Currently 09.03.18

Reading

The Great Halifax Explosion - John U Bacon
I saw this book at Costco awhile ago and had to buy it. I’m glad I did. It was a great story about the explosion, although I enjoyed the first half of the book with the events leading up to the tragedy better than reading about the aftermath.

The Wife Between Us - Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
A good suspenseful twisty read.

We Are Never Meeting in Real Life - Samantha Irby
A funny, touching, and raw collection of essays. Don’t read it if you get uncomfortable with TMI...

Writing
Not enough...  I’m in a bit of a funk that I can sometimes write my way out of. Vacation gave me little opportunity.

Toronto Zoo. These guys make me smile. 

Watching
TV: Bachelor in Paradise (my favorite guilty pleasure), KUWTK, The Affair (season 4 was good!)
Netflix: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (cute), Queer Eye, Riverdale (halfway done season 1)
Movies: I Feel Pretty

Eating
Too much cheesecake! We went to The Cheesecake Factory twice in Toronto and then I had a cupcake from the kiosk they have at Vaughan Mills. We had a neighbourhood BBQ yesterday that was really fun and yummy. I’ve had a few more Vandal doughnuts over the past month (still loving unicorn poop and lemon meringue).

My new favourite- Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch

Drinking
Bubly by the bucketful, lots of Starbucks and DAVIDsTEA iced teas, Starbucks pink drink. I’ve been sampling tons of radlers and ciders this summer. I pick up a few cans every time I go to NSLC.

Seeing
The parking lot of Starbucks. I'm also swiping through photos of vacation so I can add some to this post.

Did  I mention we saw Ed Sheeran? We were in the rafters, but it was amazing. Ed was fabulous, and the CN Tower was almost as intriguing. 

Hearing
Coffee machines and Starbucks music. I like their playlist today.

Smelling
The sunscreen I have on my arms and of course,  coffee.

Wearing
AEO jeans, H&M tank top and striped tee, Tory Burch flip flops, TNA hat

Feeling
Honestly.... pretty blah which doesn’t happen a lot for me. I think it’s a combo of a few things including post-vacation sadness and some changes happening at work which I’m bracing for. I’m going to try to keep myself busy for the next few weeks. I also had my first experience with vertigo the other day (which I fixed myself) but I still don’t feel 100%.

One of these things is not like the others...

Anticipating
PT school 15 year reunion happening at the end of the month (yay!), pumpkin candles (they are on deck for Sept 15.... I don’t know why I picked a date for them...), fall style (hello layers).

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 04.22.2018

Reading
The Girl with Nine Wigs - Sophie Van Der Stap
This was the book I read at work. It was a funny memoir about a girl who was diagnosed with cancer in her early 20s.
Nutshell - Ian McEwan
Weird! The narrator was a fetus. Worth the read though, as I had to know what happened at the end.
The Sun and her Flowers - Rupi Kaur
I loved Milk and Honey and this poetry collection was almost as good.
Immediate Fiction - Jerry Cleaver
I've had this book for probably five years and finally read it. It had some valuable tips on writing.

Writing
I’ve been working on an outline for some fiction. Not much down on paper yet, but I hope to use some of the principles from Immediate Fiction and aim to write at least five minutes every single day for one month once I start the actual writing. I haven’t been blogging as much at all because of the other stuff I’m working on. Maybe the change in weather will inspire me to do some new outfit posts.

Watching
Blockers (movie) - This was as funny as I expected it to be and actually got funnier as the movie went on.
As far as series go, I started Master of None, finished Season 5 of OITNB, have been watching Grey’s weekly (loving this season), as well as Modern Family, The Arrangement, and The Royals.

Clicking
I did a bunch of online shopping earlier this month. Been lurking (but not so active) on all the usual social media. Still addicted to Word Cookies on my phone.

Hearing
Starbucks chatter. I’m at the busier location on Lacewood today rather than my usual one on Chain Lake Dr.

Seeing
So many tiny 8 year old cheerleaders who are wearing about five times as much makeup as I have ever had on in my life. There must be a competition close by today. I'm also staring at my nails... I had my shellac taken off yesterday and they look pretty sad. I love shellac, but hate what it does to my nails.

On staycation, at The Old Apothecary, with my shellac nails. They lasted three weeks (from Remedy Spa).

Peggy's Cove 

Smelling
Remnants of my iced chai latte..... yum

Eating
Burger week was so great. I ended up trying three - Rinaldo’s, Vandal, and Cheese Curds. All three were amazing but the one from Vandal was probably the best burger I’ve ever had in my life. They made it part of the regular menu and I need it again soon. We did another Hello Fresh order recently, choosing the larger family box. We can get six meals out of each dish so we have some in the freezer. I started tracking calories/exercise last week on My Plate. It's helpful as I have a really baaaaad snacking habit. The only way I control it is to keep track. I've been sticking to my goal so far and have been doing BeachBody On Demand. I love the variety of workouts.

Drinking
Starbucks, DAVIDsTEA, not enough water, wine (white and red....)

Wearing
Zara jeans, H&M tee, H&M hoodie, Adidas Stan Smiths.

Feeling
Happy today

Anticipating
Hearing news of which home my bestie is going to choose to live in! My vote is the one down the road from me. July can not come fast enough, then I can hold her whenever I want to! I’m also looking forward to this week, which The Weather Network tells me will be the first week of actual spring-like weather. Yay! We're also partway through some house renos. The downstairs shower got tiled and the bathroom floor is in. We're also getting living room built ins done in the next few weeks.

