Five For Friday.

1. You gave me the best surprise ever flying across the country to visit without me knowing!

2. You graced me with not only with your presence but with six delicious and adorable cupcakes!

3. You arranged for us to go away next weekend and sweet talked my mom into giving me the time off work.

4. Your cuddles!!!

5. You made this Five For Friday SO incredibly easy!

I love you!

Christmas Yummies.

I used to be the Grinch. I was the little girl who yelled "Christmas is officially OVER!" as soon as I'd unwrapped my gifts. I couldn't feel the festive spirit - but that has all changed.

There is something about being able to decorate your own space regardless of how small it may be. Baking in your very own kitchen also adds some inspiration and spirit of Christmas. Having someone to love and enjoy the holidays with makes all the difference too. I couldn't be more excited to have Dan come home for Christmas so we can spend a reasonable amount of time together enjoying one of the best times of the year.

Classes are over, presents are wrapped and now I'm spending my time trying to busy myself which really isn't that difficult of a task. I have the Christmas baking bug. Right now, I'm catering to family requests. Last night I baked Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies for my mom and Butter Tarts for my dad. From what I've heard, butter tarts are a Canadian thing. To my American lovelies, do you eat them? I'm not fond because I don't like raisins, but they're a big hit with the raisin lovers!

Tonight I'm going to be baking Mincemeat Tarts for my Grandad and later this week will be making Oreo Rice Krispies Squares for my sister. All of this baking will help time fly before my love comes home!

Watch for some yummy posts this week!

What are your favourite holiday treats? Any suggestions for things to bake?

Where have I been?

Well, blog friends, I guess it's about time for a real update.

For the past two weeks or so, I have been beyond consumed with studying for midterms. The studying has proved successful and now I'm going to enjoy the last six weeks of classes before finals and then Christmas break!

I'm currently enjoying a week with my love! He had some leave he had to take, so I have him for a whole week! Time feels like it's going way too fast, but I'm very thankful that I'm able to take some time off to spend with him. I'm a very happy girl right now!

Thai donations are also coming in full swing! My Uncle Mike and Auntie Helen made a $100 donation which was incredibly generous! Thank you both so much! The spare change jar (or vase...haha) at work filled up for the first time today, so it has been emptied so I can tally it up and start again! Look for the photo in my Wordless Wednesday post tomorrow!

Happy November!

A Review: lululemon athletica

It needs to be done. A review on my favourite company. I have a slight obsession. Okay, maybe more than slight. I buy one type of workout clothing and one type only - Lululemon.

Lululemon can be found virtually everywhere these days. They sell their technical work out gear at over 100 stores in Canada, the US, Australia, and Hong Kong. They also ship worldwide. The company was founded in Vancouver, B.C. (Yeah!!) in 1998 and has been growing non-stop ever since!

I own a few pairs of their pants, crops, shorts, hoodies and skirts - even an overnight bag too! Wearing their clothing is like wearing a second skin. You know those days where you just don't feel like pulling up a pair of jeans? Lululemon's Groove Pants are there to save you! Maybe you're travelling to the other side of the world? Your Groove Crops will keep you comfortable!

Now that I'm running quite frequently, I've been looking to test out some different pieces from their line. Lately, I've been running in their Speed Short. They are beyond comfortable. My who favourite things about these shorts are 1. They don't ride up. You won't have to adjust them while working out. Pull them down, pull them up - you name it- you won't have to do it. 2. They have a zippered pocket for keys, money, etc. I am usually running to work, so having a place to put my house key is a huge bonus!

Last week, I bought a running skirt! I bought their Revitalize Skirt in black. I can't wait to try it while running to work tomorrow morning. I did try it on and it's so cute and comfortable. You could really wear this anywhere pre or post workout! The elastic on the liner has grip action to keep the shorts in place.

A not so secret tip? Check out their "we made too much" section of their site for some amazing deals! The selection changes rather frequently as they sell out of some products and add others so check back often!

