Anika, I can't even remember the last time I was this excited for you over all that you're on the verge of doing, being, and having.

Just sayin' -
The Universe

I love getting these inspirational tid-bits first thing in the morning...really make me jump up and have a productive day!

Simply put, Anika, the reason there are things you want that have not yet appeared in your life, is because you're just not used to thinking of yourself with them. Sorry, kind of wish it was more complicated. Just keep practicing. Happy Monday - The Universe

Anika, you know the way, you're strong enough, and you will prevail. Otherwise, what would be the whole point? The Universe

Good Mood Foods

Take charge of the day with these foods :

For a Tough Workout:
Studies show that a jolt of java an hour or so before exercise increases endurance. Low-fat chocolate milk, meanwhile, makes for an excellent post-workout recovery drink: Its protein-to-carb ratio is ideal for repairing and strengthening muscles.

Before a Presentation:
Settle your nerves with oatmeal, which will keep your blood sugar stable. Still feeling frazzled? The vitamin C in oranges reduces the stress hormone cortisol.

To Get in the Mood:
Forget oysters. Red-hot chili peppers stimulate your libido on two fronts: They fool the body into thinking it’s in pain, flooding the brain with endorphins as well as speeding up blood flow (enhancing pleasure).

Before Bed:
Anyone who has feasted for Thanksgiving knows turkey can induce some serious sleepiness, but bananascontain the same snooze-chemical, tryptophan.

Photos: Getty Images

Youthful Skin Tips: Best Anti Aging Advice on ELLE.com

I came across this great 21 day challenge on ELLE.com. We can use all the anti-aging products we can buy, but staying young is a matter of the soul, body and mind. Today I will start this challenge, couldn't hurt to try!

Day 1: Pick Up a Jump Rope

Remember how fun it was in elementary school, jumping rope during recess? Though it might be tough to find willing double-dutch participants, going solo can still be a blast. It’s also a major toning exercise and calorie-burner, if you take the right steps. To engage all your muscles, including the smaller stabilizer ones, fitness guru Tracy Anderson says footwork is important: “Jump on one foot, jump side to side, jump with both feet, jump in a running pattern—the key is changing up the motion while keeping the heart rate pumping.”

2010 Gorgeous Brides!

After attending about 6 weddings in 2010 so far, I am SO blown away by the very unique weddings that each of my beautiful friends had!

From their hair and makeup, their outfits and decor, each one was as stunning and original as the next...ranging from regally traditional to just flat out fabulous!

I only have my digital photos' for now, but will request the professional shots shortly!

The men you should never marry

If he has no friends, or if you can’t see in him the qualities you want in your children, run.

By Julia McKinnell for Macleans Magazine

If love is blind, “marriage is like a trip to the optometrist’s office,” warns an 81-year-old priest from New Jersey in a new book for women designed to help them evaluate whether the man they’re dating is marriage material. Up front, Father Pat Connor addresses those who might question his authority to speak on the topic. “You might be thinking, ‘He’s a priest. He’s never been married,’ and in that you would be correct.” But, he goes on, “for over 50 years I have had the privilege of speaking with young women on the subject of whom not to marry. These women have opened their hearts and minds while bringing me their questions.” Questions such as: “Is money really important in a marriage?” “Yes. Yes. Yes, to that one,” he writes inWhom Not to Marry: Time-Tested Advice From a Higher Authority.

Remember, he writes, “You can be deeply in love with someone to whom you cannot be successfully married.” If you’re thinking love conquers all, “it doesn’t,” he writes. Top on his list is, “Never marry a man who cannot hold down a job.” Then there’s “never marry a man who has no friends.”

When a portion of Father Pat’s list appeared in the New York Times, a twice-married and divorced woman sent him her own version: “Never marry a man who is more affectionate in public than in private. Never marry a man who notices all of your faults but never any of his own. Never marry a man whose first wife had to sue for child support. Never marry a man whom your children don’t like.”

Father Pat advises women to take a year between the decision to marry and the wedding. “Use the engagement as a time to ask questions,” such as, “What would I be glad to know about him that’s impossible to know in the first few months of dating?”

