Friday, October 30, 2009

A gift for me ;)

I got a little netbook! Husband and I went to get me a little gift for starting my new job on Monday. :) We found a great sale at Futureshop and now I can pop my netbook in my purse if I need to ahah! Very excited!

Since I have been off work for a year, my closest shows that "work" attire is needed, I don't think my comfy sweaters and tights or worn out jeans will cut it ahha! So this weekend I will be on the look out for some new key pieces of clothing needed.



It's the Eve of Halloween whoooooo! And we just carved our pumpkins (I am not that skilled ha!)and we are all ready for Halloween tomorrow night! I also baked the pumpkin seeds with a little salt for seasoning.

Yum!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN - UGH OH CHOCOLATE!

AHHHHHHHHHH Now this is a scary sight because this is what is in my possession haha! I already had 2 little oh henry's. Not good for my "limit sweets" goal. Heck it's Halloween so I will allow some cheating :) (Oh my excuses!)

Tonight I will carve the pumpkins and bake the pumpkin seeds, mm love doing that!



This weekend we also have a Halloween party!! Husband and I will be Zombies! Can't wait to see all the creative costumes this weekend!




Have a Happy Halloween Weekend Everyone!!!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

My First AWARD! Honestly!

Firstly I want to thank alll my blogger friends for all your support and kind words, encouraging me and inspiring me ;)

I logged in this morning to find that a blogger friend "Kyooty!" Gave me the HONEST AWARD! Thank you so much! Totally made my day! Kyooty is a fellow Canadian, a mommy and my blogger friend! :)

Ok, so with the Honesty award I need to fill out 10 Honest things about me....

1. Honestly I am having a hard time coming up with these ha!

2. I absolutely love working from home, although I'm happy I'm going back to work $$. Home is where my heart is ahah!

3. I am always so grateful for everything in my life, and I thank God every night.

4. I really do love my furbaby Zoe so so much! Shes a cutey pie!

5. I purposely leave cups of water around the house so Zoe can drink from them, she loves water. Ha.. is that weird...

6. Surprisingly, I am not a shopaholic. I truly only buy what I really need or really want.

7. I have an addiction to self help books... tis true. I currently have 4 new ones I will be getting to soon.

8. I like to make fast meals... I want my food asap! hahhah.

9. All the wonderful mommy blogs I read are making me think more of starting a family soon ;)

10. I love blogging and absolutely love reading all your blogs. I'm learning so much from all of you. ;)

With that said I'm now passing the Honest Scrap Award to.... SUNNY she was one of the first blogger friends I followed last year. She's helped me keep on track with my goals and introduced me to the pedometer via blogosphere! :) heehee

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

I GOT THE JOB!

JUST GOT THE CALL AND I 100% START MONDAY!

I just had to post a party pic ahah!

So happy I do not need to go to anymore scary, stressful, nerve wracking Interviews! Ahhhh

Oh wait I wanted to mention that this was the job that called me a couple weeks ago saying I did not get the job! They called me this week saying they made a mistake :) and now I start Monday! whoohoo

Hump Day Update: Rainy Fall day!

Such a gloomy Wednesday morning here in Toronto. I think I'll need more than 1 coffee today. I went to bed last night with a headache I had ALL day so this morning I'm so tired! Ever since I was laid off a year ago I chose to never sleep in on the weekdays. Every single morning I woke up with the husband, got ready and got dressed at hit the computer ;) I am very glad I did this. Although I was still home, I had a routine and I think that will help me get in the swing of things next week. :)

Weigh in: No change this week.

Goals: I try not to buy sweets for the house because I know I would be the only one to gobble them up. However I noticed something yesterday. If I'm really craving sweets and really want it I eventually will grab a sweet when I go out to get a coffee, not often but I have done so in the past. Sooo I was thinking that I will buy some sweets from the grocery store to have at home. That way I can really keep track of the calories. A cookie from a box is much less calories than a cookie from Starbucks! What do you think about this? Am I fooling myself?

Yesterday I had a small light dinner, my tummy was off so I was ok with the small portion but I did snack a couple hours later. I made chicken and veggies, with a side of rice. :)


How is your week going?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Shhh Good news!

