for 7 random questions brought to you by Gentri Lee! Share your answers with me below or visit her page and link up!

I love morning work outs!

1. Bold or Understated?

Bold. I want to stand out, not be forgotten till later!

2. You have to survive alone in the wild and you only get to take one thing with you. Your choices are: A Pocket Knife, a Water Bottle, or a Book. Which do you choose and why?

Oooooo good question!!! My first instinct is a pocket knife. It would allow me to do a little more then the book and the water bottle. If I've learned anything from The Hunger Games and Survivor is that you can drink water with leaves and find dry leaves for fires. But a knife gives you a leg up! 

3. Thirty Two Cows, Seven Eight Chickens, How Many Didn't?

Uh...25?

4. Would you rather die doing one legendary act of service or do small acts of kindness that may go unnoticed every day?

Several small acts each day...mainly because I do that now! I think that I rather die knowing I was kind all the time then just once.

5. Happiness is ________. (one word; fill in the blank)

Warm gun Sorry I've been listening to The Beatles all day! Happiness is...wow...is it sad that I am having a problem answering this???

6. Can you laugh with out smiling?

Yes I can.

7. Do you pop your knuckles?

Yes I do.

Women's Rights.

There's been something on my mind for the past few months. Not at the forefront of my mind but still there, lurking in the dark. It's the topic of women's rights . 

In wake of Todd Akin's comments on Sunday, the War on Women has been all over the Internet. And as it should be. Why aren't women everywhere upset by this? Why isn't there a national outcry? I don't care if your Democrat, Republican, Independent, alien, young, old, gay or straight. Why aren't we outraged that men are trying to make these decisions for us?

I know I'm ridiculously upset about it. This year, politically, is a really big year. It seems that the big issue is health care, especially abortion and contraception. In wake of Todd Akin's remarks this weekend about rape, abortion and the female body's ability to end pregnancy (what are we in a science fiction movie?!), I'm asking my female readers to educate themselves because this is our year, ladies. Don't let a man make these decisions for you. 

What A Girl Wants.

Something came to my attention this morning as I was getting ready for work. Keep in mind, "work" for me right now is an unpaid internship working out of a woman's dining room. 90% of the time I'm alone and the only people I do have physical interaction with is usually her housekeeper. There is no need to really actually get dressed for this position. But, alas, I do each day.

Every Morning.

This morning, I was feeling pretty good. I worked out extra hard this morning and was feeling sassy. After three cups of coffee and a good scrub in the shower, I was ready to face my closet. Let's talk about this for a minute. My closet has always needed help. I'm honestly not sure how I got through college. I can either dress for laundry day (you know that day where everything else is dirty so you wear one red and one yellow sock with blue plaid pants and a purple tank top) or to go clubbing...or to go clubbing when I was 20 pounds lighter. Get the picture?

I've been longing lately to dress how I feel. Some can argue that the clothing you wear really makes or breaks your mood. I know from personal experience I cannot successfully go clothes shopping if I don't think I look good. I wanted to desperately to feel good and look good today, but I settled for the capri's that don't fit very well and an old lime green t-shirt with headphones on it. Honestly, I feel like I look 17 again. I don't want to look 17 again.

I get a lot of fashion inspiration from
Kendi. She has the best outfits.

So where's the cut off point? When do we stop being teen agers and 21-ers and finally decide it's okay to be grown up and to look grown up? When do t-shirt and baggy jeans give way to a fitted blouse and cute skirt on the regular instead of the occasional job interview? When did I start craving nice dresses over those that hug my hips so tight that each step is daring and provocative? (Okay, that one is easy...when I gained my 20 pounds back! Oops...) How am I to continue on my adult life journey if I feel like I'm dressing in my teens still?

Have you noticed a change in your style yet? How did you adjust to the new way of life? 

Thanks for the Cache!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend!!! I did, it was actually a really great weekend!! I hung out with people, which is ridiculously exciting as I'm still trying to make friends and can be painfully shy, then got to go for a really long bike ride and ended the weekend with Geocaching! Lets start at the beginning.

On Friday, armed with some extra spending cash from my amazing boyfriend, I headed out into Toronto for the first time by myself! I met up with a girl I know from a Meet Up (a website which is basically a dating website but for friends! Look it up!) and we got together with some of her friends. It was really great for me to get out of the HOUSE. I usually spend all my time in the apartment so I go stir crazy really fast. This pictures is of blue Sangria, which is my new fave drink. It's regular white Sangria but add Blue Craucao for the color. So yummy!