Not only are you purchasing an amazing product but you also receive one of these adorable reusable bags with any purchase!





If you're not already a Lululemon fan, I suggest you try their products. I have no doubt you will fall in love!

Five for Friday.

I love that...

1. You text me from the field last night even though we fully expected not to have communication due to lack of reception. I don't even know if you got my text back but I hope you did!
2. Every time we talk you tell me to say 'hi' to everyone. I usually forget to pass the message along. But, when I do remember, I do admit to forgetting and tell them you say hi all the time.
3. You want to go on some sort of vacation when you're home for Christmas regardless of how short it might end up being.
4. You text me at a ridiculous time in the morning on Monday before you went out to the field just in case you didn't have reception. :)
5. You listen to my crazy stories, rants, and excitement over the silliest things!

ps. We're almost two months down!
pps. Stay tuned for more details on my volunteer trip next week!

Five for Friday.

1. I am elated that my love and adoration grows each and every day, even when you're far away.

2. I love that you call me at the end of your work day regardless of how late it is for you, the early hour you woke up at, and the various other elements you faced throughout the day.


3. I miss seeing your overnight bag on the floor where you always put it.

4. I miss telling you all the mundane details about my day. You always take interest even when they seem really silly!

5. I love that you're reading my blog and learning even more about me. If you're reading this right now - I love you and you're the absolute best. Thank you for making 'Five for Fridays' so easy!

Travel.Voyage.Viaggio.Reise.

trav·el [trav-uhl]

I have the travel bug. In fact, I always do. I've traveled alone and while it was fun, there is nothing like sharing another city or country with the one you love. Dan and I have been talking about taking a vacation to Mexico or another warm destination when he gets leave around Christmas. While searching online, I've been looking for all-inclusive vacations to different places in Mexico such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancun. I can't help but look further though. Why not Bali, Indonesia? What about every other exotic, far away destination? I just want to go absolutely everywhere regardless of the fact we can only be away one week.

We've been lucky enough to take a few vacations in our time together. In 2006, on Dan's R&R, we spent 5 days in Barcelona after we had first started getting to know each other. We went to Cancun in the winter of 2007, stayed at a gorgeous hotel and had an absolutely amazing time. We've taken many short jaunts to Tofino, Seattle, and even Las Vegas. I can't wait to explore more countries together and take more trips whether they be short or long.

My dream is to one day go on a fabulous getaway with Dan to Santorini, Greece. How could you not enjoy absolutely every moment with these gorgeous surroundings? It's definitely my number one destination for a romantic vacation!


So, what is your favourite vacation you've ever taken with your love and where is one place you would absolutely love to discover together?

Five for Friday.

I respect you because...

1. You are an incredibly hard worker and will always go above and beyond your call of duty. This applies to every aspect of your life.

2. You do everything in your power to keep everyone in your life happy.

3. Family and friends mean the world to you.

4. When I'm upset or sad you reach out to me and try and fix the problem.

5. You show me love.

Five for Friday.

I loved the first time you...

1. took me on a date to the beach. I remember trying to impress you with my four inch heels. (SO practical!)

2. called me your best friend.

3. sent me an e-mail after you received your first care package in Afghanistan. I loved opening my e-mail account and seeing an e-mail with the subject line "YOU'RE THE BEST EVER!!!!!!!"

4. came home from deployment and completely surprised me even though at the time I was totally bummed you'd been in Canada for a week and not called.

5. told me you wanted to be with me forever.

Five for Friday.

1. When we were buying sandwiches the sandwich maker asked us how long we'd been dating. I replied "four years". He said "and you're still in love??" to which you replied, "YES!!" in the most excited way. I loved it.

2. You're spending every moment you can with me until you leave.

3. You appreciate me which makes this whole thing so much easier.

4. You made breakfast for me, cleaned the kitchen and did a load of laundry for me. I love my stay-at-home boyfriend. ;)

5. You cook the best BBQ's in the history of the world.