He writes about one woman whose fiancé loved to shop for expensive clothes. “Then he wants to go to pricey restaurants to show them off,” she told Father Pat. “I prefer eating at home and wearing my comfortable clothes. How can I change him to like the simpler life?” “Change him? Forget it! He’s a bad risk for marriage. I’m afraid it’s just that simple,” Father Pat told her.

One of his must-haves is physical attraction. “There used to be, in one of the formulas used at weddings, a wonderful sentence that was said by each spouse in turn: ‘With my body, I thee worship.’ If you feel no physical attraction to him, don’t marry him!”

He urges women to ask: “Has your love grown since you became serious about one another?” “Do you see in this person the qualities you want in your children?” “Do you love each other with equal intensity and are you sure your love is not one-sided?”

Beware of the “Green-Eyed Monsters.” “Envy and jealousy are as complex as they are puzzling, and they’re both destructive.” He tells of a young woman who loved to dance but complained, “my boyfriend always declines my offers to dance with me. When I’m dancing with other boys, I can feel him staring at us. How can I help him to like dancing and to stop staring?”

“You’ll probably never get your boyfriend to like dancing,” Father Pat told her, “and the staring only means that jealousy is in play here. Have a chat with him about that unlovely quality. If he persists in his jealous-laden behaviour, drop him!”

If your boyfriend has cold feet, “Never put yourself in the position of trying to persuade him to marry you. No good can come of that,” he writes. “It’s important to pay attention to those actions that convey a lack of commitment on his part.”

Adhering to dating rules is another mistake, he says. “I’m uncomfortable with this rules approach to dating—rules that take into account anything from who calls whom and when, who pays for dinner, and how many dates to have before either becoming intimate or moving on. Rules can quickly morph into ultimatums, and that’s no good for anybody.”

Also, think twice about the “fun or quirky proposals,” like eloping to Vegas “on a whim.” Father Pat urges women to “think about it. The decision to get married will affect your entire life. Do you really want to enter into something so casually?”

One couple’s modest engagement rings made him happy. The groom said, “We bought these rings, one for $15, one for $20.” The couple hoped to upgrade later on. Father Pat told them, “I hope you forget in future getting more expensive rings. Put the money toward your children’s college funds!”

Great Advice- You are amazing xo

By Patricia Volonakis

What I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger

For every young woman who wished she was thinner, prettier, funnier...some sage advice from a woman who's been there.

I've just learned that one of my favourite young friends shares a birthday month with me. She'll be turning 21, whilst I'll be turning fifty-two. So for her and for every other younger women, I've learned some valuable things about life, love and being female over the past half-century and I thought if I passed some of the more important ones on to you, maybe it will save you some precious time:

1. You are at least ten times prettier than you think you are. That holds true no matter how pretty you already think you are! Don't believe me? Ask your mother/auntie/grannie if she thought she was pretty when she was twenty. She'll say, "no." Then find a photo of her at that age. See what I mean?

2. The only thing you should be faking is confidence. If you don't have it yet, pretend you do. In every new situation, pretend you're not nervous, pretend you're not afraid. After a few times doing this, the pretend part disappears

3. Want to try something new, like painting, skiing, running your own business? Go to the library and borrow ten different books on the subject. Skim through them all, find the ones that have the most vital information and study them. Then see number 2.

4. No matter how old you get, remember what it was like to be a nine-year old girl. Remember the feeling of freedom. If you've already forgotten, do a cartwheel. You can so still do one. Savour that feeling. Wake up with it every day. You'll stay young until the day you die.

5. In the same vein, cut or potted flowers are never a waste of money. Because every time we glance at them, they remind us how much beauty there can be in the world.

6. Speaking of money, starting right this moment, whether you're twenty or sixty, you canchange your finances around. Don't leave someone else completely in charge, whether it's your husband, partner, parents or banker. Become financially saavy. Financial independence gives you the freedom to walk away from many bad situations. How do you know you're in bad situation? See number seven.

7. If your stomach hurts and you haven't got a virus, you're in a bad situation. Before you know what it is, your stomach always does. Give yourself some time to ponder what it might be that's making your stomach hurt. Chances are you already do know, you just don't want to believe it, for some reason. You can ignore advice from your friends, even your own brain, but you can't ignore your stomach, because the stomach never lies. Oh, and by the way? - Drowning your stomach in alcohol won't make it stop telling you the truth, either.

