Essentials

School is out. I decided to pack an overnight bag, the laptop and lil' g and I hit the road to go visit my folks for a couple of days. Yes, I had to bring my laptop. It's one of the freedoms of being able to just take off at a moments notice and still get work done. Because it was a quick decision to make the trip I packed lightly, but their were a few essentials that had to make it in my bag. You know, the kinda things you don't leave home without. I'm sure you essentials would look quite different from mine. But I had to make sure I packed:

Calvin Klein T's. This tee is actually part of the Essentials collection by Calvin Klein . There you have it, they agree with me that this tee is an essential. giggle. Actually they are sleepwear but so comfy I wear them as day wear and no one is the wiser. So soft and comfortable. Most tees look to sporty for me but these just seem to have a little more style. I love that we carry them at the Girls Bra Shop. Tammy and I always anticipate the next season's colour.

Ultra soft and comfortable. Made of the natural and luxurious modal fabric.

Exercise Bands. Oh I packed my running shorts, sneakers, sports bra and ipod. But I like to get my strength training in too. So I plan to do some planks, downward facing dog, willow tree and a several arm curls. I love these bands. The are so easy to pack in an over night kit and they offer just the right amount of resistance. And by bringing them with me it keeps me from making excuses.



 a great way to workout while you travel or add variety to your usual routine.

LLBean Boat and Tote. When we were in Freeport a couple of years ago, I grabbed a couple of these amazing totes. The most durable canvas. You can carry up to 500lbs. That's crazy. I have suitcases for my business trips but for hob knobbing about, to the lake, or evening to the city market these tote carry everything.  

Miss Manners

Today I was blessed to hear my daughter perform. Thankfully she was no. 30. Why am I thankful because it took the first 29 for the audience to learn proper etiquette. I sat there thinking "how sad, that the 23 yr old mc has to tell the crowd of parents how to behave". Meaning, at the first intermission he reminded people to stay to the end out of respect for all the hard working students. After all, the families of the last students had to sit threw everyone elses performance it is only fair to do the same. At the second intermission, he had to remind people to hold the door as it closes so that the students would not jump from being startled by the crash at the back of the theater everytime came or went.  Yes, this actually happened a couple times.
Etiquette seems like such a fancy word forwhat really is plain old manners. I mean were these people raised in the wild? Not judging by how they were dressed. And really, how you are dressed or where you come from should not be the excuse for lack of common courtesy and manners. "Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use." ~ Emily Post

I sat there thinking this was nothing like the recitals or music festivals I particpated in growing up. There was no talking, walking all over the place, texting or cell phones during a students performance (mind you, there were no cell phones back then - heck, we didn't even have cable).

What erks me the most is that it is the biggest offenders that want your undivided attention when ther child is performing.

Fabulous Finds

I love to shop but I don't like to shop for clothes. Why? Because I am a unique shape and size from head to toe. I typically buy one or two pieces each season to spruce my closet up. I have a few name brands but not just to say I have a name brand but because it fits, it looks good and I like it, And, let's face it, most designer labels are not made for curvy woman. Typically, I can only find clothes at Ricki's to fit my curves but lately their styles are not working for my hourglass. Their tops are made for women who want to hide their waist and that's the asset I need to show off. Cardigans and sweaters are always too short for my long torso. Strapless tops were always a "no" until I found the perfect strapless bra at The Girls Bra Shop. Shoes are always a challenge. I can never find a cute or trendy size 11 and typically my options are limited to a classic, more mature style. While my friend always grabs the Franco Sartos I am stuck with Clarks. (Clarks are great for comfort but it would be nice to have something a little hip and stylish). Usually when I go out with the mission to find a top, pant or shoes I come home with more stuff for the house and nothing for my closet. Imagine my surprise to find the perfect pieces when I wasn't looking for them at all.

Steve Madden Wedge Peep Toe - Winner's $49

While Shopping for a pair of shoes for my daughter, I decided to stroll a few aisles over to see what/ if anything existed in my size. Surprise, Surprise. I found the cutest summer nude wedges. In my size! And when lil' g saw my shoes shes squealed "you got Steve Madden shoes?"





Denver Hayes Cardigan with Rosettes - $19 Sale/ $39 Reg.