Saturday I bothered Jake till we went to get my bike fixed. My mother has been bugging me to get a helmet so here it is ma! I actually haven't purchased it yet but once I get a job, it's the first on my to do list! We took a 5 hour bike ride that day and it was lovely! Here are some pictures:

View from the boardwalk.

Found these locks locked to a bridge, cute idea!

Bike riding!

The pond near the Butterfly Gardens. 

After our bike ride, it was time for some beers and some dinner! First we hit up a small local place in Etobicoke called the Relax Shack and boy were we out of place! It was so old and small that most of the people in the bar were stuck in the 1970's. But the beers were cold and the music was good. After a couple we headed home.

Then we headed north in Toronto to Yorkville, which is right above the University. We want to explore more of the side neighborhoods because downtown Toronto can get expensive! Then we kind of realized that everywhere in Toronto is expensive! We went a cute pub for dinner where I made friends with Phoebe the Fern! Please excuse my silly face, the flash was bright!

Damn, my hair is LONG!

On Sunday, Jake decided it was time to leave the city. We drove 50 minutes west to Mount Nemo Conservatory to go Geocaching! Geocaching is basically where someone hides a container with a little notebook and a little something (literally can be anything from a cute eraser to a keychain...just a little goodie or souvenir for your travels). Then they register the coordinates to the website and other people set out to find it! Okay, that sounds confusing but it's basically hide and seek. 

We wandered all over the forest with a compass (a handy app I downloaded onto my phone!) to find hidden treasure! I had always heard of Geocaching but never actually tried. It's free and a great adventure and literally everywhere. 

After a good 30 minutes of searching through a 20 foot square of dense forest, we found our first one! It was literally under a boulder! People kept looking at us funny but we were so happy when we found it! We exchanged that cute smilie face ball for some toe warmers! Then we returned it to the same spot and went off to explore and find another one!

Beautiful view!

We heading into this slightly creepy area for the second Geocaching experience. It looked like the ruins to an old quarry. And, alas, after about 30 minutes of searching everywhere and getting led into the middle of nowhere, we gave up. We couldn't find it! Blast!

Top of the ruins.

Looking down from the above picture! Steep.

After this defeat we found one more cache in which I claimed a cute pink parrot button for my own and replaced it with a green sparkly bow tie. Then two for three, we decided to try to find just one more cache before the sun went down.

The cavern was way cool!!

At the end of the day, we were 2 for 4, tired and dirty. Geocaching is my new favorite hobbie. it's free, which I love but it reminds me of being a kid again. Searching for hidden treasure, even though it's nothing valuable, that doesn't matter! If you're looking for something new to do, you should try this. It's great! I'm thinking that maybe I need to hide a cache in each new city that I move to! As my contribution to society!

What'd you do this weekend?? Would you ever try Geocaching?

My Least Favorite Place.

Alright, ladies (And and occasional gentleman who stumbles across this) lets talk about employment. Or in my case, the lack there of. 

Source.

My employment started back when I was 16. I had just got a car and was feeling very happy and full of myself. I got my first job at Coldstone, the ice cream place where you have to sing if you get tipped. I loved it. Ice cream AND singing? I couldn't be happier.

Long story short, it didn't work out in the end and I found myself back on the job market. I was feeling better because I had actually had a job before and felt like I had the upper leg on a lot of other people. Little did I know that from that moment, it would only get harder to get a job.

Now I sit here, 8 friggin years later (friggin years because I just realized how long ago that was and am suddenly feeling quite old) I'm facing unemployment again. I think it's my least favorite place to be. And I have been in some very unfavorable places before.

Throughout my history in the work force, I have held some jobs that I didn't particularly like, but I kept them because I was lucky to have a job and should be thankful (this in actually not what I was thinking at the time but...well...trying to stay positive today).

 I think I've hit my wall. I've been unemployed for about six weeks and it has been the longest six weeks of my life. I've had a few bites at my fishing line but nothing has stuck. I've trekked over an hour on the subway for an interview and haven't received anything in return. I had an interview for an unpaid internship that would have been so good for me but, 3 weeks later, I haven't heard anything. Sigh.