8. When meeting someone new and he or she seems to be behaving like a jerk, show compassion first. If after you display your sincere compassion, they are still acting like a jerk, walk away. If they follow you, call the police.

9. Wear sunscreen on your face, neck and hands every day, winter and summer. I don't care how dark your skin naturally is. Wear it. You'll remember me when you look in the mirror at age fifty. Always keep in mind that Your body is directly connected to your spirit. Look after your body. Exercise, floss and brush your teeth. Put nothing in your body that can permanently harm your spirit, including the wrong man.

10. And if you are in bed with a man and he's the right man - meaning your stomach doesn't hurt, he's smiling at you, he knows your name, he's not drunk and neither are you - for goddsakes - enjoy yourself. He is not at all thinking about how fat your thighs look.

So my darling friends, you are only as fabulous as you believe you are! What is some advice you'd pass on to your younger self (even though you're still young!)? My idea of consistently fabulous is someone like Sophia Loren and my grandmother Lazima Jabbar, from youth throughout their years, she's never been seen less than dazzling!

xox

-A-

Reno 9-1-1

We bought our lovely little love nest back in October of 2008, right after we got engaged. It was the first place we looked at and we fell head over heels in love.

It was to be built Dec. 2009, but I was prepared for the wait. A loft style terrace home, it has gorgeous high ceilings, a huge entertainment worthy patio, a quaint kitchen, 2 bedrooms and (joy!) 2 bathrooms. I didn't even mind the trek up one floor...thought of it as my daily excersize :S (pls note that the images below are NOT of my place but that which makes up my thoughts and dreams).

After our wedding, I went full speed getting everything I wanted for our little place. I had moved so many times in my life, I had never done up my room just the way I wanted it...now I had my very own place and I wanted to get it over and done and just kick back and enjoy living in it!

We moved in Dec. 16, 2009 and, to me, it was a blank canvas just waiting to be done up!

Painting, wallpapering, furniture shopping, accessory shopping, lighting, rewiring...we had our ups and downs but in the end, I realized it will always be a work it progress...something that evolves along with us.

Here are some tips on renovating and redecorating with your partner, and enjoying every minute of it!

Talk, talk, discuss, talk, talk, discuss and repeat!

Reno-ing is something that you both need to live with, and although you may feel inclined to have everything your way...choose your battles. Even though it may seem as though he doesn't care, its his home too. And if you expect him to do most of the manual labour, let him have his say and help him make his dreams a reality!

Although I did everything else in the house exactly how I like it, Daanish got the bathroom and his 'man room' where he can do whatever he wanted. Okay, maybe not the bathroom so much, but its a guest bathroom :( But the manroom, I am proud to say, is floor to ceiling deep red, with his guitars hanging on the walls, a huge tv, and distinctly showcasing his interest (fine, our interest) in travel. In a house of crystal, silk and mother of pearl...it does stand out as completely his!

We agreed on it beforehand to avoid any future battles over it, so I had to actively try to keep my mouth shut on the decor of his man-room and let him handle the situation in whatever way it makes him happy!

Knowledge is Power

Do. your. research. It is so easy to go over budget or do your room up completely in one way only to find out something better (and more economical) the next day....you don't want to live with your regrets encompassing you within the walls!

Don't be Unrealistic in your Expectations

Know your timelines (factor in delays) and your budget. So you want the room exactly like they showed Jennifer Lopez's in Vanity Fair....well honey, then get that jelly growing and work on making them millions! If you don't have it, you don't have it....don't expect your partner to work another job or overtime because you just have to have custom Italian silk drapes.

And if you really want to have it just the way you want it, then expect delays. If you want to start sending out invites for fab dinner parties, don't make it so you both are scrambling to get things done. Be ALMOST done and then give yourself plenty of leeway so you're happy when you have people over. I'm pretty sure I'm still sleeping on a mattress on the floor of my bedroom because the bed is unreasonably back-ordered. Sh*t happens my friends, don't blame him or freak out over it!

You + Me + (We)= A Job Well Done

Face it, he's not gonna always see things your way and you're not always gonna get the painting right like he can. Separate tasks to keep your sanity....but if you can, do them together!