 Just this weekend, we were in Sussex picking up a few things for the lake and Big G decided to take a look in Mark's Work Wearhouse for jeans and work pants. I strolled through the mall while waiting. That took 10 mins. so I browsed the women's section of Mark's while waiting for Grant to finish up. Again, I was surprised when I saw the cutest cardigan with rosettes around the neckline. I tried it on and it fit perfect. The bonus: it was on sale for $19.99.



Exposed Envy Bra Straps Available at The Girls Bra Shop.


A month ago I received an email from my biz partner that I had to check out these new straps, she had met the rep and loved them and bought a pair immediately. Who would have thought the rep would come to the store the very next day to check us out. Tammy was right, I loved them and bought the pair shown above. They go great with almost everything I own in a strapless or sleeveless style. And so inexpensive, all the styles we carry are under $40.

Staying at the Four Seasons

Another lazy day brought to you by Mother Nature. Plans to go kayaking or running have been twharted. The day has been a mixture of cold rain, thunder and lightening. I think that Mr. Sun is in a humourous mood because he keeps peeking out from behind a dark storm cloud just to torment us. At the moment, it is has stopped raining but the it is so cold and windy that Grant is wearing his winter coat while mowing the lawn and Georgia and I are watching the streaks of lightening flash over the lake.

So we won't be able to go dip our toes in the water this weekend. There are plenty of games and cocktails inside. Georgia is setting up Mexican Train and a big bowl of popcorn. When staying at this Four Season's the entertainment is good indoors and out. The food is always 5 star - I believe it is glazed, bbq pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes and one of my specialty salads.Mouth watering as I got a whiff.
The accomodations are so good here, I think we are going to stay the extra night. After all it is only school and work we are going home for  - just get up an hour earlier and shazam we'll be home.

A lazy day and a Copper Moon.

It's summer time and I am enjoying a weekend away at the lake.

Sunset view from my porch

I would prefer clear skies and sunshine. If that were the case I would be down at the waters edge with a cocktail and a good book. Instead it has been pouring rain all day, but a warm rain which has made it enjoyable and relaxing. The view of the lake is still beautiful even when overcast. What does one do at the lake on a rainy day? Read, Write, watch a few classics, paint your nails, and nap are just a few of the things I have done today. But to finish the night off I am going to enjoy some wine and the sound of the rain beating against the screened in porch.
I would much prefer a malbec or tannat but since I can no longer have red I am forever in search for a white that I can love just as much. I guess the upside would be that we are always trying new wines, this time we picked up Copper Moon's Sauvignon Blanc. An inexpensive white that claims to have notes of citrus, tropical fruit and goosberry. Which I didn't really detect. It is light and not overly sweet with a  dryness that lingers. For the price, it fulfilled all expectations. (as Big G would say "you can't complain about quality at the dollar store"). The mosquito coils are lit, the patio lantern are plugged in and Big G is waiting on the porch with a box of silly trivia questions. Time to exit and enjoy my evening.

Tomorrow, the girls are planning to kayak and go for a run while Big G enjoys Father's Day do what he loves: a day of golf. Here's hoping the rain goes away.  

Forced Creativity

Well it has been 3 weeks since I cut out all the wheat and gluten from my diet. I am not entirely convinced it is the source of all my problems but I have exhausted all other possibilities and figured I have nothing to lose at this point. On the whole, it has been pretty easy. I have become an expert label reader at the grocery store. Where it gets tricky, is when dining out or fast food. Basically, fast food is out as I can't trust any of the ingredients. Soya Sauce, yogurt, most sauces, salad dressings, even Campbell's tomato soup has wheat in it.

What it has done is forced me to get creative in the kitchen. So tonight we enjoyed: Roasted sweet potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Spinach Salad with Balsamic Fig dressing, and Top Sirloin (simmering in red wine, mushrooms, garlic and onions) and for a midnight snack I am roasting garlic to serve on rice crackers with cheese and berries. mmmmmm. Probably doesn't sound very creative but for someone who loves condiments and sauces this meal had the potential to be very bland. With a little olive oil, pepper and creativity this meal was -as my mom would put it - "the best I ever had".

I know there are lots of gluten free products out there and I have tried a few. The brown rice pasta is pretty good and allows me to enjoy spaghetti once again. And I love the sweet potato chips. But on the whole, I thing I will stick to the fruits, veggie and protein. If they start putting ingredient labels on the vegetables I'm in trouble.