Fur niece

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 03.11.2018

Reading
The Best Kind of People - Zoe Whittall. I've owned this book for ages (over a year) and just picked it up recently. I tend to hoard books like that. This was a very good book about a teacher who gets accused of something unexpected. The ending was a bit odd, but I liked it overall.
The People We Hate at the Wedding - Grant Ginder. A sometimes funny, sometimes touching book about family members who are trying not to fall apart.
Next Year, For Sure - Zoey Leigh Peterson. I actually didn't like this one as much as I expected to.  For a book about open relationships, I expected it to be a bit more exciting.

Using the empty cubicle across from me for break time at work- I miss you Mary :(

Writing
I've been doing a bit more writing lately, mainly at Starbucks, although I'm doing some this afternoon at home as well as blogging. I had a book idea yesterday that I need to brainstorm and get down on paper.

Clicking
Social media, although I feel like I lurk much more than I now participate. Can't reminder the last time I updated my status on Facebook. I'm a little more active on Instagram, but not much. I've been choosing reading and TV lately over YouTube.

Watching
I've watched a few movies lately - Baywatch (shallow but entertaining.. hi Zac), Fifty Shades of Grey (better than I expected it to be actually...), and Into the Forest (depressing but decent). I finished Season 4 of Suits and am working my way through Season 4 of OITNB. Weekly faves include This is Us, Modern Family, KUWTK, and Greys. The Royals and The Arrangement start again tonight.

Seeing
I'm in the basement looking out the patio doors and seeing more snow on the ground than we've had in some time.

Wearing
Uniqlo pants, lululemon sweatshirt, pink socks

Eating
I ate at Resto Urban Dining in Bedford last week and the greek pizza I had was really good. I'd like to try it again sometime. Last week I made some good lettuce wraps. There's a new recipe for blueberry muffins that I'm going to test out soon, maybe on my staycation. I tried Vandal Doughnuts a few weeks ago (super good) and need to get back and try another flavour. Burger Week starts in 11 days...

Drinking
There's a great private store in Clayton Park called Westside Beer Wine Spirits. I went for the first time a few weekends ago and spent at least 20 minutes browsing the aisles. I came away with a few goodies, most notably 7 Shores Peach Vanilla Bean cider. YUM! I also tried a great red wine courtesy of our neighbours - Young Brute (Australia). I've had a few Second Cup London Fogs as they're doing a Wednesday deal on lattes. Starbucks launched new tea lattes recently. I've tried the Blooming Rose one which I really enjoy, but it's a unique taste that isn't going to be for everyone.

Homemade white chocolate chai latte courtesy of my neighbour! 

Smelling
A Fresh Balsam candle from Bath & Body Works

Hearing
It's actually really quiet. I don't even have the TV on in the background.

Feeling
A bit tired from the time change.

Anticipating
It will be nice to have 11 days off in a few weeks but I'm a bit bummed that we decided not to go on a trip. Staycations can be ok, but it's a weird time of year to be off without big plans. I need to structure my days so I don't end up reading, napping, and cleaning the whole time.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 01.31.18

Disclaimer: I will throw references about my vacation (Iberostar Bavaro Suites in Punta Cana) into this post constantly. If that annoys you, don't say I didn't warn you. I should be over it soon.

This water though...

Reading
The Daylight Marriage by Heidi Pitlor - A fairly fast suspense novel, but I was not satisfied with the ending at all.
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight - Loved this one! It reminded me a lot of 13 Reasons Why. A good twist at the end.
Carry Me Down by MJ Hyland - This kept my attention enough to finish it, but I found it supremely depressing. Basically about a boy with psychological issues.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - I almost didn't read this book, but I finished Carry Me Down one day at work and didn't have another book to start so I picked it up out of the reading room. I'm so glad I did! I liked it so much that I brought it on vacation with me to finish. A post-apocalyptic read with excellent character development. 

Walking on Trampolines by Frances Whiting - Perfect beach book. I flew through this novel about a complicated love triangle that also focuses on other important relationships.

Writing
Not much of anything but maybe I'll write some poems for Valentine's Day.

Clicking
I've been playing Word Cookies on my phone - so addictive - but I took a relative break from most social media while I was on vacation. No online shopping has been done lately either (weird).

Watching
This is Us, Season 4 of Suits, KUWTK, Grey's. I'm not watching as much YouTube lately.

Eating
I can't stop thinking about the doughnuts at the Iberostar. I'm not even someone who eats a lot of doughnuts, but I sure did last week (ummm... three times a day...)! Lots of great food was eaten while on vacation, but my favourite meal was the sushi, grilled chicken, veggies and rice at the Japanese restaurant. Since I've been home, I've made two new soup recipes from the book Yum and Yummer.

Drinking
My vacation drink of choice was wine at night and vodka-cranberry-orange in the daytime. In normal life, I've still been stuck on tea (a cup or two every morning at work).  Lemon Pound Cake by DAVIDsTEA is my current fave. I need to drink more water.

Smelling
Twisted Peppermint candle

Seeing
A messy kitchen table (mine) full of mail, Harveys coupons, and golf balls.

Hearing
The sports show that seems to be playing in the background at our house ALL THE TIME. Never stops.

Wearing
The oldest lulu pants on earth (2005!), Under Armour tee, hoodie

Feeling
Like I'm fighting off an illness that is bound to get me. So many people coughing and sneezing. Orange juice and vitamins are my friends.

Anticipating
I've got that post-vacation low where I just want to rewind time and lay on a beach. The next vacation needs to be decided on soon so I can have something to look forward to.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 12.18.17

Reading
Modern Romance - Aziz Ansari
I thought this book was really funny and a perfect look at how dating and romance has changed over the past few decades. I’ll be watching his series Master of None on Netflix soon.
That was the only book I finished in the past month!

Writing
Not much ! It’s that time of year... busy busy.

Clicking
Social media. Surprisingly, not much on-line shopping. I did most of my Christmas shopping in actual stores this year, mostly on Black Friday. I’ve been watching a bunch of Vlogmas on YouTube. It’s hard to keep up with watching daily vlogs though.