So, as I stare at the now-purple links to help wanted ads on Craigslist, I wonder: Am I reaching the point where I will cross my line? Now my line is the line I've drawn between the jobs I think I'm either too old or over qualified for and the jobs that I normally apply for. I have applied, talked to and reached out to everything I know here in Toronto and I'm reaching the end of my rope.

I've literally been pacing my apartment, getting angry at the TV, straightening up things that aren't messy. I go to the gym because I get bored. Just waiting for someone to take interest in me. But am I reaching the place where I'll start applying for busser positions or counter service positions? I'm not afraid to say I am usually better then that but now that I have less then half as much money in my bank account as I need to pay my bills due in 6 days, I'm losing it. 

Guys, I think I'm desperate. I've done pretty good this week staying positive. But as the weekend approaches, I'm running out of positivity. I think this is the point in my life where I have to stop and ask for help.

Have any advise on either job hunting or how to stay positive?

My Health Kick

So, people, I don't know if you know this but...I love ice cream. Like if it was really good for you then I'd probably be the healthiest person on the planet...

But in my recent wave of healthy eating, I have been on the search for an ice cream replacement. And I think I found it!!

Yummy!

Start with some bananas. Now I don't really like bananas but I super love them like this! I used 2 but you can use up to, well, any amount really! The recipe I based my creation off of called for 5-6 bananas.

Take the bananas you want you use and cut them into pieces on a plate then place in the freezer to freeze. Meanwhile, mix together equal parts peanut butter, maple syrup and a dash of vanilla extract (I used almond extract however, still delicious). Then add oats. I put in twice as much as I did peanut butter and syrup (so 1/4 PB = 1/2 oats). Mix together to make a thick mixture. You can ad chocolate chips but I didn't have any.

Once your banana pieces are frozen, put them in a blender and process till creamy. Mix in the peanut butter/oat crumbles with a spoon. I've put my ice cream back in the freezer to get a tad harder but you can eat it then and there if you want!!

Oh, I added a touch of nutmeg too. SO EXCITED for it to be done (I'm still waiting...)

You should try it!

What kinds of variations do you think you could make on this recipe? I was thinking about trying this and using berries and bananas? Hmm...

If You Knew Me...

I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes me...well...ME! Like what kind of person I am, what traits do I have that make me more like myself then anyone else? Then I started thinking about all the "If You Knew Me" posts I read a few weeks back from other bloggers and I've decided to use it as a way to find who I really am. So here goes!

Freshman year of college 2006.

IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME...

*you would know that I can almost never watch a movie in bed without falling asleep. Whether it's a really great movie or not, if I am horizontal, I will fall asleep. Whether it's morning, noon or night. I can't help it! I just love to sleep!

*you would know that I am morbidly obsessed with violence. Not in the participating aspects but if there's a murder in the news or a tale of a missing girl or (like recently) the James Holmes fiasco, I will research it. I will read everything there is to read about that event and I will be obsessed with it until a new one comes along. I have no idea why.

*you would know that I am so, so very against cheating, in every aspect. I just hate cheaters. I hate people who think they're allowed to cheat at anything really! Whether it on their girlfriend/boyfriend or on a test, it's just no good. I can't get over it.

*you would know I am really horrible at good byes. Which really just sucks for me because there are a lot of good byes in my life. Since I move every year, almost any time I see family or true friends, I have to say good bye again and I am so crappy at it. I'd rather like high five you and say "see ya later!" then cry all the way back to where ever I'm living then give you big hugs. I didn't cry when I moved away from all my family until three days later. I know, it's a problem.

*you would know that I have a tendency to not...call people...back...I have this weird phone phobia. I don't like talking on the phone! E-mails and texts are no probs but once I have to actually talk to you...I'd rather it be in person.

7 Questions: Numba 9!

Holy smokes it's been MONTHS since my last 7 questions! As you know, I'm linking up with Gentri Lee for these fun questions!! And it's gotta start with a fun photo!

[Since it's the back to school 7 questions, I thought I'd post a picture me from college....here I am eating cake with Robert Downey Jr. No biggie ;) )

1. It's back to school time! Are YOU going back to school?

I wish I was. I miss school like crazy. You don't realize how awesome being in school is until you face the real world...and jobs...and bills..*shudder*

2. Speaking of back to school... You receive 10 pts if you can name this movie:

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." Even though I had access to the answer, I did not look and I did NOT guess it right haha!