I can wallpaper and like it perfectly straight and even and like to put up all my wall accessories, my man is good at painting and finishing and putting everything up. So in the same room, we work together as a team but in our own separate ways so that we're not falling over each other (not in the good way). I cut wallpaper, he hangs it, I move it so that it lines up the way I want. He does wiring, after he moves out of the way I straighten and fret over the right lightbulb to give the right 'ambiance'. We can laugh with each other (mostly at each other) and do our own thing, but are able to help each other as we're in the same room.

BUT shop together....can't stress it enough! Whether or not you think he's not the type to have an opinion, if he's sharing the mortgage...respect him enough to get his opinion. Even if he's busy! I hated it, but I swear the people at stores thought I was crazy because I would buy and return like anything! Buy like 10 styles of curtains, take them home for him to see and then return the rest. I know its annoying but it'll make him happy :)

Be Happy

After its over and done, kick back and enjoy it together. Don't whine to him about how you WISH you did it like this or that. Its done....for now...until you move to your next house!

But bright, fresh cut flowers everywhere, decorate slowly and fill that home with love and laughter.

Have fun!

xox

-A-

Lost in Wakefield

We were running late this Sunday so we didn't get to get away until around 1 pm, but who cares...that's what lazy Sundays are all about!

Daan, always determined to stick to our traditions xo

As we were headed there, I was awed by how gorgeous the Gatineau Hills look in the spring (no seriously, go now). However, when we turned into Wakefield I saw the sign that said "Fair-Trade Village" and my eyes automatically started to roll. If you know me, you know how much I dislike Scenesters...they are the bane of my existence (see below for definition).

As I was saying, we then turned into the most quaint little village! Dotted with some treasure-chest-esque shops and delicious family owned places to eat, Wakefield QC is really the place to get away from city life.

Strolling around the strip, we wandered into little boutiques and bookstores that sold hand-made baubles and lots of organic herbs (fyi a great place to get all your natural beauty products ladies).

We stopped for lunch at our friends restaurant, Rutherford Bistro http://www.bistrorutherford.ca/, that had a great vibe: Art hanging on the wall, a patio overlooking the lake (time it right and you'll get to see the Steam Train pass by!) and right next to the legendary Black Sheep Inn.

Fact the best sweet potato fries EVER! omg the food was delicious and all from local suppliers (for all you whole food lovers). I got the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries and Daan got the Classic burger, and he swears that was the bestest, most juiciest burger ever (not his actual words...his was more like "mmmmishgoodmmm" ).

All in all, GO! If you can, stay overnight at Le Moulin Inn (http://www.wakefieldmill.com) which is apparently one of the most romantic places to stay in Quebec. FYI, the Spa looks fabulous! Try to go from Gatineau and take the evening steam train in the fall, it winds through the Gatineau hills and shows the full blast of fall colors!

Have fun! xox

-A-

Urban Dictionary.com states:

2.	scenester
	Person who models the abstract and later specific behavior of individuals trying to make a claim on certain media,i.e. literature, art, books, poetry, movies. A trend will then arise of "packaging", at which point, genres will mix into socially acceptable grab bags of media and somehow spawn a fashion, normally causing these disillusioned individuals to start resembling the traits of characters, band members, and each other because he or she likes this " underground" lifestyle and wants to be accepted by a discriminating crowd. In short, the sucker thinks these people have all the answers and conforms to some " be- yourself-but-be-us-subculture". Scenesters can range from genres of music such as Indie, emo, hardcore, nerd rock,(math rock), metal heads, ska kids( skankers,Moonstompers), ravers, club kids, goth kids, mod kids,space rock,concept artists,retro throwbacks, punk, pop punk, to Donnie Darko fans and other cult movies such as Heathers or Velvet Goldmine,poetry by Bukowski or Frost, cartoons such as Sponge Bob or shows like Nip/Tuck and The Simpsons, books such as Catcher in the Rye, The Virgin Suicides, Valley of the Dolls, Ask the Dust, and occasionally, The Communist Manifesto,as most scenesters are anti-war and unless straight edge, (refraining from sex or drugs of any kind) are heavily into drugs and alcohol,nomadic,anti-religious,poor with rich parents, and slumming.Essentially, they are their friends, although some people will like what they like and be accused of being scenesters by mistake. The smart scenester will say that is the case, because he or she knows it can't really be disproven except by baby pictures, second grade stories, and by God Himself. " Jennifer is a true disgusting little scenester now that she dyed her hair burgundy when she saw me doing it. I did it, because some girl on the Joan of Arc album had it that way, but that's because she copied the girl from Rainer Maria, and I told her after one of their shows that she should color it, so she did,and I thought'what the fuck? That was my idea.' So I'm boycotting them." " If you don't like Spoon, you should die." " If I had shaggy hair and wore eyeliner like your last boyfriend, you would love me more." " The way these people look is the way I feel inside. They understand. I want to be part of their scene