(Zoe looks at me like I'm crazy when she knows not to sit on the counter!)

Shhh, I have semi-good news!! I'm 98% sure that I got the job! AND I will start MONDAY! EEEE Paper work has not been signed yet so that's why it's not 100% yet. So keeping it on the down for a bit. However I spoke to them over the phone and Monday will be my start date. I'm excited and nervous and shocked and sooo many emotions. I really really do not want to think too far into to it. I know for sure that things will change and It will be different since I've been home calling my own shots for 1 year and 1 month ;). I am looking forward to the new schedule and to see how that works out. I will be blogging and working on my online company in the evenings instead of during the day. Organization will be key to my successful days ;)

So last night I was way to jittery to make dinner (Ha! I have any excuse) So husband took me for Sushi! Yum!

They gave us edamame on the house! :)


Best news for last! I'm up to 50 followers! How exciting is that!!!! Thank you for reading my blog! I love reading yours tooo!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Monday Weigh in


MMM On Sunday, husband and I went for lunch at the in-laws for my brother in laws 21st birthday. For lunch we had Tacito's! Yum. They were so delicious, high in Cals...? Maybe, maybe not haha!. But delicious!

Today's weigh in remains the same. I'm watching my calorie intake today and heading out for a jog soon ;) Good start to the week!

I followed last weeks goals pretty well and I'm very proud of that. I'm still keeping the same goals up just to ensure I have another successful week! :)

My goals for the week are the following:
1. NO FAST FOOD!!!
2. Healthy home cooking all week. :)
3. Limit sweets
4. Limit carbs at dinner
5. Drink plenty of water / Green Tea
6. 3 days a week Jogging
7. 2-3 days 10000 steps on pedometer :)

Job news: The interview I had tomorrow was cancelled, :( I was really excited for it but the company decided to wait untill the new year for hiring! HOWEVER! I got a call from a previous job interview I went to a couple weeks back and it's looking pretty good, but for now I will not put all my eggs in one basket as that did not turn out well for me in the past. Cross your fingers for mee! :)

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Halloween Costume on a Budget!

I was having a hard time deciding what to be for Halloween this year. I've been so busy with my job hunt that I really found it hard to come up with something. On Friday night I went out with my sister and through our conversation I came up with the idea of being a Zombie! Not only could I make the costume out of a old dress, it was a simple and cheap idea that would not take long to make. My costume was made in 1/2 an hour Saturday afternoon ;) I had a dress which I had for years and worn it plenty of times, so I decided to cut it up! I also cut up a pair of tights and made arm bands with old pantyhose heehee. Done! Now all I need to do is wear scary makeup and tease my hair and there I have, a Zombie!

To think of it, all my costumes were always low cost. I never spent more than $30.00 on a costume, IF even that!

Below are some of my previous costumes. I love last years costume, 70's!!!! ahah I laugh at this picture every time I see it haha!

Only had to purchase the wig for 12.99 and the rest came from my closet!

2007 I was a cat, Only bought accessories for $20.00 and wore a Black dress. :)

Above was one of my cheapest Halloween costumes ahaha! only bought the witch hat for $1.00 and the dollar store!!

This week I'm going shopping for candy to give out to the neighborhood kids for Halloween. It's our first Halloween here at the new house so I hope I buy enough candy!!!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Chris Botti in Toronto!


Last night I went to a Jazz concert, Chris Botti here in Toronto. It was amazing! Chris Botti is a trumpeter and composer. The concert was just indescribable. The instruments and the signing just pull you in. Drums, Piano, Trumpet, Violin, Guitars, I mean Wow! Chris Botti's performance and the way he speaks to the crowd is so welcoming and warm. He is so down to earth and absolutely loves what he does! I wished it was longer than it was and hope to go see Chris Botti again soon!



**Friday Weigh in: Today I did a weigh in and I lost 1 pound whoohooo! I know it's not that exciting, but for me, my weight has been steady for so long seeing any change (less of course) is exciting!

It's Friday TGIF! and I'm doing really well with my goals! Cooked at home everyday thing week so far!!! Weekends are tougher but I will be sure to choose healthier choices if I eat out. :)

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Cookies!