3. Who did you hang out with in school? Cool kids, jocks, nerds, were you a loner, etc? (all are welcome here- btw) 

I hung out with the theater crowd mostly. My freshman year I played lacrosse but never really hung out with the crowd. It was the theater wing for me!

4. What was your favorite subject in school?

If we're talking college, I'd say my journalism classes. I loved them. But in high school it was theater or writing. I just love writing!

5. (I've asked this question before, but it was a while ago) If you had to go back and redo one of the following, which would you choose and why? Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, College?

While my instincts say high school, I think I'd want to redo college. I made a few mistakes and would want to fix them. Plus I think I would have chosen to go into writing sooner then I did and not waste my time on theater in college.

6. Home/ Packed Lunch or School Lunch?

Home packed almost everyday of my life!

7. What's more exciting? The first day of school or the last day of school?

Um...I think their are equally exciting!! I love the first day because of the new clothes, the new supplies, seeing everyone again. But the last day is AMAZING for obvious reasons!

Hot Mess.

Have you ever met someone and, no matter the length of your friendship, they had a deep impact on your life? Meet Storey Condos.

I first met Storey in the theater program at our college. I was having a rough first year in college; first time moving away from home, didn't have any friends and was having a hard time with my major. Storey was very accepting of everyone, she was open and friendly and very talented. The few months we were friends are times that I still consider the best in my life. We would stay up late, singing show tunes and talking about life. I don't even think I've ever told her this but she had a huge impact on me. And she still does!

Storey moved back to her hometown of Chico, CA a few months after I met her. Sadly, I haven't seen her much yet but Facebook has allowed me to keep the dialogue flowing. After a while of finding herself in Chico, she started following her dream took her dreams by the horns. She is now the lead singer of the band Hot Mess.

Source.

I've been following the band, it's story and musical journey since they began. After building up quite the following in Chico and their surrounding community, they made a huge life choice and an even bigger step for their career. Hot Mess up and moved (every member) to Nashville: The Music City! They have been working NONSTOP on their dreams and have come so very far. This is a story of true dedication, talent and passion. 

They now approach the next step in their journey to achieving their dreams!! They have been approached by Chad Carlson, a two-time Grammy award winner, to record a 5 track EP!! THIS IS HUGE! This could be a break through time for Hot Mess but they need our help!

Hot Mess needs to raise $12,000 by August 31st! The good news? Their amazing family, friends and fans have gotten them half way there!! As of today, August 14th, they have $6,602! With 16 more days to go, I've decided to do what I can to help them out because I know that when I need just a little extra push from the Universe, it'll be there for me too.

To Storey, I am so very proud of everything you've become. I look up to you when I'm feeling down and say "There's a woman who is my friend and she is becoming great!" You give me strength when I need it! 

So now's that time, dear bloggy readers! Check out their web site, go stalk their Facebook, become their friend, share their story and donate even just $5.00! Lets help Hot Mess!!

Check out this video of Hot Mess live! 

The Subway Diaries: Lonely Girl.

Lonely Girl.

I love when the subway arrives. I try to stand as close to the tunnel as possible. It's prime wind zone. The train pulls in and with it, gusts of wind. It makes my damp hair swirl around me, like I'm Medusa and my hair is suddenly alive. I wish I could stick my head out the window like a dog. I love feeling wind of my face.

The subway is completely empty. it's like everyone's having a fire drill and nobody told me. There's one Asian lady sleeping six seats away. If I tried, I could sleep too. 

We pull into St. George on the northbound side. One young girl stands in the middle of the platform. Her black dress flies around her slim frame, blonde strands of hair follows suit. She pulls from the straw in her coffee. As we start to move away, she turns to look. Her hair is busy dancing around her face. Faceless girl. Hmm...poetic. 

The Subway Diaries: Dear Stranger.

Post Secret

If there's anything more deliciously satisfying than getting onto a wonderfully cold subway car, then I'll start believing in God. Luckily for me, I don't think there is...unless it's a bathtub of chocolate ice cream. But that'd be sticky.

I'm hoping these coins start making sense. I look at like a friggin tourist. And I totally dislike being a tourist, or at least anyone knowing I'm a tourist.

The subway is a bit busier this time. Again I get the weird surfing-caterpillar subway car. Other people obviously don't think it's a fun as I do. I should stop smiling. Another sign of being a tourist. 