Watching
The Night Before - Netflix. A funny adult content Christmas movie.
Love Actually - Netflix. Does anyone else always cry at the “ to me, you are perfect” scene?? What is wrong with me?
Orange is the New Black - Netflix. I’m halfway through the most recent season. It’s not nearly as good as it used to be...
Modern Family - I had a bunch of episodes backed up on the DVR. Such a funny show! It never gets old.
I’m looking forward to a new wave of shows in January, which I will watch from under a blanket in my warm basement. With wine.

I'm borrowing her for January binge TV snuggles. 

Eating
We had so much Chinese food left over from the work party last week. I’ve also been eating the usual  pre-Christmas baked goods and treats that are hanging around work and home, but I’m trying hard to be reasonable. We haven’t been out to a restaurant in a while actually. We tried Hello Fresh last week for the first time. I quite enjoyed it! We'll definitely try it again, maybe after our vacation - it's lovely not to have to plan a meal.

Hello Fresh

Seeing
I’m writing this on my lunch break at Starbucks. Have they mopped the floor yet today? Salt everywhere.

Smelling
Starbucks. Mostly the Christmas Tree frapp in front of me. Yum.

Hearing
Conversations around me. Lots of retired men go to Starbucks in the early afternoon.

Wearing
Zara bell sleeve top, Topshop black pants, black ankle boots. It's cold today!

Feeling
Restless. Wishing I was on vacation. I find the week before Christmas is always hard to stay focused. I’m also feeling quite satisfied with myself because I’ve been keeping on my workout schedule almost perfectly throughout December, which is unusual for me. Could be the pressure of a beach vacation in January - LOL.

Anticipating
Christmas! Punta Cana! My oldest friend arriving home from China for the holidays! Not one but TWO of my closest friends in the world moving closer to me next year!

Merry Christmas everyone!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 11.19.17

Reading
Chanel Bonfire- Wendy Lawless
This was my at-work book. It reminded me a little but of The Glass Castle in that it was about dysfunctional parenting. Worth the read for sure!
Miss You- Kate  Eberlen
A YA book about missed connections. I quite enjoyed it!
Everything, Everything- Nicola Yoon
I read this because I noticed there was a movie and I love reading books and then seeing the movie. The book was really good- a fast read and hard to put down. Why am I obsessed with reading teenage love stories?

Writing
A ton of care plans at work for lots of new clients. I’ve penned a few poems as well.

Clicking
I’ve done some online Christmas shopping. We are trying to decide on a winter vacation so have also been researching a lot of resorts and visiting travel booking websites. The goal is to get something booked by the end of the week. Too scared to book today in case there are better Black Friday deals.

Watching
I finished season 3 of The Affair a few weeks ago. The season finale was disappointing but I otherwise really enjoy that show! I’ve also completely caught up on Greys Anatomy in the past month. The American Music Awards are on tonight and I will be glued to the red carpet show to see if Justin ends up appearing with Selena. I’ve recently changed my opinion on them. I used to roll my
eyes at the thought of them getting back together. However, if two people have been through that
much drama and still can’t stay away from each other YEARS later, then they deserve another shot.
This is Us is getting really good again as well... everyone is hyped about Jack and Randall.... but I have a thing for Kevin...

Eating
Thank goodness the Halloween candy is gone. I had way too many mini chocolate bars. I’ve been in winter cooking mode of comfort food and soups.

Drinking
Starbucks - the 2 for 1 holiday drinks last week were amazing. The Toasted White Chocolate Mocha is soooooo good. I had it both hot and as a frapp.... I highly recommend! I made my way through a bottle of Trapiche Cab Sauv last weekend. I like red wine in colder weather. My David’s Tea collection is slowly getting picked away at. I literally have about 40 different teas between work and home. I also have 50g free to redeem - trying to decide what kind I want.

Seeing
I’m sitting in Starbucks right now with a white iced tea. There are no job interviews happening around me which is awesome because when there is, I pick up on the nervous vibes. There are two older gentleman across from me who appear to be friends but aren't really talking. I get that.

Wearing
Jeans, grey sweater, white adidas Stan Smith’s, my trusty Lole raincoat

Wish I was wearing this... from Pseudio.

Hearing
Usual Starbucks noises... conversations, coffee machines, coffee shop music

Smelling
coffee, also the honey body lotion I’m wearing

Feeling
Warm and fuzzy. Alive.

Anticipating
Getting a tons of Christmas shopping done this week! I took Thursday and Friday off to hit the sales hard.  My mom and I did well with Black Friday last year and we will aim for the same this year. Once we’ve got a trip booked I’ll be excited for that too! The holiday decor at Halifax Shopping Centre this year is flipping amazing. I walked in there the other day and practically turned into an elf. Bring on the holidays!

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 08.27.17

Reading
Me After You - Jojo Moyes
A sequel to Me Before You, this was an easy and good read. It wasn't what I expected it would be, but it was enjoyable. The ending left lots of room for another book about Louisa.
The Light Between Oceans - M.L Stedman
I've been meaning to read this one for a long time, and I enjoyed it. I loved that it was set in Australia, and I'd even been close to the place where the story took place. Now I'll have to see the movie.
Nookietown- V.C. Chickering
This book had some not-great reviews but I read the jacket at the library and checked it out. I actually thought it was really funny. In short, married women decide to hook up their husbands with divorcees in town. Hilarity ensues.

Writing
I bought a book on writing prompts, which has been fun to pull out every now and then when I feel like writing about something random. I've also had some inspiration to flex my poetry muscles -  I have to be in a very specific mood to do it though.

