Gratitude

An amazing friend of mine has recently begun a 30-day Gratitude Journal on Facebook. Each day she posts a picture and explains the sentiment for which she is grateful. I love reflecting each day on her post and in turn what I am grateful for. In fact, I may choose the month of December to start my own Gratitude Journal...maybe you will too!

I think my friend's Day 3 entry is worth sharing, as it is a lesson we learned together, but I had forgotten. It is called the 3% rule...which is intended to remind us that even NASA space shuttle's were only on target 3% of the time, and yet they still managed to arrive at their destination. Meaning that 97% of the time we are off our intended course...so we must let go, make a correction, and move forward.

For the opportunity to guest blog I am grateful. And even though I am feeling off my intended schedule for blogging, I am letting go, correcting, and moving forward with this post.

Happy Hump Day Eve!

Friday!

Happy Friday!

I'm looking forward to a hugely productive day at work...followed by a super zen yoga class...and then a cold, crisp glass of vino :) Hope you have equally satisfying intentions for a happy Friday! 

Oh, and...

The Habit of Home

It amazes me how humans are such "creatures of habit." I wonder what our habits, especially those that are subconscious, say about us. There should be a "dream dictionary" for understanding habits :)

I bring this up because ever since I moved home I have established a little subconscious habit. Almost every day that I walk from home to the ferry terminal (which currently is everyday for work), I take a picture. I do it without really thinking - I mean I think about getting my iPhone out and what angle I should take the shot - but I never think aloud "L - you took that same photo yesterday! Why are you taking it today?" I just snap away. In the end what I have is the most amazing compilation of photos of home!

It must mean something...maybe it means that even on the days I wish I was adventuring, that I really do love my home. I can appreciate it's beauty, even on the foggy days, over and over again. What do you think? I have diagnosed this habit properly?

A Time for Change

For the next couple of weeks we'll be changing perspective together - from Loving Life Being Christy to Loving Life Being L :)

It makes me reflect on change. Lately, in my life I've been going through a lot of change. A new job. New friends. ReNEWing old friendships. A new living environment. A new not-so-much-travel schedule. And I could go on. Likely, if you reflect you've also been experiencing change - maybe even just the seasons changing has impacted you.

As I optimistically begin my Monday morning, I am thinking about the quote below, and giving myself permission to feel these changes and not to worry if I am holding on too tight, or not letting go soon enough, but rather just let change happen. I hope you can do the same.

Happy Monday!

SEE YOU IN DECEMBER

I consider myself fortunate to be able to travel with my family for weeks on end. I am a stay at home wife and mother and  my husband is on parental leave; and so we are making the most of our family time together. My son's temperament is such that we can take him anywhere and he will adjust easily to his new surroundings. He will lay his head down in any bed provided for him and sleep a full twelve hours. (knock, knock) and so the adventure continues and I feel very blessed.

I have two season's to pack for this month-summer & winter. This should take some time but I'm really excited about both our trips.

You will be interested to know that my lovely, smart and creative guest blogger L will be dropping in a few times a week to keep you entertained.

 See you in a few weeks, if you need me I'll be under a palm tree, loving life being Christy  xoxo

I'M WATCHING YOU WATCH ME

WINGED MIGRATION

I was given some pretty cool little trinkets for my birthday as promised- here is one that I adore.

L gave me this beauty named winged migration/ designer Erica Wiener/ bought at J&R GRIMSMO BESPOKE in Halifax, NS.

URBAN ROOTS!!

HEADSTANDS

1. Use a sticky mat (doubled over, if you want extra cushion). On your hands and knees, bring the crown of your head to the ground. With your palms flat and near your head, bring your hands away from your face – this creates the ‘tripod’ between the head and hands. Your forearms should now be perpendicular to the ground. Lift your knees up and walk your feet in. Stay here for 5-20 breaths.

2. When your feet are in as close as possible (essentially your bum is aligned on top of the head and the shoulders), try bringing each knee, one at a time, to rest on top of your triceps (teddy bear headstand). Stay here for 5-20 breaths.

3. In teddy bear headstand, engage your abdominals and float the knees off your triceps, bring your knees to touch and keep your legs bent, with your heels near your bum. Stay here for 5-20 breaths.

4. With your knees and big toes touching, roll your bent legs slowly upwards, until your knees are pointing up to the ceiling. Going through all theses motions slowly requires engaging core strength. Stay 5-20 breaths.

5. Finally, extend your legs straight up into the air. Seal the inner legs together. Hold for as long as you desire, then come down slowly, the exact same way you rolled up!

Headstands are my favourite party trick. I remember performing one in a hotel suite in Victoria seven months pregnant for my bestie and her children who were pretty impressed. It's funny, I'm hopeless at yoga and pilates, but I can spend hours standing on my head- that must mean I have core strength.


I taught my stepson C first to put the weight on his knees and then slowly lift up the legs. Many hours falling over onto the couch in a fit of giggles were spent trying to improve his headstand.

This is C trying to get up in front of the giant fork in Vevey, Switzerland during our spring break ski vacation. There are hilarious shots of us.

 I will be practicing my headstands over the next few weeks in the glorious sunshine. We leave for paradise this Friday, can't wait!  xoxo

CHURCHILL

LET IT SNOW

My beautiful Sorel winter boots have arrived in a black snowflake pattern. They look better in person. I'm so glad I decided to take another look at their winter collection.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

After I return from vacation of course. xoxo

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Brrrrr... the pool has a sheet of ice on top of it this morning! Husband woke me up with breakfast in bed this morning and a warm cup of tea. Truth be told this happens a few times a week but it's the best thing in the world to me.

