If you're looking for somewhere to go with the family this summer, I have some suggestions for you! Here are my top five family-friendly vacation destinations:
You guys, my most favourite season of all is here. Summer! *HAPPY DANCE* I could write a very long list about all the things I love about summer, but long story short, I'm a fan of hot days, sunny skies, and minimal dressing. That means from June until the end of August, I live in little flowy dresses with flip flops or fabulous wedge heels.
Shoppers Drug Mart has come up with the What's Your Mom Style quiz. I took the short (just a few questions!) quiz and based on my answers I received a personalized list containing products and items that would make perfect Mother's Day gifts for me.
My personalized list was so bang-on accurate that I had to run and show my family.
I love to shop. Yes, I should get this tattooed on my body, but that would be tacky. Instead, I'll just write about my obsession here, where more people can read my words.
For as long as I can remember, I have been a fan of The Body Shop. It started years and years ago, with a tube of strawberry lip gloss. From there, I discovered Vanilla Perfume Oil, and of course, White Musk perfume. And when I first tried the Brush On Bronzing Beads, I fell in love. My favourite purchase from The Body Shop, though has always been the Coconut Body Butter. It's my most favorite body lotion and I use it every single day.
I love shopping. I love vacations. I love my children, and my family, and drinking wine, and late-night chats, and dinner out with my friends. I love reading, and my favourite TV shows. I love movies, and especially movie popcorn. I do not, however, love cooking. Or baking. Me in the kitchen? Not pretty. I would probably go viral on YouTube if I ever had someone record me handling raw poultry. Or if someone saw me trying to take a metal pan out of the oven without an oven mitt. (Yes, I've done this.
I absolutely love shopping for make-up. Shopping for make-up is fun, easy, and you never leave unsatisfied. Much like shoe shopping, there is almost never going to be drama in the fitting room, because make-up fits even on the most bloated days. Also, make-up always makes me feel good, and I never leave my house without some make-up on. Actually, I don't even leave my bedroom without make-up on. I'm no slave to fashion, but I do like to take care of my appearance. Which reminds me, I need to start hitting the gym on a regular basis again, but I digress...
It was one of the biggest news stories in Ottawa a few months ago. It caused major traffic delays, people took time off of work, and it was the number one story on the evening news. What could this exciting news be? Oh, only the fact that the largest IKEA in Canada was about to open its doors in Ottawa, that's all. Yes, it was a big deal, and yes, it is awesome that the city I live in is home to an IKEA of this size.
Last week, when I stepped outside, I could see grass. It was ugly, brown grass, but it was grass, nonetheless. Of course this week all my excitement for an early spring was forgotten because winter decided to dump a huge winter snowstorm on me. I know March is going to give it to us good, too, but I'm prepared for that last blast of winter that we'll inevitably face before we can finally shed our winter boots and socks, because you know what? Winter is MY Hunger Games. I will survive. Because damn it, I want to wear my flip flops again!
One of the things I loved the most about taking a winter vacation to south Florida was spending hours in my favourite shopping centre, Aventura Mall. After a day of swimming in the ocean and sipping pina coladas by the pool, I'd get on my serious shopping shoes (read: comforable flats) and make my way to this heavely, beautiful, mall where I'd visit all the stores we didn't have in Ottawa.
I'm not most romantic person in the world, but I am a very emotional person. I cry easily, and a hand written letter will have me swooning way more than a dozen long-stemmed roses.
The best Valentine's Day gift I received from my husband (before we were married) was a home-cooked dinner of my favourite meal complete with a special cake. It's the thought that counts, certainly, when you're trying to impress your loved one on Valentine's Day.
In less than 48 hours, I'll be boarding a plane, heading for warmer weather, palm trees, and the ocean. Heading to my favourite resort in south Florida with my family is one of my favourite things to do in the winter, because we all need to get away around this time of year.
I'm sure you all know by now that winter is my least favourite season. I'm always cold, I'm always complaining about the snow, and no matter how hard I try to stay warm, nothing works. Except, of course, when I take a vacation down south. Somewhere warm, and sunny. That usually cures my winter SAD.
"What do I wear to bed? Why, Chanel number 5, of course!" No, it wasn't I who uttered those famous words, it was Marilyn Monroe, when asked in an interview what she wears to bed. I can't say with all honesty that I only sleep in Chanel Number 5!
You know when you go shopping to buy something specific? You are a woman on a mission, and you will not stop until you find just what you are looking for. In your mind, you will walk into your favourite store, and the first thing you'll see when you walk in will be 'the item' that you have so desired. You walk quickly, with a light bounce in your step, because you're happy. Shopping always makes you happy, and today is no exception. I LOVE to shop.
Here we are, at the beginning of a new year. There are still quite a few months before the end of the world, so instead of talking about that, let's talk about something more fun!
Remember the days when you could wake up at a 'normal' time, hop in the shower and take your sweet time getting ready? Yeah, it's a distant memory for me, too. Every since having children, the time I have to take care of myself had been reduced... drastically. I haven't taken a bubble bath in six years. My showers last three minutes, max. I haven't locked the bathroom door since I can't remember when.
I don't know about you, but I dream about having my own shopping assistant. I would love to have someone who calls me to tell me that the dress I've had my eyes on for weeks is finally on sale. I would love to have someone to do all of the hard work for me so all I have to do is show up to pay for all of the great deals. I'm a big-time shopper, but I also like to think I'm pretty wise when I shop, and like most people, I love a good bargain.