Clicking
For the past day I've been furiously trying to get my phone back to normal. I just made the big switch from Android to iPhone and I'm still in the process of getting all my contacts over and my apps back. Ugh. I've been spending lots of time on social media lately and haven't been buying anything online.

Watching
Friends from College (Netflix) - I binged watched (and then watched again) the first half of this series a few weeks ago and I'm pretty sure in the next few days I'll fly through the rest of it. I haven't LOL'ed at a show as much in a really long time.
To the Bone (Netflix) - I've been waiting for this movie to come out for a while. I love Lily Collins, who portrays a girl with an eating disorder and her road to recovery.
The Story of Diana (TV) - I was always intrigued by Princess Diana and I'm halfway through this two-part series on her life.She passed away the night before I left for my first year at university, which I can't believe was 20 years ago!
Boy Band (TV) - As I'm writing this, we're watching the last episode of Boy Band. I liked the concept of the show, but wasn't always a fan of the host, architects, or the process.
Bachelor in Paradise (TV) - I'm starting to like Paradise better than the regular shows. It's so dramatic.

Eating
Stubborn Goat - I always have a good meal at the Goat. And The Bully is my favourite cocktail in Halifax.
Lot Six- The atmosphere here is great. I wasn't however as impressed with my main course as I hoped to be. I'd definitely go back though!
Gecko Bus - R and I have been splititing large burrito bowls occasionally. It's always so fresh, healthy and good.
Tako Sushi - our favourite sushi spot of late. We always get the deluxe maki.

Drinking
DAVIDSTEA $1 iced teas are winding down next week which is sad.... I've been loving cider as is usually the case every summer. I like making a flavoured tea every morning at work before I get too deep into things.

Seeing
I've got Friends from College paused on the basement TV right now while I work on this post! Episode six.

Smelling
I just washed my hair, so smelling my Lush Daddy-O shampoo

Hearing
The heat pump and what I think might be golf on the main floor TV.

Wearing
Grey sweatshirt, leggings.

Feeling
A little bit of muscle burn in the legs and ankles from hiking High Head this morning. I think we only did half of it, but going up and down all the rocks was hitting some muscles that I forgot I had. Overall, it's been a strange few weeks though - maybe the eclipse? I'm feeling happy for two important couples in my life who tied the knot recently! Both weddings were loads of fun.

High Head

Anticipating
I'm looking forward to Labour Day weekend. Also, one of my dearest friends is going to be in Halifax for two whole weeks in September so looking forward to some quality time with her.

Our part-time houseguest for the past few weeks. 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 07.16.17

Reading 

Modern Lovers- Emma Straub
I read this one on my Kobo and I really liked it. It was a quick read and dealt with several different romantic relationships and friendships.
First Comes Love- Emily Giffin
Another Kobo read. I love anything by Emily - this was no exception. It maybe wasn't as much of a page-turner as some of her others but I still really enjoyed it.
Save Me- Lisa Scottoline
I always leave a hard copy book at work to read on breaks and the occasional lunch hour (when I feel like sitting at Starbucks instead of shopping). This reminded me of a Jodi Picoult book - a stressful ethical situation and the aftermath. It was good!
Lola and the Boy Next Door- Stephanie Perkins
I've read three book by the same author in the past year and I tear right through them. If you like (older) YA crush books, you'll like her stuff!
Living in Style- Rachel Zoe
This was a Winners find for me. Sometimes Winners has the greatest coffee table books. I've read this book slowly over probably six months or so.

Writing

Since reading the poetry collection Milk and Honey, I've been inspired to get back into poetry. I used to write poetry off and on when I was younger. I was always the one who could easily come up with a funny poem or jingle for school projects and stuff. When I was younger, I'd often turn to writing when I was going through emotional turmoil, so I've been digging deep into some poems I started/completed/saved in my head from the earlier years and have been re-working them. I'm also blogging once a week. I can't believe I ever posted three times a week - I can't imagine doing that now!

Clicking

I've been loving Instagram and all it's inner workings (DM, stories, videos, etc). I placed two Zara orders in the last month (not very successful). I'm looking so forward to having  physical store in the near future. No more having to box up returns.

Watching

Girl Boss (Netflix) - a quirky show about the girl who started Nasty Gal on-line.
Homeland (Netflix) - a new season got released to Netflix recently.
Why Him? (movie) - R and I liked this one with James Franco- really funny.
The Bachelorette (TV) - I'm not loving this season but I still have to watch.
Bondi Vet (TV) - How did I not know this show existed until recently? If you love animals and hunky Australians, you'll enjoy. It's rare that a day goes by that I don't watch one of these. I've got 16 episodes on my DVR right now...
Pretty Little Liars (TV) - The series finale has finally aired, and I was happy with how things ended. It's one of those series where you'd probably benefit from re-watching, but I'll never find the time.
The Handmaid's Tale- (TV) What a great show! The season finale was so good. Can't wait for it to return
Boy Band (TV)- A new show where the end result will be a new boy band. I love all the throw-backs to NKOTB, BSB, N'Sync, etc.

Eating

Restaurants I've been to lately (in the Halifax area) include Edible Matters, Jack Astor's, The Gecko Bus, Tako Sushi,  Halifax Press, and Ela. I did pop into Chain-Yard to pick up some cider to go, but we didn't stay to eat. At home, we've been trying to get through what we affectionately call "freezer relics"(meals we froze). I made a pretty good chili recently too.

Halifax Press grilled cheese on the waterfront

Drinking

I've been into the various zero-calorie naturally-flavoured sparkling waters. I've also been loving various ciders and radlers. I bought a DAVIDsTEA $1 iced tea tumbler when they were on sale for $10 in June, so I've been enjoying at least 3-4 iced teas a week. I also enjoyed a Starbucks Reward last week- a venti non-fat s'mores frapp (my absolute favourite). As I'm writing this I'm enjoying a DAVIDsTEA Raspberry Cream rooibos in my living room. I'd rather be on the deck but it's overcast.

