8/12/2016 0 Comments Bathroom RenosMy bathroom is finished. My husband really is a genius when it comes to constructing my vision. Granted I spend a lot of time designing but very little constructing. Honestly I think I'd just be in the way. Maybe in the future I'll become more of a handy-woman. See the work in progress below.
0 Comments
8/7/2016 0 Comments Laundry & Basement DeclutterThis past weekend we decluttered our basement. I can't believe how much of our basement storage has been dedicated to Christmas! If you are anything like me, you go through stages: blue christmas, gold and red christmas, charlie brown christmas. I had enough christmas for Ralph & I to decorate three homes both outside and in. How, you may be asking? We pulled every box down and went through, asking ourselves, do we love this? If we don't love it, then lose it! The christmas stuff is going to families who have lost their homes to the wildfire, along with some kitchen items and a racoon halloween costume that I tried to pass off as a wolf. I'm hoping its new owner will have more luck passing it off as another animal, if not, then as a racoon. (note: read Jenny Lawson' book Furiously Happy to hear all about wonderful racoons) Our purge also included three clothing racks that held all of Quinn's golf shirts (kid loves to golf) and our seasonal clothing of two very ugly Christmas sweaters. In replacement Ralph put up two closet organizers that don't fall over and have a ton more hanging space! Closetmaid, economical and efficient. Don't discount how versatile these system truly are. While they may not be as visually appealing as a wood closet organizer, they are far easier to customize! We had to avoid a few obstacles in our laundry room and a system that could be put together any which way worked for us.
I wish I had a before shot of my new little laundry and storage room, but alas I do not so imagine somewhere very cold and dreary. Now after you have that picture in your mind look at the photos below. It is still a basement, isn't as pretty as Pinterest but is much better than before (which is re-emphasizing how bad it was before). 8/6/2016 0 Comments Fore!You know you are out of shape when 18 holes of golf (with a cart) is too strenuous. My hubby and I are golfing, it is hole 16 and I've resorted to cheering from the cart because getting up is just too hard. Now it is very warm out and I'm not used to all this walking to your ball from the little road. Sounds less pathetic in my head. This week I've endeavoured to work out every day for 10 minutes each day. Now that is high intensity working out. For someone that survived a month post wildfire on cookies, chips and - when McDs opened back up - chicken nuggets and fries, not too shabby. Not too shabby indeed. I am married to a busy body that considers this a date. It's more like an afternoon dodging bears in sweltering heat being eaten alive by gnats. Be he is happy so I am happy. Hoping that a change in perspective on health and fitness will help me one day really enjoy golf, even walk all 18 holes one day. Ok... I'm sensing a challenge here. Goal to achieve in one year.
By end of Aug 2017, I'll walk an entire 18 holes of golf while hitting a small ball with a stick and liking it! 8/4/2016 0 Comments The "New Normal" RoutineSince the disaster I've had a million excuses, for everything. Not working out in the morning because I need more sleep. Not eating healthy because I didn't have a plan. Not doing my school work because I got an extension. Not organizing the house... because.. because... because. It's taken a while to get back into good habits and create a new normal routine. Here is a snapshot of mine so far this week. Hoping to keep the good habits track going. It's likely going to change, especially if we have an event in the evening but for the past week this has been helpful to centre myself. This weekend I was pretty much house bound due to a serious allergic reaction. While the hives weren't much fun the time to myself was exactly what I needed. For me, it generally takes a major illness to get me to stop, rethink and force a change. Not very healthy, but effective. The allergic reaction was due to a questionable berry at the healing gathering. Never ever eat berries you have never encountered before!
Speaking of food, prior to the wildfire, we were following the $5 meal plan. It was the perfect portions for my family and the recipes are simple and delicious. Best part is the variety they offer and the shopping list. I know exactly what to buy in perfect portions for no waste (food or money). We started it two weeks ago and what a difference in time and money savings. Check out their website for sample meals: www.5dollardinners.com Next up, working out! Prior to wildfire (again), I had bought a foam roller and it has sat in its packaging for three months. On the weekend, while bored and uncomfortable from hives, I opened that baby up and found an awesome starter workout plan! Here is this week's workout plan! |
About me
I grew up in Athabasca, AB and have spent the majority of my life in Northern Alberta or Montreal, PQ. My husband has been in Fort McMurray since the 70s and continues to love this town and all that it has to offer. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts, spending our summer weekends quadding and camping. As Opimian members we thoroughly enjoy wine pairings and tastings and are working on our wine collection. Ralph is a carpenter by trade and has framed more houses in Fort McMurray than I could count and knows the city inside and out. I work all throughout the region from the NWT to Janvier for the tribal council. My passion is doodling and photography which is featured throughout the website (various mediums), writing, Indigenous studies, and learning in general. Categories |