Sunday Brunch

About a month ago, Daan and I realized that although we are married and live together and even work together, we hardly ever really 'see' each other ( a la Avatar) or even communicate as much as we need too.

To remedy this traversty, he thought up a beautiful and brilliant idea: Why not try out the great brunch places in our sleepy little city of Ottawa and its surrounding towns/villages every Sunday!

Hubster usually makes a scrumptious breakfasts and lunches over the weekends and although I DID intially miss my super amazing Belgian Waffle Maker (ermigawd to wake up to fresh waffles, best.wedding.gift.ever!), so far its been so great.

We wake up and daisy-eyed seek out the places that have the best brunches in Ottawa....so great that we had to share it with you!

We don't limit ourselves to just Ottawa, but the quaint little villages and those 'hip' little towns and all those hole in the wall local sec

rets to find the best omelettes and hollandaise sauce around!

This past Sunday, we wanted to get our wandering on so we headed over to Ottawa's very chic Westboro area to grab brunch at Baker Street Cafe.

This little place was just so....quaint! It was like you walked into grandma's kitchen with fresh breads and the most mouthwatering, steaming, gooooooey, HUGE cinnamon buns you could imagine! Critics whine that its all run-down, the wait is long blah blah blah. Yea, be prepared for the wait, for a good breakfast, you're gonna have to wait. I'd recommend going for brunch as you can wander the shops for a bit then grab a relaxed bit to eat!

Anyways, back to the cinnamon buns! obviously, that's the first thing I got! And trust me, it was

as good as it sounds :) yum!

Daan gets what he always gets, my little eggs benedict connoisseur, he is super picky about it but now he swears by their smoked salmon benedict and has (thus far) named their hollandaise sauce "The Best". Personally, I think hollandaise is weird.

I got their swiss cheese and mushroom omelette, which was nothing wow-wow-wow....but still delicious....but I think nothing will top that cinnamon bun!

After that we spent the day perusing furniture, antiquing, people watching, having pulpatation attacks over the most gorgeous wallpaper I've ever seen and just strolling around and enjoying each others company.

If anything, grab your girls, grab your man and just down to

Westboro for a great morning out...you don't need to blow money but just check out all the art galleries and interesting and inspiring people...a great way to start off the week!

xox

-A-

Love through Food

I organized a little dinner with 6 of my darling friends. I like keeping dinner invitees at 6 max, as I am still getting used to cooking for large numbers…and that I usually go a little overboard on my menu! Some friends attending are huge fitness nuts + 1 and me huge foodies. Need to find balance :S

However, weather is gross raining and I will be cooking up a storm while purell-ing my hands/washing everything every second as to keep everything uncontaminated from a slight cold I have. May consider face-mask.

Menu for tonight:

Appetizer

-Chicken Samosa’s with a mint and coriander chutney

-Cheese and Herb fondue with garlic French baguette

-Hummus and baked pita chips

Dinner

-Start with Roasted Red Pepper soup

-Baked Tandoori Chicken stuffed with cheese, mushroom and spinach. Topped with spinach masala sauce.

-Asparagus (steamed), small potatoes and grape tomatoes flash fried in garlic, pepper, sea salt and pepper.

-Mediterranean 6 bean salad with grilled chicken pieces

Dessert

- Variety of teas

- Mousse chocolates

- Fruit jello topped with Vanilla ice-cream

Wish me luck!

xox

-A-

Post Dinner Update- SUCCESS!! Roasted Red Pepper Soup was delish and perfect to heat up a cold night!