Coffee break and a cookie ;) Just one.

Just love those S cookies they remind me of when I was younger being at my grandparents house, took me back to being 5! ;)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Blog Makeover!



So Excited to have a new Blog look!

Tell me what you think! :)

Designed by Design Girl

Just love blogging

I love the fact that writing on my blog really helps me achieve my goals ;) Yesterday I had the most perfect eating day! I limited carbs I watched my portions, I went for my jog and a little longer than usual. It felt really good! :)

Yesterday I was still a little upset about the job thing, but whenever I feel down I always turn to my favorite books. I've had these books for about a year and half and I always always go back to them to help calm me and they really help me stay on the positive side. One phrase I love the most and use is "Right where I am God is and God believes in me" . "Until Today" is actually a daily inspiration book so it's by day and each month has a working word. Like this month it's all about "Worth". For some reason it seems like each day I read it, it makes so much sense for the day I'm having.


I'm totally a book worm/collector. I say collector because I will buy any book I thing sounds good or recommended by people then some I don't even end up reading so I have this stack of books that I still have not read. Yesterday on XM radio Oprah Channel they were talking to the author below Sonia Choquette. She talked about this book and how to really release the inner spirit and follow what your spirit tells you. So I went last night to buy it. :) Just started reading it so I have no input on it yet, but so far so good.


How do you keep your self up beat and positive when going through life's ups and downs?

PS. It's a gorgeous fall day in Toronto today! ;)

Monday, October 19, 2009

My Goals for the week



Yesterday I went grocery shopping and bought lots of healthy food. Fruit, Veggies, Meat, fish :) and no sweets! If they are outta sight they are outta mind! Well maybe not outta mind ahah!

I also bought yogurt with granola to try for snacks this week. They look good :)

I also bought some of these organic burritos. I tried these before and I saw another blogger friend write about them a couple weeks ago so I decided to buy them again. They are really good! Filled with veggies and black beans. Yum!




My goals for the week are the following:
1. NO FAST FOOD!!!
This weekend I ate out more than I would have liked to, and I feel really bad about it and do not want to do my weigh in today so I will do it Wednesday.
2. Healthy home cooking all week. :)
3. Limit sweets
4. Limit carbs at dinner
5. Drink plenty of water / Green Tea
6. 3 days a week Jogging
7. 2-3 days 10000 steps on pedometer :)

I think I can handle this!

Now on to not so fun news. The 2 job interview I went to last week that I was so excited for and thought for sure I would get.... Well, I didn't. I really do not know what is going on here. I'm working my butt off looking for a job, trying my best in interviews and I'm not getting any of these jobs... heck I didn't even get that entry job one with the company I worked with before. Like really, somethings gotta give! So lets just say I'm more frustrated than usual. But, I'll keep going and trying and hopefully something comes along.

At least it's a gorgeous Fall Monday with the sun shining and the leaves so colorful, ahhh I like that.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Fall weekend

It's a beautiful Fall day today here in Toronto. Last week my runs in the trail were even more beautiful because of the changing colors of the leaves. Next week I will take my digital camera with me and take some pics of the beautiful scenery.

Husband had to work this morning and that meant we woke up early... Waking up early was not too bad but that meant rushing out of the house to drive him to work and we stopped for McDonald's BF :) (i know i know). I had a bacon and egg mcmuffin and only ate half my hash brown. I just looked up the calories for that and they are not so bad. Mcmuffin 310 Cals and hash brown 160 Cal. Can't believe the cals in the hash brown. I'm glad I just ate half of it. ... mmm but I also had a couple timbits with my sister this afternoon. Bad start to the weekend boo. I'm planning to cook my next meals and staying in Sunday so no more eating out this weekend!!! I Need to be very aware of my calories in!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A cold Thursday!


Burrr is all I can say! Boy is it cold today. I just turned up the heat to 22C my fingers and toes were starting to freeze! Hopefully I did it right, I hear some strange noises from the furnace eee!