I woke up to a few surprises this morning. L sent a few of our photos from the visit to Nova Scotia. They were taken at Shubie Park in the midst of Fall and they are BEAUTIFUL!! Thank you L- I love them.

The forecast is saying the Remembrance Day ceremonies will be filled with sunshine. Last year Steve and Connor went to London for the weekend and took part in the ceremonies in Green Park with family friends. This year we are meeting a friends who live in Westboro for the ceremonies and having a pot-luck lunch after. I like spending this holiday with friends, remembering, what a great day to come together and share.

Tonight we are bringing our favourite chefs from England to the dinner table. With all the left over Turkey it was evident that we would make Jamie's Turkey and Sweet Leek Pie and for dessert The Baker Brother's Get out of Trouble Chocolate Cake in individual sizes.   I haven't had either since we left England and I'm so excited to share these delightful finds with our friends. Denis and Darla are joining us for our English feast- she'll love the cake!

If you are wondering if we completed the list yesterday, we did! We found the downstairs furniture at Lazyboy . They are going to send a designer in to make sure everything will fit and more importantly look good- total bonus and since our original basement couch did not fit, this will save many headaches; come January we should be enjoying our basement family room.

 Winter boots ordered, Victoria booked for the holidays and a much deserved Island getaway booked. Steve also did all the touch up painting that was needed in the house. It's very impressive what you can do when you stop procrastinating and get on the bus. Thank you Steve for all your hard work yesterday, mwah!!

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are. xoxox

DISTRACTIONS

TO DO LIST

Today I will book a holiday, book our flights to Victoria, supervise Steve painting *wink,wink* find basement furniture and order a pair of winter boots- don't forget to help me choose.


 There, now that I've put it out there to the world, it will get done!

WINTER BOOTS

Sadly our winter boots did not make it back to Canada, they are no where to be found.

My old boots were Sorels (below right). quality Canadian company (originally now owned by Columbia), I was all set to commit to another pair when I saw the winter Uggs last week in the Bay. I am pretty sure either of these boots will keep my toes toasty.

What do you think?

FIVE LIFE LESSONS YOU CAN LEARN FROM A TODDLER

I found this in the Metro yesterday and wanted to share.

For the most part toddlers exist in a pure and natural state untainted by society's expectations  standards and rules. Here are five lessons you can learn from a toddler.

1.Be persistent- If you want something badly enough and it's worth going after. Whether this means cajoling, bargaining, pleading or even stomping your feet.

2.Be in the Moment- It's amazing to watch kids play. It's as if nothing around them matters.

3.Let your emotions flow- Express emotions as you feel them so never at risk of keeping them pent up. Kid's don't know about holding a grudge and the longest they stay mad is 5 minutes.

4.Forget what others think- Do you ever wonder how you would live your life if no one was watching. This is how a toddler lives his life every day.

5.Love yourself- My daughter is happiest in front of a full length mirror she will sing, dance and have full conversations with herself. She's so happy with her own reflection that she never looks upon herself with criticism. This is what we all felt about ourselves when we were kids before we started to listen to the criticism of others. Take a lesson from a child and start loving yourself more today.

 If you would like to read the full article go HERE.

REELECTED

BROTHER

HAPPINESS

I wish my friends house was connected to mine via secret tunnels.

HAPPY BONFIRE NIGHT ENGLAND

November 5th marks the anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament and King James I in 1605, the day set for the King to open Parliament. The anniversary was named after Guy Fawkes, the most famous of the conspirators.

The day is celebrated like Halloween with massive neighborhood bonfires and fireworks all over the country. 

Have fun and be safe family and friends you are close to our thoughts. xoxo

SUCCESS

Saturday was a good foodie day at the Gillespie house. Steve made amazing no knead bread for lunch and sesame buns for our supper.  The bread making classes that Steve went on in England have really paid off-both were delicious. 

No Knead Bread

Steve's sister and husband were here for the weekend and because his parents live close, we asked them to join us for dinner and hot tub Saturday. What a great evening! 

 

Having never made either the main course or dessert before I was a little nervous. 

While in Halifax we dined at the Henry House which inspired my main course of meatloaf, with a dinner party twist. Turns out Mediterranean Meatloaf accompanied by whipped mash and almond green beans is crowd pleasing comfort food.

 I had been excited about dessert all weekend. My Mom's best friend Paulette emailed her Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe which is made in a hot water bath- See for yourself how it turned out. 

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake

The other thing we ate too much of over the weekend was leftover Halloween candy. Yes a little overindulging, but today will be the start to a healthier week. 

LAUGH

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Hello Friday! I'm glad you are finally here that means we are 1 day away from eating the pumpkin cheesecake that Steve and I are going to make for Brie and Piers's (Steve's little sister) visit this weekend - I'll let you know how it turns out.

 I have an appointment at the Brookstreet spa today. One bonus of living back in Canada, my medical insurance covers massage therapy.

Have a great weekend! xo

PINCH, PUNCH FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH

DEAR NOAH

15 THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE

TOM FORD'S 15 THINGS EVERY MAN SHOULD HAVE

1.  A sense of humour.
2.  A daily read of the newspaper.
3.  A sport that you love and are good at. 
4.  Tweezers
5. A good cologne that becomes a signature.
6. A well cut dark suit.
7.  A pair of classic black lace-up shoes. 
8.  A smart blazer.
9.  The perfect pair of dark denim jeans.
10.  Lot's of crisp white cotton shirts. 
11.  Always new socks and underwear (throw away the old ones every 6 months) 
12.  A classic tuxedo.
13.  A beautiful day watch with a metal band. 
14.  The perfect sunglasses.
15.  Perfect teeth- if you don't have them save up and have them fixed.