Seeing

My living room. The more I stare at it, the more I really want to get our built-ins done.

Smelling

B&BW Island Margarita candle. It's really strong and tropical!

Hearing

Birds chirping - that's it. I don't have music or TV on in the background.

Wearing

A black tee, jeans (too warm for jeans!), and a baseball hat.

Feeling

I'm feeling kind of sleepy which is strange since I had a good sleep and have no reason to be tired. Overall I've been feeling pretty good. I'm into my 9th week of round two of Kayla Itsines BBG program. I really enjoy it. I should have completed more of the program by now (I started Jan. 9) but I did take a few weeks off for vacations. I just need to bury my scale in the back of a closet somewhere because I still have a hard time with the concept that you can feel and look better and weigh MORE. Why is that so hard to accept?

Anticipating

I've got a fun weekend coming up with a few social events with my oldest friend group. Then in August we have two weddings- my brother-in-law (wedding is here) and BFF (in Newmarket). I'm looking forward to both! I've also been golfing a bit (just at the driving range and practice greens) and feel like I'm almost ready to play a few holes.

Me and BFF at her bachelorette party in Toronto

Me at Goodwood driving range

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 04.30.17

Reading

I read a lot this month, which is just fantastic. I'm spending at least one lunch hour a week reading instead of running errands or shopping, and it's very relaxing. I went thorough so many books partly because I spent a lot of time on planes and in airports.

I Let You Go - Clare Mackintosh
This was a very suspenseful, twisty book that I think you'd like it you were a fan of Gone Girl.

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver (YA)
I've been meaning to read this for a long time, but the fire was lit under me when the movie version came out. I didn't actually get to see it in the theatre, but I planned to, so I made sure to read it. I really liked it. It was kind of like a teenage angsty Groundhog Day.

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins (YA)
I realized in reading this book, that there are three books by the same author that are connected and I read them in the wrong order. Isla and the Happily Ever After was meant to be read last, but I read it first, sometime last year. I totally enjoyed it. Teenage love in Paris - perfect!

Remembering the Bones - Frances Itani
While I appreciated the idea of the story, I found it to be quite slow in spots. It's about an elderly lady who finds herself stranded in a gully after a car accident and thinks back on her life.

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi
This is a nice quick read that's about a medical resident who gets diagnosed with a terminal illness. It was a very interesting angle to view cancer from. I didn't find it too sad until his wife's epilogue.

Clicking

My favourite thing on the internet in so long (maybe ever) was getting to experience the pregnancy of April the Giraffe and the birth of her baby. I was fascinated with the whole thing, and was really sad when the webcam came down. I'm still checking in on them via Facebook updates, and the camera is back on Tuesday evenings for now. I put in two Zara orders this month... remember, most of it gets sent back. I'm still watching lots of YouTube and loved all of the Coachella coverage.


Watching

I watched the very controversial 13 Reasons Why, making it through the 13 episodes in 10 days which is very fast for me when it comes to TV watching. It's been almost a week since I've finished it and I'm still unsure how I feel about it. I don't want to give it away for those of you who are planning to watch but it's no secret that it's a show about a girl who commits suicide and then tells 13 reasons why she did it. I really believe that it opens up a lot of discussion on suicide, but I feel badly for friends of people who have committed suicide who may watch this show and then worry non-stop that they were the reason why the person did it.
I also watched the final season of Girls and the end was very unsatisfying - as was expected for the show - it would have been very weird for it to have ended any other way. I've started watching PLL's final season and as always I feel like the only way I'd ever fully understand this show is to watch it from start to finish at least five times. Last night R and I watched Neighbours 2: Sorority Rising, which was an easy laugh.

Eating

We had restaurant food the whole week we were in Palm Springs so we haven't been going out much since we returned home. I'm feeling under the weather this weekend so unfortunately we had to cancel dinner plans with friends at Ela last night, which I was really looking forward to. There's been more chocolate around lately thanks to Easter. I've hoarded some mini eggs and Lindt bunnies to get me through the next few months. We've still been incorporating lots of vegetarian dishes into our meal planning, the one below being my most recent favourite.

Mango Chili noodles

Drinking

Most mornings at work, I've been making a tea, which is a nice ritual to begin the work day. I had to try the unicorn frapp from Starbucks when it made its short appearance. I had it made less sweet which was a great decision. I actually liked it, but it wasn't something I could see myself ordering very often if it were on the regular menu.

Seeing

I'm write this post in our basement TV room and I can see the lake and the (turning) green grass outside the patio doors.


Smelling

The remnants of my decaf earl grey tea.

Hearing

I have The Social (past DVR episode) on in the background.

Wearing

Jeans, a tank, and a cardigan. I'm also covered in a cozy blanket.

Feeling

Unwell, as I have been most of the weekend. I'll spare you the details.

Anticipating

I've got some catching up with old friends to do this month which I'm really looking forward to. I'll be seeing friends from previous workplaces and physio school.  Mothers' Day brunch is also something I look forward to every year.

Birthday gift from BFF - Pur cosmetics palette

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 02.20.17

Reading

I've made my way through more books than usual this month. I think it's because we've had some serious snow, which mean more time spent inside both at home and at work. I've spent several lunch hours reading in the past few weeks.

Where I Lost Her - T. Greenwood
Once in a while I like to read some mystery/suspense. This books was just enough of that for me, while still doing a good job of character development. The basic premise is that a woman thinks she sees a little girl run onto the woods in the middle of the night on the side of the road. The rest of the book is spent trying to figure out if she is real or imagined, and also touches on infertility.