I woke up today extremely tired. We came home late last night from watching soccer games. Thanks to the USA soccer team for tying the game with Costa Rica, Honduras (where husbands family is from will now be in the World Cup!) The first time since 1982!! Actually In 1982 I was just 1 year old and Italy had won the world cup, see pic below with my dad and brother and my grandpa in the back round :)



I just came back from grabbing a coffee, a much needed coffee to keep me awake while I prepare for another interview tomorrow. I think I am very close to getting this job...but I'm trying not to think too far in the future because that gives me the jitters so I can only think about today and up to tomorrows interview. :) (painting my nails too for the interview, trying not to show my nervous nail biting evidence) ahah!




Yesterday I was only able to get 5000 on the pedometer, not good. Today I'm going for a jog when husband gets back from work. I got my mittens and hat ready to be warm ahah! It's not even winter yet!

Hope you are having a good Thursday! :)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Hump Day Update-Pumpkin pie?

The I phone doesn't take the best pictures but if you look closely there's frost on the grass! burrr!

So I did my weigh in today and weight is still maintained, a good sign but like I mentioned before I need to really cut the cals!

And of course knowing that I did not eat this pumpkin pie with a hot coffee this morning...

Ha! Ok I did! Oh it was so yummy too!

Some days I'm really good at watching what I eat, others I just binge! It's funny because now that I have been watching what I eat I can pinpoint exactly why I eat the way I do at certain times. When I'm stressed there is no controlling me, so bad huh. Not sure to how I need to address that, but I am aware of what I'm doing when I'm doing it so hopefully I can take baby steps to overcoming that.

This weeks goals:

Jogging 3 days.
Pedometer 2 days 10000
No carbs at dinner

I really try my best and minus the carbs at dinner and it's been working pretty well so far so I will continue that.... Except for tonight ahahh we are going to my inlaws house to watch a soccer game. They are from Honduras and they are playing a important game tonight. Hope they win!!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thanksgiving long weekend

This weekend in Canada it was Thanksgiving and boy was it a busy weekend!!

I was able to buy pumpkins this weekend for only 1.99 each! I was happy because I was seriously considering not decorating at all this year. Now I just need to figure out what my Halloween costume will be... hmmm

We had 2 family lunches and I sorta watched what I ate. To my surprise I did not do so bad. :) One of my plates below, I have my Turkey and rice and veggies, pretty healthy I think :) and noo seconds either!

It's a gorgeous fall day today and all the trees have almost fully changed their colors. So pretty!

Hope you are all having a great week so far, I have to catch up with my blog reading today ;)

Don't forget to check out my lovely cousin and lovely sister blogs !!!

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Hump day update - Peanut Butter


Today's weigh in is the same, once again no surprise there. :)
This week I started eating 4 crackers with peanut butter with a morning coffee. The boiled eggs didn't sit too well with me and I figure peanut butter is a good source of protein too. Also curbs my sweet tooth which is great. My exercise regime is going well and I'm doing a lot better in choosing healthier choices. However... I think...well I know... that I just consume much to much calories in my day. I need to cut calories!!! I haven't set any goals for myself since I am still working on my daily food journals to help me really pin-point my over eating. So next week I will have new goals to achieve and kick some calorie butt!

I read on many blogger friends posts about the new instant coffee from Starbucks and some of my friends recommended it. So last night I went and bought a package of 3 for $3.45, not sure what I think of this price in terms of drinking it everyday. If you buy coffee out everyday then this is a cheaper solution, but I usually make my instant Maxwell house coffee which is much cheaper ahah! So for occasion and Starbucks quality I think it is good, and tastes yummy too.

Hump day update on the job front: No leads yet... I will leave it at that for today. :)

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

ThanksGiving Monday - No dieting this weekend!

Monday is thanksgiving here in Canada Yum! I will say out loud that I am really looking forward to over eating this weekend. How could I not! Sunday we are going to my grandparents for lunch and Monday I'm going to my in laws for a Turkey dinner mmmm. There will be no counting calories this weekend aha!.