I've been thinking about starting a new segment for my blog called something like "Dear Stranger" or something. "Friendly Words" or "Dear Friend." I think "Dear Stranger" would be more effective. If I saw an envelope addressed to a stranger I'd totally open it. After all, I would be a stranger to pretty much everyone in this city. 

Anyway, it's a series of cards, whether postcard or actual card, where I write a little message or happy picture. Then I'd leave the card on a bench, in a book, at a coffee shop, somewhere where it'll be found and looked at. The point is to spread positive energy, some love, maybe a smile to those around me. Even if I don't know them. I'd associate it with an e-mail that's set up strictly for the cards. Maybe people would e-mail me, telling me what their day was like until they found the card. Or maybe it didn't help at all. But as long as it spurs thought, my job is done. Maybe eventually I'd be able to set up a blog, like Post Secret, or something. Just a thought.

I think the subway would be a pretty good place to start. Minus the whole "if you see something, say something" rule. I hope nobody would get scared by my cards. I think if I found an envelope addressed to " Stranger," I'd absolutely open it! Then I'd keep it...because I like keeping things like that. 

On the Danforth.

This week in Toronto is a rainy one. Not that I mind too much, I get to enjoy jeans and light hoodies, finally. 

New scarf that my mom got me for my birthday.

I'm heading to the Taste of the Danforth. It's a Greek street festival here in TO. Going to try some yummy things and see some fun people.

Tomorrow we bought the cheap seats to see the Blue Jays play with Yankees. I think I'll wear the Yankee jersey I somehow acquired while I was in New Haven. Show a little bit of America pride!

Secretly, the rain inspires me to make some tea, turn on some jazz and dig my sketch book out from the boxes I have yet to unpack. Not that I am any sort of good at drawing, but I pretend.

Repeat.

I feel like I'm struggling to keep my head above water.

I'm full of stress, searching daily for things to keep me occupied.

Am I doing enough?

Am I trying hard enough?

Am I making him/them/her/me proud?

Am I really trying? Really?

Each day is a repeat of yesterday.

Log on.

Log in. Sync up. Send in. Hear back. Hear nothing.

Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait.

Count dollar signs, wait some more.

Receive no signs.

Each day is a repeat of yesterday.

A new roller coaster to experience.

Nothing new in site.

Am I really trying hard enough?

Sometimes paralyzed with fear.

Always with fear.

I hear "You don't have to worry."

I hear "You're not trying hard enough."

I hear "Why are you stressed out?"

I hear "Do more."

But where's the line?

Where is that line between being, doing, trying enough

and not?

Each day is a repeat of the yesterday.

Starting like the sun, rising, bright and shining.

As the day goes on, the light dims.

The night comes and creeps across everything. 

Wrapping its fingers around my ability to breath calmly.

Each day is a repeat of yesterday.

And each repeated day brings the same night. 

Creative Motivation.

We all have those little things that motivate us. Whether it's a thought, poem, lyric, movie, article. When we see, read, hear these things we can't help be get inspired. 

For me, it tends to be music. See, I have a very active imagination. I've found that when I listen to music, especially loud music and almost especially in the dark, it allows my imagination to go completely wild and I come up with the best material!

Today I have the unfortunate luck of beginning my work week. A 2 day work week. Woe is me. But even the very, very short week is draining me of all motivation. I feel drained and uninspired. Granted, I'm trying to be creative in a very small field here...I mean trying to come up with original content on Jewish wedding and bar/bat mitzvahs on the daily is hard. 

But today, music seems to be helping me along. I've been into reading lyrics and really understanding what the artist is trying to tell me. Here are some lyrics and some videos that have really helped me today.

some nights

by fun

This is it, boys, this is war - what are we waiting for?

Why don't we break the rules already?

I was never one to believe the hype - save that for the black and white

I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked, but here they come again to jack my style

video games

by lana del rey

It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby, now you do

too close

by alex clare

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,
There's nothing I can really say.
I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more,
Got to be true to myself.

What inspires you when you're feeling stuck??

Dear Me.

A good friend once told me, 

I can't let anyone love me until I love myself.

I'm pretty sure my whole world shattered in that moment, ya'll. And it was from that moment that I struggled with loving myself. To this day, at age 24, I still struggle to love myself. So how do I start?