We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
Another YA book that sucked me in! I thoroughly enjoyed this read that left me crying at the end. It was one of those reads where pieces of the story keep being revealed bit by bit until the end, which is a huge twist. This would be a perfect beach read for those of you who might be planning trips south in the next little bit!

Pillars of the Earth - Ken Follett
I'm embarrassed to admit that this book took me over TWO YEARS to read. I started it on the plane going to our wedding. It is really long (about 1000 pages) and I would read chunks of it at a time and then put it down (sometimes for many months). I kind of liked reading it that way though as it felt more like a series of book than just one.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl - Jesse Andrews
This book is bound to draw comparisons to The Fault in Our Stars, but it really is quite different. It was a quick read as some of the book is in script form. I didn't find sad at all, but the author warns that it isn't a sad book right from the beginning. I'll watch the movie soon and see how it compares to the book.

Clicking

I'm still watching tons of YouTube, mostly make-up and style videos but also some travel stuff as well. I've been keeping a check on my on-line shopping lately (yay), but I did order a few bikini bottoms and shorts from Old Navy in preparation for our vacation next month. I usually don't have luck with swimsuits from Old Navy but they were 25% off and I can return them if they don't fit.

Watching

I'm burning through Season 3 of Suits. R and I have been catching up on This is Us and Grey's. We might start a new series soon - perhaps Riverdale or Stranger Things. Girls came back on for the final season. I like that show but also find it frustrating. I don't watch Bachelor spoilers so don't ruin it form me, but I'm predicting Vanessa to be the one who gets the final rose.

Eating

We've been eating a lot more vegetarian meals during the week. They are so quick to make compared to eating meat! I did eat out twice this weekend- once at Clay West for a retirement party (the nachos were decent) and then at Moxies with R, mom, and dad (the burger was delicious).

Veggie pad thai

Drinking

I'm having a DAVIDsTEA at the moment - Pom Cider which I believe was one of the fall teas. I had a really good bottle of wine recently - Lucie Kehlmann by Gaspereau Vineyards. I had a weak moment at the grocery store yesterday and came home with zero calorie Cherry Coke.

Seeing

I feel like the only two places I write these posts are at our kitchen table or at Starbucks. Today I'm at the table looking out at a very snowy golf course. We did lose a fair amount of snow yesterday as it was 7 degrees. That trend can continue please. The snowbanks are so dirty and gross.

I'm tired of bundling up. 

Smelling

My tea. I can also smell the Wallflower in our powder room. It's a winter scent- something cinnamon.

Hearing 

It's pretty quiet here right now. I don't have anything on in the background. My favourite new song at the moment is Shape of You -Ed Sheeran.

Wearing

Stretchy legging-pants, a sweatshirt, slippers. I doubt I'm going anywhere today on Heritage Day.

Feeling

I'm actually feeling kind of blah today. I might spend the afternoon on the coach finishing Suits or reading. Overall I've been feeling much stronger lately. I'm on week 6 of Kayla Itsines (I'm following the fitness guide but not the food guide) and while the scale hasn't budged, I'm noticing big improvements in strength and subtle improvements in how my clothes are fitting. A lot of girls who've done it say they don't see big changes until around week 8 or so.

Anticipating

Five weeks from now I will be in Palm Springs. We just planned out our itinerary, making sure to leave some down time scheduled.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 12.19.16

Reading

Doctor Sleep -Stephen King
I went through a huge Stephen King phase in high school, and read most of his older works. I've read a few of his newer books, and this one really intrigued me as it's a sequel to The Shining. It was written in classic SK style, and I forgot how easy his books are to get into. I usually don't find his books too scary to be honest, and this one was the same. I had no issues reading it when I was home alone. I really need to read his book On Writing.

Vinegar Girl- Anne Tyler
This was a quick and easy read on my Kobo. It was meant to be an adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It was pretty good.

Vinegar Girl, Fleur de Force, In Style

Clicking

I'm watching so many Vlogmas stories on You Tube. I can't even keep up. Sephora has also been a favourite of mine this month. I'm determined to keep my VIB status for next year, which looks like it will happen.

Watching

I finished the second season of Suits and I'm obsessed ,but I think I'll take a little break before starting Season Three. On my Suits hiatus, I watched Brooklyn on TMN On Demand which was SUCH a good movie. I cried so many times, which is pretty inconvenient when you're on a treadmill.
TheVS Fashion Show was on a few weeks ago. It's always a hit at our house. I'm loving The Weeknd right now so it was great to see him perform.

Eating

Everything. Ugh. There is so much food around time of year. I made some new cookies this year, which turned out pretty good - Aero Thumbprint cookies. The recipe is here.

Drinking

I'm not usually a sucker for Starbucks Holiday drinks. Normally I stick with my chai lattes. However, this year I discovered the Caramel Brûlée Latte. I've managed to limit myself to two so far, but something tells me I'll be getting another one before too long.


Seeing

Cookies and sweets everywhere! A Christmas tree. Two giant containers of laundry pods (seriously, R? 304 pods?). Four poinsettias.

Smelling

Roast beef in the oven :)

Hearing

R's text alerts

Wearing

Cords, a t-shirt and a faux-suede cardigan.

Loving my new sweater from Envy!

Feeling

Tired! I've been so busy at work the past few weeks.

Anticipating

Christmas of course! I'm also looking forward to 4.5 days off.

The view from R's office last week. 

Merry Christmas everyone!!!
I'll be sure to post a bit over the holidays. I'm thinking of doing some "Best of 2016" posts and I'm ready to show you some more empties.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 11.13.16

Reading

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

A modern take on Pride and Prejudice, I wasn't sure I'd like this book, but I actually enjoyed it. For sure a light read, but one that was well thought out and did a good job on characterization.
The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

I loved The Secret Daughter, so I figured I'd like this. It was about a young Indian man who is torn between is life in America and India. I loved the medical side of the story and the look into Indian culture.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Before I read this, I'd heard you'd either love this book or hate it. I was one of the ones who loved it. It's actually rare that I will laugh out loud while reading, but this book made me giggle at least half a dozen times. Everyone should read this book, especially if you or someone you love struggles with mental illness.