During the holidays I always try and do something a little extra for the people out there that do not get to have all the great family dinners like most of us do. I know how it is to be very tight with money but I always had food on the table and a roof over my head and know I am truly blessed. So the other day when I went grocery shopping I bought a little extra to bring over to the food bank. (I wanted to bring it to church on Sunday, but after our girls night, I woke up too late!) So I will head to the grocery store tomorrow to get some more things and drop it all off tomorrow afternoon :)

I have a love hate relationship with fall. I love the changing colors of the leaves and the smell of the air.... But 7 years ago my family spent thanksgiving in the ICU with my daddy in a Coma. I remember friends bringing us turkey while we sat and just waiting and hoping for good news. :(
Since then Fall has never been the same, those memories are always so vivid as if it were yesterday. If you follow my blog you know I mention plenty of times how grateful I am for the amazing family I have. I always remember that during our family holidays, the togetherness we have and the knowing we can get through anything together even if it is extreeeemly painful.

Oh boo sappy ending to my post :( But look at Zoe right beside me. She does not leave my side EVER! Love her!

Monday, October 05, 2009

Some weekend shopping

While husband was away this weekend I had Saturday morning to myself and I had woken up pretty early so decided to hit some outlet stores before visiting my grandparents. I went to Winners and bought this door mat above. It sorta camouflages with the tiles, not too sure If I like it or not, but it was extremely hard to pick one to begin with. So it's staying aahahah!

I also found this scarf for $14.99 it's nice and big and can be worn as a shawl as well. Love pink!!

I had a budget this weekend and really did not want to over spend so I stopped myself from heading into the mall...what I do not see I will not buy :)

But... my uncle has a an outlet store for designer fashion and he was having a big sale this weekend. My sister and I really wanted to go but were worried about over spending since we have done so many times while there. But we love the clothing there so decided to go anyway!

While there I found 3 cute blouses and fell in love with a winter jacket. I couldn't decide what to put down since I did not want to spend that much. I brought my items to the cashier and asked how much it would all be... and to my surprise my uncle made me pay for the coat only! So I only spent $60.00!!! For 3 gorgeous blouses and a winter jacket! (Winter jacket had a price tag of originally $295!) I was soooo happy!!!! Love Love my family! :)

Next on my shopping list is knee high boots for fall/winter. I'll be on the look out for a good deal!

Happy Monday everyone!!

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Lazy Sunday


After a very busy Friday and Saturday with family and friends me and Zoe are just pooped.

Yesterday was my sweet grandmas 78th birthday. I love my grandparents so much! Look how cute they are. My uncle requested a song for them on the radio and they absolutely loved it!! They danced and danced until the song was over ahaha. <3 onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QAT1aeHEdzM/SskeeB57SuI/AAAAAAAAAko/XueNWVy8Czk/s1600-h/nonna.JPG">
This my grandma and my sweet aunt having a mommy daughter hug. Love them. My aunt hasn't been feeling too well these days and has been going to through many tests and doctor visits. I hope she gets better soon and feels like her amazing self again. Praying lots for my dear aunt!
Husband went away to Niagara falls for the weekend for a Men's weekend get away lol. So I decided to have all my girls come over Saturday night. It was a lot of fun. In the picture below are baby cousins and my sister. heehee not babies anymore! I can't believe I'm 10 years older than "L" the red head on the left and and 7 years older than "J" next to me with the long gorgeous brown hair! Me and sister are only 4 years apart. I love my girls. They help me be a better person they are smart beautiful, inspiring caring girls!


Fun!!

Just to send a shout out to two new blogs on the block! Check them out! Sister's blog and cousin's blog :)

Friday, October 02, 2009

Jogging in trails

Last night when I was getting ready for bed I had the TV on and it was on one of those health hour special channels. It mentioned a study that exercise helps depression and increases happiness, something I've heard before many times. But what it said was, not just any exercise, specifically out door exercise and specifically in Green areas! The one thing husband and I love to do is jog through trails, it always makes us feel really good and we always have more energy and feel positive after our runs. We have a small trail near our house and we always go through it when we jog, and now I know why we love it so much! It makes us happy!

I did my weigh in today and it's the exact same, no surprise ahah. I did really well with my jogs 3 times this week and jumped on my trampoline twice :) This weekend I am going to wear my pedometer all weekend in hopes of achieving 10000 steps per day Fri/Sat/Sun.

I'm so happy the weekend is here!

Have a great weekend everyone! :)