Thank GOODNESS that Wikihow has all the answers! Lets look at their suggestions and see how well I do.

I Love You, Me.

1. Treat other's with love and respect: I think I'm doing a good job at that! I give everyone the same respect that I think I deserve.

2. Create goodwill and thankfulness by practicing random acts of kindness and sharing your being to many: Okay, I don't think I do this...yet. I have a project in the works right now where I would be sharing my positivity and (at least trying) to spread random acts of kindness...More on this later!

3. Express yourself, perhaps in letters or articles when you have a topic: Oh my garsh, blog much?! I do that! Actually, I think I've really starting doing that. I tried so hard to be every other cute blog out there but it's just not me. So I'm sticking to my guns :)

5. Forgive yourself: *Note: I will be skipping some numbers because there are 24 of these so...* This is something that I think I need to work on. I put myself down way too often. I mean Jacob and I used to fight about it bc he hates that I do it. So I'm working on that. 

6. Post positive statements everywhere so you can smile: Two post it's that are a must on my mirror, "You are beautiful," and "I have courage."

10. Be persistent: I should keep at loving myself. I def go through phases where I'm super positive and upbeat and love myself then literally 12 minutes later I'm down in the dumps. I just need to believe in myself!

13. Hug yourself: Okay :)

20. Do what you love: I spend at least an hour each day blogging, which is something I love. I also have been exploring dance classes for when I have a job. Doing something you love lifts your spirits and reminds you what real joy feels like.

23. Don't compare yourself to others: Oh, I do this a lot. I think I majored in it in college. I have to stop doing this. Anyone got pointers??

24. Stop trying to be perfect: I think I have that one in the bag. I am so okay with not being perfect. I'm probably the weirdest person I know and I am darn proud of that!

Sorry for all the mushy self-love but I'm feeling like I'm in the need right now. I've been job hunting for what seems like YEARS now and, with no end in near sight, I just need a little affirmation that I can do this. And who better to be my pick-me-up then, well me!

Do you have any tips on reaching self love??

Check out the full article here.

Weekend In Photos (And a few from last week!)

Oh boy! Is it "Monday" already?! We had a three day weekend in Canada for some Civic holiday, which meant I had a four day weekend since I already have Friday's off! OVer that weekend was my 24th birthday (eek!) and I wanted to say THANK YOU to all of those who wished me a happy day! It turned out so, so great!

I had a job interview, which I am still waiting to hear results, then Jacob took me to MAC and bought me all this new make up, after getting my make up done for the day. I have never owned nice thing, let alone amazing, expensive make up! All I want to do is play with it. Then we went to lunch at an adorable little Italian place on Spadina Ave downtown. 

And after a little bit of shopping (which was unsuccessful), went to cocktails with some new friends at Beir Market, where we were thrilled to see an amazing selection of beer! As you know, we're on a beer quest so I think when we have more time, we'll have to come back and explore the selection here! Then he surprised me with an amazing dinner. And I'm talking amazing. So fancy. Probably the best food I've ever had and, as Jake put it after paying the bill, probably a once in a life time kind of place (hah! What a great guy!). The wine was so delicious, it was like butter in your mouth. I wanted to take pictures so badly but it was the kind of place where you do NOT do that. But I snuck a few, fuzzy as they are, you get the idea! Here are some Instagram's (which you can follow me @FreyaLily88) and some regular photos! 

Breakfast this morning. Getting back on the health wagon!

A lecture at Hotel Ocho. Beautiful.

Where I had my interview (Post Magazine, not Bayview Magazine)

Penne ala vodka, of course.

Scaramouche for dinner, appetizer: goat cheese three ways. Amazing.

Scaramouche: Partridge. Probably the best thing I've ever eaten. 

Birthday outfit: Salmon dress, black belt, diamonds Gram's gave
 me for Christmas, wedges and Armani blazer from Gram's.

Saturday stroll around Harbourfront. I hate the use of "ou".

Harbourfront. So big you forget it's a lake.

Walking up Yonge St past the Russian immigrants. 

Chopstick walrus.

Sunday lunch with friends at the Ultimate Cafe.
Montreal Smoked Meat sammie and a garden salad.

Morning coffee: B-52 (Kailua, Bailey's and Grand Mariner) 

$5 craft beers. Tractor beer.

How was your weekend???