I'm now reading my first Stephen King novel in YEARS. I was motivated by Halloween. I'll let you know what it is next month. Hopefully I'll be done by then. I blasted through a good chunk while on vacation, so I'm hopeful.

Clicking

Lots of YouTube videos, Purpose Tour Europe updates - I so wanted to go to Glasgow to see it there. Zara on Tuesdays and Fridays to catch the new styles. If any of you saw my latest Zara haul on Instagram stories, I sent it all back. I wasn't in love with any of it once I tried it all on. I'm now hunting for velvet leggings - let me know if you find any. 

Watching

The Bachelorette Canada, This is Us, KUWTK. I watched a few old Halloween movies - The Gremlins, The Shining, and The Lost Boys (how I loved Corey Haim). On Netfix, I've just gotten into Suits. I'm so annoyingly slow with watching series on Netflix and Crave. I have a list of series I need to watch/finish. 

Eating

We had dinner with new friends at La Frasca last week, and the meal was stellar as usual. 

I've been making lots of soups and other things in the slow cooker. Leftover Halloween candy has also been popular! I'm back to using my fit bit to track calories. I had started 22 Minute Hard Corps but got about three weeks in and became bored and unmotivated so now I'm back to running/incline walking on the treadmill, which is helpful with getting through Netflix (see above).

Drinking

On vacation, I enjoyed a bottle of red wine - Goats Do Roam. I also plucked myself down at Starbucks on Halloween and tried the Frappula frappucino which was to die for (get it??) Tis the season for hot tea, so I've been having more of that than usual. I have 50 g of free DAVIDsTEA to redeem- I'm thinking Coffee Cake might be the one to choose. I loved that one last winter. Starbucks have the pretty red cups back - I had one today with a friend!

Seeing

I'm looking at my little reading area in the living room, which has been made more cozy with a new lamp.

Smelling

I made spaghetti sauce today and I can still smell it.

Hearing

I've got Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on in the background.

Wearing

Jeans, a tee, a cardigan, and sparkly socks.

Feeling

Headachy tonight if I'm being really honest. I'm glad I had a productive day, as I'm not feeling like doing much of anything tonight except watching TV. 

Anticipating

I feel like I've gotten a real break from work lately with a week vacation and two long weekends in November (I'm taking Black Friday off). I'm looking forward to dinner and a night at Trapped later this month. I'm planning on getting a good chunk of Christmas shopping done on Black Friday. I did a Sephora haul the other day for the VIB sale - hope to see that arrive sometime later this week.

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 10.01.16

Reading
The Orphan Train - Christina Baker Kline
A novel about two young girls who have no place to call home. I read this on my Kobo and really enjoyed it. The story kept moving from past to present and I liked that there were two main characters.
Wicked - Gregory Maguire
The backstory of The Wizard of Oz. I left this book at work to read on my breaks so it took two months to finish. It was okay, but I wished it had a character guide and glossary. So many weird words! I was relieved when I completed it!

I'm reading two great books now that I'll share with you next month!

Clicking
Zara on-line shopping has been a thing for me lately. I like ordering a bunch of stuff because it's free shipping and free returns. It's even better than shopping in-store because you can try it on in your own home with all your other clothes and shoes. They update the stock twice a week so there's always tons of new items.

Watching
I finished season four of Orange is the New Black - I really liked this season! R and I also finished season four of Homeland. OMG you MUST watch that new show This is Us. I've just watched the first episode and I am completely hooked already. Honestly, the best pilot I've seen in a really long time.  We're also watching a lots of Blue Jays baseball.

Eating
Too much! I haven't stepped on the scale but I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds since early August. Oops. I've been to a few of my old favourites lately- Il Mercato and The Stubborn Goat.  One Halifax staple that I hadn't tried yet - Morris East - was a girls night spot this month. Of course I had pizza and it was delicious. Pannizza is a new spot in The Terrace at HSC. I dropped by for lunch a few weeks ago and I was impressed! I had the pepperoni pizza. I finally tried The Dairy Bar on South Park street, and the ice cream didn't disappoint.

Vanilla bean ice cream

Drinking

Autumn is here and I'm back into hot tea. I need to stock up on some fall blends. One I've tried already is Blueberry Muffin from DAVIDsTEA - super yummy.  I've been loving Bulwarks cider lately.  I bought a taster pack and they are all good! I'm still drinking lots of naturally flavoured sparkling water, and I finally found Skinny Girl naturally flavoured water enhancer. I don't like using the ones that are artificially sweetened. 

Seeing

I'm sitting at Starbucks blogging, and they have the cutest lidded glasses on sale. I don't need one... Or do I? There's a girl here doing schoolwork. If I were still in school I'm sure I'd live here and drink all of my caloric intake. 

Smelling

Coffee.  I'm drinking a green iced tea. I have THREE free drinks on my gold card (learn to work the bonus points system - it's fab) but I'm hoarding them. Whenever I have a free drink I order the most massive elaborate thing I can think of. I think last time I had one it was a venti non fat chai latte with whip, a shot of hazelnut and graham cracker sprinkles. 

Hearing 

Jazz music. Who gets to pick this music here? It should be me. 

Wearing

My  grey and black Cambio jeans, a grey mock neck, Tory Burch black flats. This is probably the last weekend I'll be able to go without a jacket. Sad, but boy am I excited to bust out the bomber jackets. 

Feeling

Productive. I did some housework and ironing this morning and have supper cooking in the slow cooker. 

Anticipating

On Monday I start 22 Minute Hard Corps. I've been doing the workouts sporadically for a few weeks without sticking to the schedule, but Monday is the day that I get down to business. Remember the 10 lbs I lost this spring? It's baaack... Well at least half of it is back. 

XOXO
Glitterary Girl

Currently 08.21.16

Reading

Justin Bieber : First Step to Forever, My Story - Justin did this book pretty early on in his career. It was a good read, but if you've watched the movie Never Say Never, you already know a lot about his early days.
The Nest - a solid summer read. It was not quite as good to me as it was hyped up to be, but I did enjoy it.
Travels With Bertha: two years exploring Australia in a 1978 Ford station wagon- This book was full of déjà vu for me. I wished it were longer as a lot of the places in Australia that were visited by the author were places I saw as well. I couldn't get over that he only wrote a few pages on the place that was in my opinion one of the most interesting in all of the country - Magnetic Island. One thing he said that really stuck with me is how hard it is to say goodbye to the people you meet when traveling, as most of them you'll never see again. They say that if you travel with someone for a week, it feels like a month, which is totally true. I was beyond lucky to have traveled with  the best people. Even if we don't keep in touch often, I think of them all the time.
I'm also in the midst of fall fashion issues. The best time of year for magazines!

Writing

Packing list for Toronto. Blog posts once a week for now. 

Clicking

I'm finding new channels to subscribe to on You Tube. Fall fashion is on the horizon so ive been checking out my usual fashion sites. 

Watching

Like the rest of Canada, I tuned into TheTragically Hip's last concert last night which was so good and so sad. I grew up with The Hip and they were considered my favorite band for a good three years from 16- 19 or so. I cried at least five times during the show. Bachelor in Paradise has been on a lot in our house #teamnick. I watched some Olympic action too. I loved cheering on our local lady- Ellie Black in gymnastics.

Eating and Drinking

Too much! Summer will do that to me! We had some snacks and drinks on the clubhouse deck at the golf course last night. I've also been to the Stubbirn Goat beer garden on the waterfront a few times in the past few weeks- so good! We had dinner at La Frasca last week and dessert at Sweet Hereafter, both are always excellent.

Seeing

A bunch of stuff set aside for Toronto. I'll be flying with only a carry on for the first time. I like a good challenge. 

Hearing

The washing machine going. We're on time of day savings for power so we try to get laundry done on the weekend.

Smelling

The sunscreen I put on today. 

Wearing

Banana Republic shorts, a Gap tee, no shoes, 

Feeling

Tired! We spent a good part of the day outside and the sun makes me sleepy!

Anticipating 

Getting away for a long weekend in Toronto. This week I will be seeing both of my best friends (separately). It's so rare that I see even one of them - two is epic!

XOXO

Glitterary Girl

Currently 06.26.16

Reading

The Vacationers by Emma Straub
Fun book about a dysfunctional family on vacation. A perfect book  to read on your own vacation - flows well and nothing too deep. I'd certainly read more by this author.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Oh my. This book will stick with me for a long time. I did save my tears for the last few chapters though. This movie is out in theatres now, but I will be waiting to watch it in the comfort of my own home. It was a really hard book to put down. Remember a few months ago when I said I was starting to rough out a new novel (not that I'll ever have time to write it...)? Well, the main theme for my book is the same main theme for Me Before You - and I didn't know that until halfway through this book.

Writing

Not much on the blog front if you haven't noticed. It's just too hard to get photos! There's a new empty house next door. Can a photographer move in please?

Clicking

I'm still obsessed with You Tube. My favourite channel lately is Allana Davison. Sometimes I wonder if it's possible for me to transition my blog into a You Tube channel. It's a lot easier to video independently than take photos. It wouldn't fill my creative need to write though.

Allana

Watching

R and I went to see Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping at the theatre a few weeks ago. It was ok, but it would have been made a decent rental. I'm still  making my way through Season 3 of Hart of Dixie. We're (of course) watching The Bachelorette. I'm also into Keeping Up with the Kardashians- way waaaay late in the game. Does anyone know how to access the past seasons?

Eating and Drinking

I went out for lunch with a dear friend to The Brooklyn Warehouse last week. The falafel wrap was super yummy. I've been indulging is massive quantities of $1 ice teas from DavidsTea. My favourite ones of late has to be Caramel Corn and Pineapple Mimosa - so refreshing! I'm also cold steeping teas overnight in the fridge so they are ready for me in the morning. I've used up quite a few loose tea bags lately. need to stock up! Our cousins had the family out to their amazing lakefront cottage yesterday and cooked us  BBQ steaks and twice baked potatoes. So good! I also tried No Boats on Sunday hard cider which is made in my hometown! It was delicious!

Seeing

Golfers! I'm out on the deck writing this post and Sundays are usually really busy on the golf course. The last shot I saw went into the bunker.

Hearing

We get a bit of noise from the main road and there are tons of motorcycles out today. It's a great day for it- sunny and 24. We've been very lucky to have two beautiful weekends in a row.

Smelling

Fresh air! Also, remnants of The Body Shop raspberry perfume I out on this morning.

Wearing

Khaki shorts, striped tee, no shoes.

Feeling

Relaxed. I really don't feel like going inside and tackling my housework... Lately I've been sticking to a cleaning schedule and it's been working great. Let me know if you want any details on what I've been doing. It keeps me on top of stuff so I don't ever have to do a ton of cleaning all at once.

Anticipating

A three day week and 4 day weekend! I took Thursday off to extend my Canada Day holiday. We also just booked a trip to The 6ix for late August, so looking forward to getting away (I think it's been three years since I've been to Toronto- crazy!)

XOXO
Glitterary Girl